An Act relative to suicide prevention in schools

H 4563 requires Massachusetts school health providers and educators to complete at least 2 hours of evidence-based suicide prevention training every other year as part of existing professional development. New staff hired during years without required training must receive suicide prevention materials within 30 days of employment. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must develop approved training materials with evidence of effectiveness, in consultation with public health and mental health agencies. The bill directly affects all school staff holding or applying for educator licenses in the Commonwealth.