To Clarify The Types Of Epinephrine For Use In Elementary And Secondary Schools In This State.
Impact
The bill establishes a framework for how schools must handle the administration of epinephrine and albuterol, mandating that school districts develop comprehensive health plans in coordination with medical professionals. This legislation empowers school nurses and designated staff to administer lifesaving medications, provided they are properly trained and operate under a physician's standing protocol. Moreover, immunity from liability is granted to school employees who administer these medications in good faith, encouraging prompt medical responses during emergencies.
Summary
House Bill 1166 seeks to clarify regulations regarding the administration of epinephrine and albuterol in Arkansas elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, the bill defines acceptable types of epinephrine, such as auto-injectable epinephrine and epinephrine nasal spray, to ensure appropriate responses to anaphylactic reactions. The emphasis on the importance of these medications is rooted in the need to protect students with severe allergies and respiratory conditions, thereby making schools safer environments for all students.
Contention
While the bill is generally poised to enhance student safety, there may be concerns regarding the potential administrative burden placed on school districts to create and comply with these health plans. Additionally, the dual requirement of parental authorization and documentation could be perceived as an impediment to timely access to necessary treatments, especially in emergency situations. Some advocates might argue for a simpler, more streamlined approach to ensure that all students have unfettered access to their medications when needed, not just those who can navigate the necessary paperwork.
To Provide Clarity Regarding The Certification Of A Veterinary Technician Specialist; And To Authorize A Collaborative Practice Agreement Between A Veterinarian And A Veterinary Technician Specialist.
To Require The Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education To Amend The Current School Rating System; And To Require The Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education To Create A Private School Rating System.
An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Public School Fund Appropriation For The 2023-2024 Fiscal Year.
An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Public School Fund Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.
Concerning Student Attendance Days Approved By The Commissioner Of Elementary And Secondary Education For The Use Of Alternative Methods Of Instruction.
To Create The Universal Newborn Home Nurse Visitation Program To Provide Home Visitation Services For A Newborn Infant And The Parents Of A Newborn Infant.
To Regulate Compensation And Benefits Of Public Officers And Employees; And To Clarify Supervision Of Voluntary Products Under The State And Public School Life And Health Insurance Program.
To Require Private Schools To Administer An Annual Statewide Student Assessment; And To Require Private Schools To Admit Each Student Who Applies For Admission And Intends To Cover Private School Costs With State Funding.
Pertaining to the regulation of certain drugs, authorizing schools to maintain stock supplies of emergency medication kits for certain life-threatening conditions and adding and removing certain substances in schedules I, II, IV and V of the uniform controlled substances act and making conforming changes to the criminal code definition of fentanyl-related controlled substances.