H.R. 2044: Suicide Prevention Assistance Act

This bill, titled the Suicide Prevention Assistance Act, aims to enhance self-harm and suicide prevention services in primary care settings by establishing a grant program under the Public Health Service Act. The key features of the bill are summarized as follows:

Grant Program Establishment

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, award grants to primary care offices specifically for the purpose of providing self-harm and suicide prevention services.

Supported Activities

Primary care offices receiving these grants must:

• Hire one or more clinical social workers to manage self-harm and suicide prevention activities.
• Screen patients for self-harm and suicide risk based on established standards.
• Provide short-term self-harm and suicide prevention services to patients who show indications of risk.
• Refer patients to appropriate health facilities for long-term care when necessary.

Grant Limitations

The number of grants is limited to:

• No more than 10 grants awarded overall.
• One grant per primary care office.
• One grant available per state.

Grant Terms

Each grant has defined terms, including:

• A maximum amount of $500,000.
• A duration of 2 years, with options for renewal under certain conditions.

Application Process

To be considered for a grant, primary care offices must submit applications to the Secretary, fulfilling any requirements specified.

Standards of Practice

The Secretary will develop standards for screening patients for self-harm and suicide, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

Reporting Requirements

Grantees are required to submit quarterly reports to the Secretary to evaluate the effectiveness of the grant-supported activities, which should include details like:

• The number of patients screened and those receiving services.
• Adherence to the established standards of practice.
• Any other relevant details as deemed necessary by the Secretary.

Additionally, the Secretary must report to congressional committees on the program's progress and evaluation every two years.

Definitions

The bill outlines key definitions, including what constitutes a "primary care office" and specifies the involved Congressional committees.

Relevant Companies

None found