▸SECTION 1
of chapter 76 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “week” the following sentences:-
Absences may also be permitted for mental health symptoms; provided further, that said absences shall be excused in the same manner as physical health symptoms; and provided further, that required documentation, from guardians or health professionals, shall be consistent with physical health absences documentation. When documentation is required from a health care professional, a school shall accept documentation from licensed mental health care professionals in the same manner as documentation from other health care professionals. A student with an absence due to mental or behavioral health shall be offered the opportunity to meet with a certified school counselor upon return to school but said student shall not be required to do so.
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Section 1 of chapter 76 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “week” the following sentences:-
Absences may also be permitted for mental health symptoms; provided further, that said absences shall be excused in the same manner as physical health symptoms; and provided further, that required documentation, from guardians or health professionals, shall be consistent with physical health absences documentation. When documentation is required from a health care professional, a school shall accept documentation from licensed mental health care professionals in the same manner as documentation from other health care professionals. A student with an absence due to mental or behavioral health shall be offered the opportunity to meet with a certified school counselor upon return to school but said student shall not be required to do so.