Bill > HB1709

This bill addresses the care of students with adrenal insufficiency by establishing a framework for parent-designated adults to provide medical assistance in school settings. The legislature recognizes that not all schools have full-time nurses and that some students with rare medical conditions like adrenal insufficiency require specialized care. Adrenal insufficiency is described as a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, which can lead to life-threatening situations if not properly managed. The bill requires school districts to develop individual health plans for students with this condition, including policies for acquiring parent instructions, obtaining medical orders, storing medications, creating emergency care plans, and distributing these plans to appropriate staff. Parent-designated adults, who can be school employees, must voluntarily agree to provide care, complete specific training selected by the child's parents, and follow the individual health plan. These adults must be authorized by parents and trained in administering emergency corticosteroid injections during an adrenal crisis. The bill provides liability protection for school district employees and parent-designated adults who provide care in good faith and in substantial compliance with the student's health plan. The provisions will take effect with the 2025-26 school year, continuing a trend of previous legislation that allowed similar care for students with diabetes and seizure disorders.