The Behavioral Health Intervention Guidelines (BIG) Act of 2019, introduced by U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), on Sept. 9 received approval from the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, which advanced the bill to the full chamber for consideration.
“The BIG Act is critical legislation that will equip schools and communities with the tools they need to ensure the safety and health of each student,” said Rep. Burgess, ranking member of the committee’s health subcommittee. “I appreciate the Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing this essential legislation.”
H.R. 3539, which Rep. Burgess introduced in June 2019 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-GA), would provide local communities with support for those who suffer from mental illness.
Specifically, the bill would require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop best practices for schools to establish behavioral intervention teams, and develop a list of providers with threat-assessment training to help school personnel implement the best practices, according to the congressional record summary of the bill.
Additionally, the bill would require that technical assistance be provided to institutions of higher education, elementary schools and secondary schools to assist such institutions and schools in implementing the best practices, according to the text of the bill.
“American students’ world has been turned upside down because of this pandemic,” Rep. Burgess said. “It is important that as we work to get them back in the classroom that we also take precautions to ensure their safety on all fronts.”
The congressman, who is a medical doctor, also noted that school-aged children are at a prime age to identify and treat behavioral health issues. “By providing training for behavioral health intervention and services, we can work to prevent further tragedy from happening,” he said.