Access to emergency treatments is integral to keeping students with epilepsy safe. Under current state law, only licensed healthcare providers have the ability to administer the treatment needed for immediate seizure relief. However, with the shortage of Certified School Nurses (CSNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) across Pennsylvania, administration of treatments for seizures may be difficult while a student is at school.

Presently, medical technologies exist that allow for life saving interventions to be administered safely by non-medically licensed persons.

In order to ensure swift action for students with epilepsy, we are introducing legislation that will establish voluntary, emergency treatment training for employees of school districts to administer anti-seizure medications and other interventions. This training must be conducted by licensed health care professionals and will focus on treatments specifically designed for use by non-medical persons. In addition, this legislation will include the allowance of administration by non-medically licensed personnel.

Last session, Senator Dave Argall also introduced this legislation, SB 1171, which passed the Senate Education Committee with bipartisan support. This legislation is being crafted to serve the best interests of those students who suffer from epilepsy so that they can attend school safely without loss of instructional time when there is no available medical staff during school hours. It is analogous to previous legislation to allow non-medical personnel to respond to students with low blood sugars (hypoglycemia), another medical emergency where immediate intervention is necessary and possible regardless of the presence of medical personnel.

Please join us in co-sponsoring this important effort to address the emergency medical needs of Pennsylvania students with seizure disorders.