Connecticut House Bill HB05170

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/19
• Refer: 1/11/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Administration Of Glucagon In Schools.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05170 would significantly change how schools manage the health and emergency care of students with diabetes by allowing potentially any qualified staff member to administer glucagon without the need for voluntary consent. This could lead to improved health outcomes for these students, as it reduces delays in treatment that can occur if staff members hesitate to act due to the voluntary agreement clause. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of having a supportive infrastructure in schools for students with chronic health conditions.

Summary

House Bill 05170 proposes an amendment to the current regulations governing the administration of glucagon, a lifesaving hormone used during severe diabetic episodes, in school settings. The primary intent of this bill is to eliminate the requirement that a qualified school employee must voluntarily agree to administer glucagon to students diagnosed with diabetes. The bill is aimed at ensuring that students have access to necessary medical care while at school, particularly in the event of a hypoglycemic episode, where timely administration of glucagon is critical.

Contention

Notably, there may be differing opinions on the implications of this bill. Some advocates suggest that removing the voluntary agreement requirement will enable more proactive and immediate responses during medical emergencies, ultimately framing it as a boon for student safety. Conversely, concerns could arise relating to the adequacy of training and oversight for staff who would be obligated to act in emergency situations without explicit consent. Discussions may also delve into whether such changes could place undue pressure on school employees, who may feel uncomfortable or unprepared to administer medication in high-stress scenarios.