This bill amends the Revised School Code to enhance the legal protections for school employees who administer medications, specifically focusing on the administration of opioid antagonists. It establishes that school administrators, teachers, or designated employees who administer medication in good faith, including epinephrine auto-injectors and opioid antagonists, are not liable for civil damages or criminal actions, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. The bill also clarifies that if a school employee is a licensed registered professional nurse, the liability protections apply regardless of whether the medication is administered in the presence of another adult.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 1179c, which mandates that if the Department of Health and Human Services provides opioid antagonists at no cost, school districts and public school academies must ensure that at least one employee is trained in their appropriate use. It requires these boards to develop policies for administering opioid antagonists, including notifying parents or guardians and calling emergency services in the event of an opioid-related overdose. The bill aims to improve the safety and preparedness of schools in responding to potential opioid overdoses among students.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 380.1178
As Passed by the Senate: 380.1178