Bill > H0617

This bill mandates that school districts and approved independent schools establish seizure action plans for students diagnosed with seizure disorders, which are individualized health plans to address their specific needs. It requires schools to designate at least two employees who have received training to administer or assist with the self-administration of seizure rescue medications and vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) magnets, with a registered nurse's oversight fulfilling this requirement. Parents must provide written authorization and a healthcare practitioner's statement detailing medication, dosage, and circumstances for administration before any medication can be given at school. The bill also mandates biennial training for school personnel, including teachers and bus drivers, on recognizing seizure symptoms and providing seizure first aid, with training programs to align with guidelines from the Epilepsy Foundation of America. Furthermore, schools must implement age-appropriate seizure education programs for all students, consistent with Epilepsy Foundation guidelines. To ensure accountability, schools must annually certify their compliance with these requirements, including staff training and the implementation of seizure action plans, and report this information to the Agency of Education, which will maintain a public database of compliance status and submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing compliance rates, challenges, and recommendations. The bill also includes provisions for liability protection for school personnel acting in good faith and in substantial compliance with these requirements, and it will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Education

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.617