§ 20-45-303 — Suicide Prevention Hotline

(a) (1) The Department of Health shall establish and maintain, to the extent that funding is available, the Suicide Prevention Hotline for the purpose of helping to prevent suicide in the state. (2) The department may contract with vendors to maintain the Suicide Prevention Hotline. (3) The department shall ensure that the Suicide Prevention Hotline employs individuals who have experience working with veterans or are veterans. (b) (1) The Suicide Prevention Hotline shall be staffed twenty-four (24) hours per day and shall have statewide accessibility through a toll-free telephone number. (2) The toll-free telephone number under this section shall be known as the "Suicide Prevention Hotline". (3) (A) The Suicide Prevention Hotline shall be part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network by utilizing existing telephone, text, and online chat communications. (B) The Suicide Prevention Hotline shall meet all accreditation requirements set forth by the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (c) All persons may use the Suicide Prevention Hotline to assist in preventing suicide throughout the state.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2021, No. 640,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Added by Act 2017, No. 811,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.