BILL NUMBER: S10256
SPONSOR: BYNOE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to the development and
distribution of type 1 diabetes informational materials for parents and
guardians of students
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to ensure that the parent or guardian of the
student is aware and receives accurate, timely information regarding
type 1 diabetes, including the risk factors, warning signs, and screen-
ing options.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill adds a new section 927 to the education law. This
reads as follows:
"Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 927 to
read as follows:
§ 927. Type 1 diabetes informational materials. 1. The department, in
consultation with the department of health, shall develop informational
materials on type 1 diabetes. Such informational materials shall be made
available through the department's website to each school district,
board of cooperative educational services, charter school, and any other
school providing elementary education. The informational materials
shall be made available in English, Spanish, and any other language that
is required by law or that the office deems appropriate.
2. At the beginning of the two thousand twenty-six--two thousand twen-
ty-seven school year, the board of education or trustees of each school
district and the governing body of each charter school shall provide the
type 1 diabetes informational materials to the parent or guardian of
each student enrolled in the school district or school. Thereafter,
such information shall be provided to the parent or guardian of each new
student upon initial enrollment in the school district or school at any
grade level.
3. Information provided to parents and guardians pursuant to this
section shall include,. but shall not be limited to, all of the follow-
ing:
(a) A description of type 1 diabetes;
(b) A description of the risk factors and warning signs associated with
type 1 diabetes;
(c) A recommendation that parents or guardians of students displaying
warning signs associated with type 1 diabetes should immediately consult
with the student's primary care provider to determine if autoantibody
screening for type 1 diabetes is appropriate;
(d) A description of the autoantibody screening process for type 1
diabetes and the implications of test results; and
(e) A recommendation that, following a positive autoantibody test for
type 1 diabetes, parents or guardians should consult with the student's
primary care provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan, which
may include consultation with and examination by a specialty care
provider, including, but not limited to, a properly qualified endocri-
nologist."
Section 2 provides that the act shall take effect immediately. This
reads as follows:
"§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately."
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Type 1 diabetes is a threatening autoimmune condition that often devel-
ops in early childhood and can dangerously progress if left undiagnosed.
Early detection of the condition is crucial in preventing life-threaten-
ing complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
Many of the parents or guardians of the children are unaware of the
early warning signs of type 1 .diabetes, which results in a lack of
diagnosis. The lack of diagnosis could lead to avoidable medical emer-
gencies.
Schools can serve as a point of information and communication with fami-
lies and can spread crucial health information.
By requiring the development and distribution of informational materi-
als, this bill promotes early awareness, encourages medical consulta-
tion, and supports better health outcomes for children who are at risk
of type 1 diabetes and its complications across New York State.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Legislation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal. Costs for the development and spreading of awareness materials
are to be absorbed within the existing resources of the State Education
Department and Health Department.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.