§ 19a-914 — Pediatric mental health, behavioral health and substance use disorder screening tool for use by pediatricians and emergency departments.

On or before January 1, 2023, the Department of Public Health, in consultation with the Department of Children and Families, shall develop or procure, in consultation with a representative of a children's hospital located in the state and the Connecticut chapter of a national professional association of pediatricians and of a national professional association of child and adolescent psychiatrists, a pediatric mental health, behavioral health and substance use disorder screening tool to be completed by a child and, where appropriate, the child's parent or guardian prior to or during the child's appointment with the child's pediatrician or during the child's visit to an emergency department. Said departments shall establish standards regarding the minimum age at which such screening tool should first be utilized for a child. Such screening tool shall include questions geared toward assisting the pediatrician or emergency department physician in diagnosing common mental health and behavioral health conditions and substance use disorders that may require specialized treatment. On or before January 1, 2023, the Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Departments of Children and Families and Mental Health and Addiction Services, shall make the screening tool available to all pediatricians and emergency department physicians in the state, free of charge, and make recommendations to pediatricians and emergency department physicians for its effective use. Pediatricians and emergency department physicians shall use the screening tool developed pursuant to this section as a supplement to the existing methods used to diagnose a mental health or behavioral health condition or a substance use disorder. Pediatricians shall provide such screening tool to each patient on an annual basis. Emergency department physicians shall provide such screening tool to each emergency department patient who is under the age of eighteen and at least the age determined by the Departments of Public Health and Children and Families, or the parents or guardian of such patient, prior to such patient's discharge from the emergency department and, to the extent possible and as soon as practicable, send a copy of such completed screening tool to such patient's pediatrician or primary care provider.

Legislative History

(P.A. 22-47, S. 33.) History: P.A. 22-47 effective May 23, 2022.