Summary of Federal and State Legislation/Regulations

(The summary below is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.)

Act 211 of 1990 ( P.S.§ 15-1547 of the PA School Code) was enacted which required each school district to establish and maintain a program to provide appropriate drug and alcohol education as well as counseling and support services to students who experience problems related to the use of drugs, alcohol, and dangerous controlled substances. On April 19, 1991, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education named the Commonwealth Student Assistance Program (K-12) to fulfill the requirement to “…identify high risk students who are having problems due to alcohol or drug use, depression, or other mental health problems; and intervene and refer these students to appropriate community services.”

 

Drug and Alcohol Education, Counseling and Support Services Basic Education Circular (BEC) (P.S. § 15-1547 of the PA School Code) was issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to clarify the mandate from Act 211 that every student K-12 receive instruction in alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention every year; in-services for all those whose responsibilities include teaching alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention curriculum; and drug and alcohol counseling and support services (SAP).