Chapter 187

2018 -- H 8342 Enacted 07/02/2018

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION

Introduced By: Representatives Edwards, Canario, Serpa, Amore, and O'Brien

Date Introduced: June 20, 2018

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 16-81 of the General Laws entitled "Right To A Safe School In

Higher Education" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

16-81-1.1. Suicide prevention and mental health services.

(a) Each public institution of postsecondary education shall establish a plan for

addressing the mental health needs of its students in a timely fashion that may include written

memorandum of understanding with local community service providers or other mental health

providers. Sole reliance on off-campus mental health services is strongly discouraged.

(b) Each public institution of postsecondary education shall develop and implement

policies and training, if appropriate, that advise students, faculty, and staff, including residence

hall staff, of the proper procedures for identifying the needs of a student exhibiting suicidal

tendencies or behavior, and where appropriate provide training for addressing said needs.

(c) The plan and policies along with the implementation timetable in subsections (a) and

(b) of this section shall be provided to the president of the senate, speaker of the house of

representatives, and the council on postsecondary education by January l, 2019.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005945

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