Bill
Bill > A445
NJ A445
NJ A445Requires school districts to maintain supply of nasal rescue medication and oxygen for seizure emergencies; provides for training of designees to administer nasal rescue medication and oxygen when school nurse is not physically present.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires a school district, as part of the implementation of a seizure action plan, to maintain a supply of diazepam nasal spray, midazolam nasal spray, and any other similar nasal rescue medication approved for seizures and identified in a seizure action plan submitted to the school district, as prescribed under a standing protocol from a licensed physician or an advanced practice nurse and portable oxygen delivery devices in secure but unlocked locations easily accessible by the school nurse and trained designees throughout each school building to ensure prompt availability in the event of a seizure emergency during school hours and at any other time when a school-sponsored event is taking place on the premises of a school building. The school nurse of each school building would be responsible for designating locations where such nasal rescue medication and oxygen delivery devices would be placed. Nothing in this bill would be construed to prohibit the use of portable oxygen delivery devices to respond to other medical emergencies that may occur during school hours or when a school-sponsored function is taking place on the premises of a school building. The school nurse would have the primary responsibility for administering nasal rescue medication and oxygen but would be able to designate, in consultation with the board of education, additional employees to administer nasal rescue medication to a student when the nurse is not physically present at the scene of a seizure emergency. The school nurse would also be responsible for determining that:· the designees have been properly trained in the administration of nasal rescue medication and oxygen using standardized training protocols established by the Department of Education in consultation with the Department of Health;· the parents or guardians of the student consent in writing to the administration of nasal rescue medication and oxygen by the designees;· the board of education informs the parents or guardians of the student in writing that the district and its employees or agents will have no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of nasal rescue medication and oxygen to the student;· the parents or guardians of the student sign a statement acknowledging their understanding that the district will have no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of nasal rescue medication and oxygen to the student and that the parents or guardians will indemnify and hold harmless the district and its employees or agents against any claims arising out of the administration of nasal rescue medication and oxygen to the student; and· the permission is effective for the school year for which it is granted and is renewed for each subsequent school year upon fulfillment of the above requirements. In developing the training protocols under the bill, the Department of Education and the Department of Health would be required to: consult with the New Jersey School Nurses Association; distribute the protocols to school districts at the beginning of each school year; and update the protocols as needed. The Department of Education would be responsible for reimbursing the costs incurred by school districts implementing certain provisions of the bill.
AI Summary
This bill requires school districts to keep a supply of specific nasal rescue medications, such as diazepam and midazolam nasal spray, and portable oxygen delivery devices readily available in secure but accessible locations throughout school buildings to address seizure emergencies. These medications are to be administered under a standing protocol from a licensed physician or advanced practice nurse, and their availability is tied to a student's seizure action plan. While the school nurse has primary responsibility for administering these medications and oxygen, they can designate other trained school employees to do so when the nurse is not present. This designation requires proper training for the designees, written consent from the student's parents or guardians, and a clear understanding from parents that the district will not be liable for any injuries resulting from the administration of these medications, with parents agreeing to indemnify the district against any claims. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health and the New Jersey School Nurses Association, will establish standardized training protocols and distribute them annually, updating them as needed. The Department of Education will also reimburse school districts for costs associated with implementing these provisions and can accept private donations to help cover these expenses. The bill also clarifies that the portable oxygen devices can be used for other medical emergencies.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (5)
Al Barlas (R)*,
Carmen Morales (D)*,
Michael Venezia (D)*,
Rosaura Bagolie (D),
Alexander Schnall (D),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A445 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/445_I1.HTM |
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