Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures that can occur without warning and is believed to affect more than 129,000 Pennsylvanians. This disorder is a lifelong condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but typically develops in children and older adults. Due to the unpredictability regarding when a seizure may occur, it is important that all school professionals know the proper procedures to identify and respond to a seizure in progress.
 
Current state law permits school nurses and school professional employees to complete training related to responding to a student having a seizure, but the law does not require completion of the training. Given the serious consequences that could occur from an improper, untrained response, this law should take a step further. My legislation, developed in collaboration with the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania (EFEPA), would require that all school nurses and school professional employees who have direct contact with students complete training every two years that is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and addresses the signs and symptoms of a seizure as well as how to provide first aid treatment if a student has a seizure.
 
This legislation would protect the safety of children statewide and put families at ease knowing that every school has trained individuals who can respond during a medical emergency. While some families may be aware of their child’s condition, some children may have their first epileptic seizure during the school day, and this legislation would ensure our school staff would be ready to provide a fast, trained response to the student.
 
Please consider this legislation that will train our school professionals to be able to respond during a medical emergency and provide safer schools for all students affected by epilepsy.