HB1604: Health instruction; instruction to incorporate standards to recognize dimensions of mental health.


VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- CHAPTER
An Act to amend and reenact § 22.1-207 of the Code of Virginia, relating to health instruction; mental health.
[H 1604]
Approved

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 22.1-207 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 22.1-207. Physical and health education.

Physical and health education shall be emphasized throughout the public school curriculum by lessons, drills, and physical exercises, and all pupils in the public elementary, middle, and high schools shall receive as part of the educational program such health instruction and physical training as shall be prescribed by the Board of Education and approved by the State Board of Health. Such health instruction shall incorporate standards that recognize the multiple dimensions of health by including mental health and the relationship of physical and mental health so as to enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behavior that promote health, well-being, and human dignity.

2. That the Board of Education shall review and update the health Standards of Learning for students in grades nine and 10 to include mental health. In its review, the Board shall consult with mental health experts, including representatives from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, NAMI Virginia, Mental Health America of Virginia, the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, and VOCAL.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1604

Offered January 23, 2018
A BILL to amend and reenact § 22.1-207 of the Code of Virginia, relating to health instruction; mental health.
Patron-- Bell, Robert B.

Unanimous consent to introduce

Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 22.1-207 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 22.1-207. Physical and health education.

Physical and health education shall be emphasized throughout the public school curriculum by lessons, drills, and physical exercises, and all pupils in the public elementary, middle, and high schools shall receive as part of the educational program such health instruction and physical training as shall be prescribed by the Board of Education and approved by the State Board of Health. Such health instruction shall incorporate standards that recognize the multiple dimensions of health by including mental health and the relationship of physical and mental health so as to enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behavior that promote health, well-being, and human dignity.

2. That the Board of Education shall review and update the health Standards of Learning for students in grades nine and 10 to include mental health. In its review, the Board shall consult with mental health experts, including representatives from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, NAMI Virginia, Mental Health America of Virginia, the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, and VOCAL.