Purpose of the Bill

The proposed legislation aims to improve access to healthcare for students by establishing a grant program. This program will provide youth sports physicals through mobile clinics at schools across Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Grant Program: The bill mandates the creation of a grant program managed by the Commissioner of Health. This program will fund mobile clinics to offer youth sports physicals at schools.
• Eligibility for Grants: To receive this grant, entities must secure nonstate matching funds covering at least 25% of the grant they seek.
• Mobile Clinics: These clinics must be mobile units that can travel to various locations. Each clinic should be staffed by at least one physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse, and it may include other health professionals.
• Scheduling and Outreach: Grant recipients must collaborate with schools to schedule clinic visits and educate families on the importance of preventive health care for students involved in sports.
• Uninsured Students: Mobile clinics are required to offer free physical exams to students who do not have health insurance.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• New Health Services: The bill introduces a new model of delivering health services via mobile clinics, specifically targeting youth involved in sports.
• Data Collection: Mobile clinics must collect and report data on the physicals provided and any referrals made for further services. This data will be used by the Commissioner of Health to identify trends and enhance the services provided.

Required Elements of a Physical

• Each youth sports physical exam must include several assessments: cardiac, respiratory, blood pressure, musculoskeletal, family medical history, and mental health screenings.
• Mental health screenings should evaluate stress, anxiety, depression, emotional well-being, sleep patterns, fatigue, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.
• Health professionals must refer students to additional evaluations or services when needed, particularly for mental health issues.

Appropriations

• The bill allocates $1,000,000 for the fiscal year 2026 and $600,000 for the fiscal year 2027 to fund this initiative.

Relevant Terms

mobile clinics, youth sports physicals, health screenings, grant program, preventive health care, uninsured students, mental health evaluation, cardiac screening, Minnesota schools, Commissioner of Health.