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Colorado Lawmakers Propose Bill for Mental Health Screenings in Schools; How Hospitalists are Maintaining Happiness, Mental Health · Becker's Healthcare Behavioral Health

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  This is Randy Hassman with Becker's Behavioral Health Podcast.
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  Here's your daily industry news brief for February 24th. First,
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  according to a C B S affiliate KTV report yesterday,
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  new legislation in Colorado would offer annual mental health check-ins at public
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  schools for students in sixth to 12th grade.
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  Legislators say they picked this age group because most mental health challenges
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  occurred during middle and high school.
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  The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will oversee the
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  program and select the provider to conduct the screenings.
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  The program would refer students to additional resources after the screening if
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  needed. Students are not required to participate.
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  Parents can also opt their children out. However,
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  students 12 years and older can consent to the screening regardless of parental
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  consent or notification. Some opponents do not agree with that.
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  Lawmakers in support of the bill believe it's important for students to have
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  other trusted adults besides parents or legal guardians to confide in.
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  Opponents are also concerned with the funding for the program.
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  It could cost over half a million dollars this year. Next year,
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  it could cost over 17 million.
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  Legislators estimate almost a quarter of schools will participate in the
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  program. The bill was introduced last month.
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  It's up for further discussion in the State's Committee on appropriations.
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  Second,
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  according to a Fort Worth star Telegram report yesterday for behavioral health
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  will be allowed to reopen in 30 days.
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  This follows an abrupt closure by Texas over child safety risks.
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  The center was ordered to close its youth programs last month.
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  Parents were forced to pick up their children the same day.
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  To avoid involvement with the Department of Family and Protective Services.
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  A total of 40 children were discharged from the facility.
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  The center can admit children as soon as tomorrow, however,
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  it will be placed under probation. For one year.
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  Texas Health and Human Services Commission notified for behavioral health of two
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  investigations involving allegations of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
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  The Health and Human Services Commission say a poor behavioral staff member
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  physically fought with a child.
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  Staff had also failed to provide medical care to a child who was injured.
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  While being restrained,
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  a staff member pushed a child against a wall as discipline staff restrained
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  children inappropriately. In several other instances,
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  the commission required the facility to correct the offenses.
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  Within three days of receiving notice,
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  Fort Behavioral Health says they weren't given adequate notice.
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  In a response to the agency, it says it denies the allegations.
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  Third, here's how hospitals are maintaining happiness and mental health.
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  According to a Medscape survey, published Wednesday,
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  over half of hospitalists report,
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  feeling very happy or someone happy away from work,
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  this is a 30% decrease compared to before the pandemic.
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  The survey's titled Hospitalist Lifestyle and Happiness Report 2023
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  Contentment Amid Stress.
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  It surveyed 10,000 providers and more than 20 specialties about how they're
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  managing their mental health and happiness.
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  The collective US mental health has declined rapidly recently.
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  Rates of suicidality,
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  mental illness and substance use are rising across multiple demographics.
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  This includes medical providers. Over 60% of physicians report burnout.
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  Over 20% report experiencing depression.
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  Hospitalists report six methods to maintain happiness and mental health.
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  This includes activities and hobbies like reading and cooking, exercising,
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  spending time with family and friends, getting enough sleep, eating better,
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  and therapy. Thanks for listening.
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  Do more the latest info and behavioral health silver directly to your inbox.
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  Subscribe to the Becker's Behavioral Health Report,
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  eNewsletter on our website at www becker behavioral health.com.