Bill > H417

This bill, titled "Improving students’ access to life saving treatments," aims to allow students with diabetes attending public or private schools to possess and administer necessary medical supplies and treatments. Specifically, it permits students to carry and use supplies for blood glucose testing and to administer insulin and glucose (or substitutes) at school or school events, provided their parent or legal guardian gives written permission. This permission also requires certification that the student will take precautions to prevent exposure to sharps or blood, and that both the parent and the student's doctor confirm the student is capable of performing these self-care tasks. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Education and Department of Public Health create regulations within 180 days to allow trained school staff to administer glucagon, a medication used to treat severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), if a school nurse is unavailable and a student experiences severe symptoms like unconsciousness or seizures, with parental permission. This provision also includes liability protection for school staff who administer glucagon in good faith during such emergencies.