Overview

Title

To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to establish or expand programs to implement evidence-aligned practices in health care settings for the purpose of reducing the suicide rates of covered individuals, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

The bill wants to help keep kids safe by giving money to places that teach people how to stop kids from feeling so sad that they want to hurt themselves, and it also teaches about being careful with things like guns.

Summary AI

S. 3779, known as the “Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act,” aims to reduce suicide rates among young people by authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants. These grants will support health care programs that use evidence-based practices to address suicide risk factors and promote lethal means safety, such as safe firearm storage. The bill also provides funding for schools to develop curricula on suicide prevention and requires the creation of an informational website to aid individuals and health care providers in understanding best practices in suicide prevention. The legislation authorizes the expenditure of $30 million from 2024 to 2027 to support these efforts.

Published

2024-02-08
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: SENATE
Status: Introduced in Senate
Date: 2024-02-08
Package ID: BILLS-118s3779is

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
5
Words:
2,650
Pages:
13
Sentences:
45

Language

Nouns: 798
Verbs: 214
Adjectives: 156
Adverbs: 17
Numbers: 100
Entities: 96

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.27
Average Sentence Length:
58.89
Token Entropy:
5.12
Readability (ARI):
31.48

AnalysisAI

Summary of the Bill

This proposed legislation, titled the "Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act," aims to reduce suicide rates among individuals under 26 years old by authorizing grants for programs in health care settings. These programs are intended to implement evidence-based practices that address youth suicide and lethal means safety, particularly concerning firearms. The bill outlines the specifics of granting, including defining eligible entities and schools, funding for curriculum development, and establishing informational resources.

Significant Issues

A primary concern with the bill is the broad definition of "eligible entity," which might lead to numerous applicants for the grants. While this inclusiveness may seem beneficial, it can dilute the focus, potentially shifting resources away from the most impactful programs. Additionally, allocating up to 15% of grant funds toward secure gun storage might mean limited funds for other interventions that could be more effective in preventing suicides.

Furthermore, the definition of "covered risk factors" includes some vague terminology, which could lead to ambiguity in how programs assess eligibility and address risk factors. In the proposal for school-based grant programs, the broad definition of "eligible school" could lead to inequitable resource distribution.

Public Impact

Broadly, this bill could foster a more coordinated approach to suicide prevention across health care settings, particularly if programs are well-implemented. By creating grants aimed at reducing youth suicide, the bill has the potential to support a range of preventive efforts, including better provider training and public awareness about lethal means safety.

However, the complexity of the program's eligibility criteria and the limited clarification on evaluation mechanisms may lead to challenges in measuring and ensuring the effectiveness of the funded interventions. If not managed well, this could result in inefficient use of resources.

Impact on Stakeholders

For health care providers, the bill mandates training in evidence-based practices for identifying and managing individuals at risk of suicide. This could mean increased effectiveness in patient care but also requires adherence to potentially burdensome administrative requirements.

Educational institutions could benefit from grants designed to integrate suicide prevention curricula. However, smaller schools might face challenges due to the administrative load and lack of detail about how funds should cover administrative costs.

Nonprofit organizations and states are likely to view this bill as an opportunity to access funds aimed at expanding current suicide prevention programs. Yet, they might face stiff competition from a wide array of eligible applicants, potentially leading to fewer resources per organization.

For families and youth, the bill could positively reduce barriers to discussing and addressing suicide risk through better-informed health care services. However, the broad categorization of covered individuals might lead to less targeted resources for those most at risk.

Federal firearms licensees and instructors, included in consultation for the informational website, may view this bill with mixed feelings, as involvement in the suicide prevention efforts might be perceived as conflicting with interests aligned with gun ownership rights. Nevertheless, they also have the chance to play a role in recommending safe storage practices.

Overall, while the bill has commendable intentions, its broad definitions and complex administrative requirements present hurdles that need refinement to ensure effective implementation and significant impact.

Financial Assessment

The proposed legislation, S. 3779, outlines financial appropriations intended to support suicide prevention efforts among young individuals by granting funding to various organizations and institutions. Two primary areas of financial allocation are noteworthy:

Financial Appropriations Overview

The bill authorizes a total of $30 million in funding from fiscal years 2024 through 2027. This sum is split between two sections of the bill:

  1. Section 2: Grant Program for Youth Suicide Prevention - This section authorizes $20 million to be directed at reducing youth suicide rates through grants awarded to eligible entities, which include states, health departments, and specific organizations. These grants are intended to implement or expand evidence-aligned practices in health care settings. A noteworthy provision in this section allows for up to 15% of the grant funds to be used for secure gun storage or safety devices. This aspect of the bill may generate debate regarding the most effective use of funds, as highlighted by the issue that this could divert resources from more impactful suicide prevention activities.

  2. Section 3: Development and Integration of Suicide Prevention Curricula - This section authorizes $10 million to be allocated to educational institutions for creating and integrating curricula on suicide prevention and lethal means safety. The eligibility for these funds spans a range of schools, including medical and nursing schools, and other health education programs. An issue identified is the broad definition of 'eligible school,' which could lead to ambiguity and potential inequities in resource distribution.

