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NASBHC's mission is to
improve the health status
of children and youth
by advancing and advocating
for school-based health care

1100 G Street, NW, Suite 735
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: (202) 638-5872
Fax: (202)638-5879
Email: info@nasbhc.org

CFC#: 64337

ADVOCACY RESOURCES POLICY STATEMENTS ACTION CENTER LEGISLATION

SBHC Capitol Hill Activity

Supporters Rally at NASBHC's 2007 Advocacy Day

Health Care Reform
Healthy Schools Act of 2009
State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
Federal SBHC Authorization
Childhood Obesity
School Health Policies

Health Care Reform

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148) includes two important provisions for school-based health centers (SBHCs): language authorizing a federal SBHC grant program (Sec. 4101(b)), and an emergency appropriation that would provide $200 million for SBHCs over four years (Sec. 4101(a)).

State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

SCHIP Reauthorization Passes

On February 4, 2009, President Obama signed the long-awaited SCHIP reauthorization legislation (H.R. 2, which became Public Law 111-003). Section 505 of the bill reflects a significant step forward for school-based health centers – the first explicit recognition of SBHCs as a potential provider of SCHIP services. The provision clarifies that a state may “…provide child health assistance for covered items and services that are furnished through school-based health centers.” The provision also establishes a NASBHC-crafted definition of “school-based health center” for purposes of the SCHIP program. (Language below.)

What does this language mean as a practical matter? The language empowers SBHCs to seek provider status in their states’ SCHIP programs, and to argue for reimbursement by SCHIP managed care plans. In states where the SCHIP program is part of the Medicaid program, it should be helpful in getting Medicaid provider status as well. Moreover, the language validating SBHCs as SCHIP providers, and the existence of a statutory definition, should ease the way for establishment of federal laws and regulations to ensure that SBHCs are reimbursed by government programs, and possibly, for the creation of a federal grant program for SBHCs.

Click here to see the SBHC language included in SCHIP

Full text of S.1669 and H.R. 2870

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Federal Authorization for SBHCs - 110th Congress

The School-Based Health Clinic Establishment Act of 2007 (S. 600/H.R. 4230)

The School-Based Health Clinic Establishment Act would authorize a grant-based program for the operation and development of SBHCs, which provide comprehensive and accessible primary health care services to medically underserved children youth and families; improve the physical health, the emotional well-being and academic performance of such populations; and work in collaboration with schools to integrate health into the overall school environment.

The SBHC legislation has been successful in the 110th Congress. There are 22 Senate co-sponsors and 29 House co-sponsor. In November 2007 the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee discussed S. 600 in relationship to Health Care Safety Net Act of 2008 (S.901) to reauthorize the community health center program. The HELP committee decided to include a study from the General Accounting Office (GAO) on the cost effectiveness of SBHCs in S. 901. In December 2007, the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the School-Based Health Clinic Act of 2007, H.R. 4230, along with the reauthorization of the community health centers and the National Health Services Corps programs. It is a tribute to the impact of our advocacy, strength of the model, and commitment of Congressional leadership that our bill received a hearing only two weeks after the introduction of the bill.

NASBHC continues to advocate for S. 600 and H.R. 4230 to deepen the understanding of and support for SBHCs. We expect to re-introduce both pieces of legislation in 2009.

Resources for the SBHC Establishment Act of 2007

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Childhood Obesity

Due to the incredible power that the school-based health care movement has built over the last few years, Congress has approached NASBHC to demonstrate how the school-based health center (SBHC) model is a solution to broader child health care issues.

Jonathan Miller, a former student at Stone High School, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, testified before the 110th Congress about how he was able to lose 137 pounds because of the supports provided by his high school SBHC.

The Children and Families Subcommittee of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, chaired by Senators Dodd (D-CT) and Alexander (R-TN) held a hearing entitled “Childhood Obesity: The Declining Health of America’s Next Generation – Part II.” Jonathan, along with the SBHC dietician, Beth Van Helden journeyed to Washington and shared their story among a packed audience, including Congressional staffers and local media, on Capitol Hill.

At the beginning of the hearing, Senator Dodd announced the introduction of the Federal Childhood Obesity Prevention Act. The discussion on this bill will likely occur in 2009. Given Jonathan and Beth’s inspiring story, there is no doubt that SBHCs will play a pivotal role in this legislation.

Click here for Jonathan's testimony

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School Health Policies - Legislation from 110th Congress

111th Congress

Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2730)

Legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize an HHS grant program for the purpose of reducing the student-to-school nurse ratio would allow CDC flexibility in putting out an RFA that would be practical for reducing the ratio and measuring positive results for health and learning.

Click here for a one-pager developed by the National Association of School Nurses

110th Congress

Health Care Safety Net Act of 2008 (S.901)/ Health Centers Renewal Act of 2007(H.R. 1343)

Legislation to reauthorize the federal health centers program, the National Health Service Corps and other programs. The bill provides for a straight reauthorization of the health centers program for another 5 years through FY 2012.

Read Full Text
Bill Cosponsors (House)
Bill Cosponsors (Senate)

Mental Health In Schools Act 2007 (S. 1332/H.R. 3430)

Legislation that would improve access to school mental health services was introduced May 8 by Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Chris Dodd (D-CT), Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Mike Enzi (R-WY). “When left untreated, childhood mental disorders can lead to academic failure, family conflicts, substance abuse, violence, and suicide.” Senator Kennedy said. “Comprehensive school mental health program should be designed for all students. They should obviously include both identification and referral of specific individuals for treatment, but they should also include programs and services that promote positive mental health and prevent mental health problems for a broader population of students.”

Read Full Text
Bill Cosponsors (House)
Bill Cosponsors (Senate)

Full Service Community Schools Act of 2007 (S. 1391/H.R. 2323)

Legislation that would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants for the support of full-service community schools, and for other purposes was introduced May 15, 2007, by Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Sen. Benjamin Nelson (D-NE).

Read Full Text
Bill Cosponsors (House)
Bill Cosponsors (Senate)

Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act of 2007 (S. 578/H.R. 1017)

Legislation to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve requirements under the Medicaid program for items and services furnished in or through an educational program or setting to children, including children with developmental, physical, or mental health needs, and for other purposes, was introduced February 13, 2007, by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Rep. John Dingell (D-MI).

Read Full Text
Bill Cosponsors (House)
Bill Cosponsors (Senate)

Healthy Americans Act (S.334/ H.R. 3163)

Legislation that would provide affordable, high quality, private health coverage for every American, regardless of where they work or live was introduced by Senator Wyden (D-OR) and Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA). Specific provisions supporting health care delivered in school-based health centers are included in both bills through allowing reimbursement from this newly established health care system to SBHCs for the services that they provide. The Senate version includes language to establish a federal grant-based program for SBHCs.

Overall the plan, known as the Healthy Americans Act, would:

guarantee private health care coverage for all Americans;
provide health benefits equal to those that Members of Congress now enjoy;
provide incentives for individuals and insurers to focus on prevention, wellness and disease management;
establish tough cost containment measures that save $1.48 trillion over 10 years; and
be fully paid for with the $2.2 trillion currently spent on health care in America today.

Read Full Text (Senate)
Read Full Text (House)
Bill Cosponsors (Senate)
Bill Cosponsors (House)

Student to School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act of 2008 (H.R. 6201)

Legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize an HHS grant program for the purpose of reducing the student-to-school nurse ratio in public schools was introduced on June 5, 2008 by Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY). The legislation would allow CDC flexibility in putting out an RFA that would be practical for reducing the ratio and measuring positive results for health and learning.

Read Full Text
Bill Cosponsors