2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25101729D
HOUSE BILL NO. 1760
Offered January 13, 2025
Prefiled January 5, 2025
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 2 of Title 32.1 an article numbered 7.1, consisting of sections numbered 32.1-67.2 through 32.1-67.6, relating to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Act; report.
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Patrons—Gardner, Bennett-Parker, Clark, Cole, Cousins, Feggans, Henson, Jones, Keys-Gamarra, LeVere Bolling, Martinez, Shin and Watts
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Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 2 of Title 32.1 an article numbered 7.1, consisting of sections numbered 32.1-67.2 through 32.1-67.6, as follows:
Article 7.1.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Act.
§ 32.1-67.2. Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Caregiver" means a parent, legal guardian, or other individual responsible for the day-to-day care of a child.
"Early childhood educator" means a professional working in any publicly funded provider or early childhood care and education entity, as those terms are defined in § 22.1-289.02, that is licensed pursuant to § 22.1-289.011.
"Infant and early childhood mental health" or "IECMH" means the healthy social, emotional, and cognitive development of children from birth to age five, including the ability to form secure relationships, experience and regulate emotions, and explore and learn from their environment.
"Mental health professional" means an individual licensed by the Department of Health Professions as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, or other professional licensed, certified, or permitted by the Department of Health Professions to provide mental health services to infants, toddlers, and young children.
"Mental health screening" means a standardized assessment tool used to identify early signs of mental health or developmental challenges in children five years of age or younger.
"Pediatric health care provider" means any person licensed by the Department of Health Professions who provides health care services to children up to five years of age or younger.
§ 32.1-67.3. Infant and early childhood mental health consultation services.
A. The Department, in consultation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Department of Education, shall establish a mental health consultation program that provides mental health consultation services to early childhood education providers, pediatric health care providers, and families. Such program shall focus on early detection, intervention, and support for emotional and behavioral challenges in children up five years of age or younger.
B. The Department shall employ or contract with mental health professionals to act as IECMH consultants who will work with child care providers, pediatric practices, and other early childhood care and education entities, as that term is defined in § 22.1-289.02, to identify and address mental health concerns. IECMH consultants shall provide direct support and guidance to early childhood educators and caregivers on how to foster healthy emotional development, manage challenging behaviors, and create supportive environments for children.
C. IECMH consultants shall provide the following services:
1. Mental health screening and assessment to assist with early identification of mental health issues through the use of standardized screening tools;
2. Workforce training and technical assistance for early childhood educators, pediatric health care providers, and family health care providers on mental health best practices;
3. Guidance for caregivers on how to promote social and emotional well-being and respond to behavioral concerns in young children; and
4. Help connecting families to mental health services, counseling, and other community resources.
§ 32.1-67.4. Training for early childhood professionals.
A. The Department, in consultation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Department of Education, shall develop and implement a mandatory IECMH training program for all early childhood educators and child care providers on the principles of infant and early childhood mental health. Such training shall include information on:
1. Understanding social and emotional development in young children;
2. Recognizing early signs of mental health disorders, trauma, or behavioral challenges;
3. Creating emotionally supportive learning environments; and
4. Techniques for managing challenging behaviors in a positive, developmentally appropriate manner.
B. The Department of Education and the Department of Health Professions shall ensure that IECMH training is incorporated into existing continuing education requirements for early childhood educators and pediatric health care providers. Participation in IECMH training shall be required for maintaining licensure or certification as an early childhood educator or pediatric health care provider.
C. The Department may offer financial incentives, such as increased reimbursement rates or bonuses, for child care providers who complete IECMH training and implement mental health best practices in their programs.
§ 32.1-67.5. Family support programs.
A. The Department shall provide parent education programs focused on promoting healthy emotional development and building resilience in young children. The Department shall offer such programs in community centers, health care clinics, and early learning environments.
B. The Department shall establish evidence-based home visiting programs that include a focus on infant and early childhood mental health, providing families determined to be at-risk by the Department with direct support and education on social and emotional childhood development and positive parenting techniques.
§ 32.1-67.6. Data collection and reporting.
A. The Department shall collect and maintain data on the outcomes of mental health screenings, referrals, and interventions. Such data shall include the number of children screened, the number and type of services provided, and long-term outcomes related to social and emotional development.
B. The Department shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly that details (i) the number of children receiving mental health screenings and services; (ii) outcomes related to the social and emotional development of infants and young children; and (iii) recommendations for improving and expanding IECMH services.
2. The Department of Medical Assistance Services (the Department) shall seek the necessary permissions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide Medicaid coverage for early childhood mental health screening and treatment services, including services provided through consultation services and home visiting programs. The Department shall make any state plan amendments or apply for any waivers necessary to implement the provisions of this act.