Related Issues and Considerations

A few critical issues arise concerning the financial allocations as outlined:

  • Resource Allocation Concerns: The broad definitions of both 'eligible entity' and 'eligible school' may lead to a high number of grant applications, potentially diluting the focus of the funding. This raises questions about the equitable distribution and effectiveness of the programs funded.

  • Use of Funds for Secure Gun Storage: The allocation of up to 15% of Section 2's grant funds for gun safety devices may be viewed as a diversion from primary suicide prevention measures. The inclusion of Federal firearms license consultations, as mentioned in Section 4, adds another layer of potential controversy to the financial strategy outlined in the bill.

  • Funding Justification: The total authorized funding of $30 million lacks detailed justification, which could provoke discussions about whether these amounts are adequate or excessive. Stakeholders may question if the funding levels align with the scope and aim of the proposed initiatives.

  • Potential Financial Burdens on Smaller Organizations: There is no clear provision regarding the coverage of administrative and operational costs for organizations receiving these grants, which could discourage participation by smaller entities unable to absorb such expenses.

In essence, S. 3779 endeavors to provide significant financial backing for youth suicide prevention but encompasses a range of considerations and challenges linked to the effective deployment of these funds. Addressing these issues will be crucial for ensuring that the appropriations achieve their intended impact in reducing youth suicide rates.

Issues

  • The broad definition of 'eligible entity' in Section 2 could lead to a large number of applicants, potentially diluting the focus and effectiveness of the grant program aimed at reducing youth suicide rates. This could lead to concerns about resource allocation and program effectiveness.

  • The provision in Section 2 allowing up to 15 percent of grant funds to be used for secure gun storage or safety devices might result in reduced funding for more impactful suicide prevention activities, raising questions about the best use of limited resources.

  • The definition of 'covered risk factors' in Section 5 includes a vague category of 'other factors supported by scientific evidence,' which may lead to legal ambiguities in interpreting eligibility and risk assessment criteria for program interventions.

  • The absence of a clear evaluation mechanism for program effectiveness in Section 2 raises concerns about potential wasteful spending, as ineffective programs might continue to receive funding without demonstration of their impact.

  • The broad definition of 'eligible school' in Section 3 might result in ambiguity about which institutions can apply for grants, potentially leading to inequitable distribution of resources and inconsistent program outcomes.

  • The absence of a specific definition for 'covered individuals' in Sections 2 and 4 could lead to misunderstandings about the target population and hinder proper implementation and evaluation of the programs.

  • The financial authorization of $20,000,000 for Section 2 and $10,000,000 for Section 3 lacks a clear justification for the funding levels, leading to potential questions about their adequacy or excessiveness.

  • The lack of detail on how administrative and operational costs will be covered in Sections 2 and 3 could impose significant financial burdens on smaller organizations and schools, potentially discouraging their participation.

  • The inclusion of Federal firearms license dealers and instructors for consultation in Section 4 may generate controversy, as it could be perceived as conflicting with the primary suicide prevention goals of the bill.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section provides the official title of the act, which is named the “Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act.”

2. Grant program to address youth suicide and lethal means Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill establishes a grant program for eligible entities, such as states, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations, to create or enhance programs that reduce youth suicide by training health care providers and supplying secure gun storage options. It also requires annual progress reports, technical support, and is funded with $20 million through fiscal year 2027.

Money References

  • (2) BY SECRETARY.—Not later than the end of fiscal year 2027, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that includes— (A) a summary of the reports submitted to the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1); and (B) recommendations with respect to the implementation of evidence-aligned practices in health care settings to reduce the suicide rates of covered individuals. (h) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2024 through 2027. ---

3. Grant program to develop and integrate suicide prevention and lethal means safety curricula Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill establishes a grant program by the Secretary to support eligible schools in creating and integrating curricula on suicide prevention and safe use of firearms. It also involves partnerships with local health departments, professionals, and organizations, and requires annual reporting from grantees through 2027, with a $10 million budget from 2024 to 2027.

Money References

  • (2) BY SECRETARY.—Not later than the end of fiscal year 2027, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that includes— (A) a summary of the reports submitted to the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1); and (B) recommendations for curricula on suicide prevention. (g) Eligible school defined.—In this section, the term “eligible school” means— (1) an accredited medical school; (2) an accredited school of nursing; (3) an accredited school with a— (A) physician assistant education program; (B) graduate or undergraduate program in mental or behavioral health; or (C) residency or fellowship program in health care; and (4) any other accredited school that specializes in health education, as determined by the Secretary, including for continuing education programs. (h) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2024 through 2027. ---

4. Informational website Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill requires the Secretary to create and manage a website within one year that provides information about suicide prevention and firearm safety to covered individuals and their families, as well as schools and healthcare providers. The Secretary must regularly update the site's information and consult with various organizations, healthcare institutions, and other relevant parties during the website's development.

5. Definitions Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

This section of the bill provides definitions for key terms used throughout the Act. These include "covered individual," referring to anyone under 26 years old; "covered risk factors," which are elements that increase the chances of suicide or self-harm in covered individuals; "institution of higher education" as defined in the Higher Education Act; "Secretary" referring to the Secretary of Health and Human Services; "secure gun storage or safety device" as defined in U.S. law; and "State," which broadly includes U.S. states, territories, tribal organizations, and certain Native Hawaiian entities.