H.R. 2044 creates a federal grant program to expand suicide and self-harm prevention services in primary care doctor's offices across the country. Under this bill, the Department of Health and Human Services would award grants of up to $500,000 each for two-year periods to a maximum of 10 primary care offices (one per state) to hire clinical social workers who would screen patients for suicide risk, provide short-term prevention services, and refer patients to longer-term mental health care when needed. Primary care doctors at participating offices would use standardized screening practices developed by federal health officials within 180 days of the law's enactment. Grant recipients must submit quarterly reports to the federal government on patient screenings, services provided, and adherence to screening standards, with the Secretary of Health and Human Services reporting to Congress every two years on the program's effectiveness and outcomes.
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