Outline of the state of Alaska
State
Alaska
Authorized

Category
Early Identification and Referral

Category
Early Identification and Referral

State law authorizes districts to conduct mental health screening in schools or to disseminate information on mental health resources.

Alaska Statutes 14.30.147 Compliance with federal education law.

(a)  Notwithstanding AS 14.30.171(a)(3) and (5), a behavioral or mental health professional working within a public school system may, in compliance with federal education law or applicable state law,

  • (1)  recommend, but not require, a psychiatric or behavioral health evaluation of a child; and
  • (2)  recommend, but not require, psychiatric, psychological, or behavioral treatment for a child. (b)  In this section,
  • (1)  “behavioral health professional” means a person who has a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field with specialization or experience in working with children experiencing behavioral, physical, and emotional disabilities, and is working within the scope of the person’s training and experience;
  • (2)  “federal education law” means 20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1482 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), 20 U.S.C. 7101 — 7143 (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994), 29 U.S.C. 794 (nondiscrimination under federal grants and programs), and 42 U.S.C. 12101 — 12213 (equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities);
  • (3)  “mental health professional” has the meaning given in AS 47.30.915.
Policy Type
Statute

Alaska Statutes 14.30.176 List of community resources.

(a)  Notwithstanding AS 14.30.171(a)(4), a school district may make available to an interested parent or guardian a list of community resources, including mental health services if the list conspicuously states the following: “This list is provided as a resource to you. The school neither recommends nor requires that you use this list or any of the services provided by individuals or entities on the list. It is for you to decide what services, if any, to use and from whom you wish to obtain them.” (b)  A list provided under (a) of this section must include the name, specialty, and credential of each mental health service provider listed.

Policy Type
Statute