Bill > H4641

This bill establishes comprehensive requirements for managing seizure disorders in schools, mandating that each public, private, and parochial school have at least one trained employee capable of administering seizure rescue medications and assisting with Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) treatments. The training will include recognizing seizure symptoms and appropriate response steps, and can be satisfied by a full-time school nurse. The bill requires schools to provide training to principals, teachers, counselors, bus drivers, and classroom aides about seizure recognition and first aid, and allows schools to use training programs developed by the Epilepsy Foundation. Schools must obtain written authorization from parents/guardians before administering seizure medications, which must include specific details about the student, medication, and administration guidelines. Each student with a seizure disorder must have a personalized seizure action plan developed collaboratively between parents and school personnel, which will be kept on file and distributed to relevant staff. The plan and medication authorization are valid for one school year and must be renewed annually. Importantly, the bill provides liability protection for school districts and employees who act in good faith while providing seizure-related assistance, ensuring they cannot be criminally or civilly prosecuted for their actions when following professional medical instructions.

Budget and Finance

Committee on Education (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4641