# Education (GED)

## Title 7. Public Schools

### Subtitle 4. Health and Safety of Students

#### Section 7-440

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Behavioral health counseling services" means prevention, intervention, and treatment services for the social-emotional, psychological, behavioral, and physical health of students, including mental health and substance abuse disorders.

  (3) "Health care provider" has the meaning stated in Sec. 20-104 of the Health - General Article.

(b)

  (1) The Maryland Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department, shall recommend best practices for county boards of education to provide to students:

    (i) Behavioral needs assessments; and

    (ii) Individualized or group behavioral health counseling services with a health care provider through a school-based health center or through community partnered school-based behavioral health services.

(c) This section may not be construed to require a county board to provide behavioral needs assessments or individualized or group behavioral health counseling services to students.

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Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)