College Students Continuation of Mental Health Care Act of 2025
Summary
The "College Students Continuation of Mental Health Care Act of 2025" aims to provide licensing reciprocity for college mental health providers. This would allow them to furnish mental health services via telehealth to students across state lines. The bill addresses the challenge of students needing consistent mental health care when they are temporarily in a different state than their college's primary location.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would allow college students to continue receiving mental health services from their college providers even when they are located in a different state. This is particularly relevant for students studying abroad, during summer breaks, or those who have returned home. It also establishes requirements for initiating telehealth services, including verifying student identity and obtaining acknowledgment of intent to receive telehealth services.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to mental health services for college students, especially those studying out of state.
- Continuity of care, allowing students to maintain relationships with their existing mental health providers.
- Potential reduction in mental health crises among college students due to consistent access to care.
- Streamlined process for college mental health providers to offer telehealth services across state lines.
- Encourages interstate compacts for telehealth services, fostering greater cooperation between states.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential challenges in ensuring quality of care across state lines due to varying state regulations.
- Risk of technological failures disrupting telehealth sessions.
- Concerns about data privacy and security when transmitting sensitive mental health information across state lines.
- Possible limitations on the scope of services that can be provided via telehealth due to state restrictions.
- May not address the underlying issues contributing to student mental health challenges, such as academic stress or social isolation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by facilitating interstate commerce in the form of telehealth services. It also respects states' rights by allowing them to enter into compacts regarding telehealth services, as mentioned in Section 2(d). The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this bill attempts to balance federal action with state autonomy.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).