Massachusetts H557 expands excused absences from school to include mental or behavioral health.

Massachusetts H557 amends the state's education law to allow schools to excuse absences due to mental health symptoms in the same manner as physical health symptoms. The bill requires schools to accept documentation from licensed mental health care professionals in the same way as other health care professionals. Students absent for mental or behavioral health reasons must be offered the opportunity to meet with a certified school counselor upon return, though attendance is not mandatory.

Massachusetts H557 expands excused absences from school to include mental or behavioral health.

Massachusetts H557 amends the state's education law to allow schools to excuse absences due to mental health symptoms in the same manner as physical health symptoms. The bill requires schools to accept documentation from licensed mental health care professionals in the same way as other health care professionals. Students absent for mental or behavioral health reasons must be offered the opportunity to meet with a certified school counselor upon return, though attendance is not mandatory.