(2) “Behavioral health counseling services” means prevention, intervention, and treatment services for the social-emotional, psychological, behavioral, and physical health of students, including mental health and substance abuse disorders.

(3) “Health care provider” has the meaning stated in § 20-104 of the Health – General Article.

(b) (1) The Maryland Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department, shall recommend best practices for county boards of education to provide to students:

(i) Behavioral needs assessments; and

(ii) Individualized or group behavioral health counseling services with a health care provider through a school-based health center or through community partnered school-based behavioral health services.

(c) This section may not be construed to require a county board to provide behavioral needs assessments or individualized or group behavioral health counseling services to students.