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CS/HB 173 — Care of Students with Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders
by Early Learning and Elementary Education Subcommittee and Reps. Duran, Gottlieb, and others (SB 340 by Senator Garcia)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Committee (ED)
The bill (Chapter 2022-19, L.O.F.) specifies responsibilities for public schools to provide for the care of students with epilepsy or seizure disorders. The bill requires a school to implement an individualized seizure action plan (ISAP) once a parent submits an ISAP to the school principal and school nurse to inform school personnel of the unique health care services required by the student and how to respond in emergency situations.
The bill requires that the ISAP:
- Include specified information, such as recommended care, accommodations, symptoms, prescribed rescue medication, and contact information for medical assistance;
- Be developed by a medical professional in consultation with a parent and signed by both individuals;
- Be submitted by a parent to the school principal and school nurse or other appropriate school employee; and
- Remain in effect until the parent submits a revised ISAP.
The bill requires a school to provide employees whose duties include regular contact with a student with an ISAP with notice of the student’s condition, information on providing care for the student if he or she shows symptoms of the epilepsy or seizure disorder, and parental and emergency contact information.
The bill requires a school nurse or an appropriate school employee to:
- Coordinate the provision of epilepsy and seizure disorder care, including administering medication, as outlined in a student’s ISAP; and
- Verify that school employees whose duties include regular contact with a student with an ISAP have completed training in the recognition of symptoms and care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
The bill requires the Department of Education to identify on its website one or more free online training courses in the care of students with epilepsy or seizure disorders provided by a nonprofit national organization.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2022.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 106-0