H.R.2044 - Suicide Prevention Assistance Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2044, the Suicide Prevention Assistance Act, aims to establish a grant program within the Public Health Service Act. This program would provide funding to primary care offices for self-harm and suicide prevention services. The bill mandates that grant recipients hire clinical social workers to screen patients, provide short-term services, and refer patients for long-term care.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would lead to increased screening for self-harm and suicide risk in primary care settings. It would also expand access to immediate, short-term intervention and facilitate referrals to specialized mental health services. The program is limited to a maximum of 10 grants across the US, with no more than one grant per state.
Potential Benefits
- Increased early detection of self-harm and suicide risk.
- Enhanced access to mental health services within primary care settings.
- Provision of short-term intervention and support to individuals at risk.
- Improved coordination between primary care and specialized mental health facilities.
- Potential reduction in suicide rates through proactive intervention.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited scope due to the small number of grants available (maximum of 10 nationwide).
- Potential administrative burden on primary care offices to manage the grant and reporting requirements.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the 180-day requirement for the Secretary to develop standards of practice.
- Geographic disparities in access to the program, as only one primary care office per state can receive a grant.
- The program's effectiveness depends heavily on the quality of the standards of practice developed by the Secretary.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve public health by addressing suicide prevention. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The establishment of grant programs falls under the powers granted to Congress to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
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).