Bill 117 HR 1324, also known as the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act of 2021, aims to improve suicide prevention efforts in emergency departments across the United States. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and disseminate best practices for suicide screening and assessment in emergency departments.
The bill also requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance to emergency departments to help them implement these best practices. Additionally, the bill authorizes grants to support the implementation of suicide screening and assessment programs in emergency departments.
The goal of the bill is to ensure that individuals at risk of suicide receive appropriate screening and assessment in emergency departments, leading to better identification and intervention for those in crisis. By improving suicide prevention efforts in emergency departments, the bill aims to reduce the number of suicides in the United States.
Overall, Bill 117 HR 1324 seeks to address the critical issue of suicide prevention by enhancing screening and assessment practices in emergency departments, ultimately saving lives and improving mental health outcomes for individuals in crisis.