§ 7-440

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Behavioral health counseling services” means prevention, intervention, and treatment services for the social–emotional, psychological, behavioral, and physical health of students, including mental health and substance abuse disorders.

(3) “Health care provider” has the meaning stated in § 20–104 of the Health – General Article.

(b) (1) The Maryland Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department, shall recommend best practices for county boards of education to provide to students:

(i) Behavioral needs assessments; and

(ii) Individualized or group behavioral health counseling services with a health care provider through a school–based health center or through community partnered school–based behavioral health services.

(c) This section may not be construed to require a county board to provide behavioral needs assessments or individualized or group behavioral health counseling services to students.