Patrick Biggins

Introducing my first bill as a freshman is like playing quidditch and I've never even flown on a broom. It's like trying a new sport, but starting in a professional league. HB7158, An Act Concerning Safety Plans and Discharge Plans for Minor Patients passed overwhelmingly in the House with bipartisan support. I think that's great for the State of Connecticut. The bill next goes to the Senate for passage and the Governor's desk for approval.
 

HB7158 intends to develop information sharing between healthcare providers and school staff regarding a safety plan developed following the discharge of a student from an inpatient hospital stay.

The document would be created collaboratively between the health care providers, parent, and patient and would outline coping strategies, activities, and support networks a patient can access to manage a potential mental health crisis should one occur while the student is in school.

The health care provider who prepares a safety plan must review the plan with the minor and securely send the safety plan to the minor’s school nurse or nurse practitioner. The plan can only be sent to the school if the provider obtains written consent from the minor’s parent or legally authorized representative. The information is then sent in a manner that is HIPAA-compliant.