Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S262

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Providing for diabetes management in schools

Impact

The proposed amendments to Section 54B of chapter 71 of the General Laws signify a shift towards fostering a supportive environment for students with diabetes in public schools. By permitting trained health assistants to play a hands-on role in managing diabetes symptoms and treatments, the bill enhances the available resources within schools. It emphasizes the importance of training and supervision, ensuring that educational staff are adequately prepared to support students with chronic health conditions, thereby promoting student welfare and academic performance.

Summary

Bill S262, presented by Senator Sal N. DiDomenico, is aimed at improving diabetes management in schools across Massachusetts. The bill specifically allows for trained health assistants to administer treatment for low blood sugar to students with type 1 diabetes under the direct supervision of licensed school nurses. This legislative effort seeks to ensure that students who require diabetes management can receive timely and appropriate care while at school, addressing a critical health need among school-aged children.

Contention

While the bill aims to facilitate better health management for students, it may raise questions regarding the training and qualifications required for health assistants. Some stakeholders might express concerns about the training adequacy and potential liabilities associated with delegating medical tasks to non-licensed personnel. Additionally, discussions around the funding and resources necessary to implement these training programs across various school districts could become a point of contention as legislators consider the bill's implications for school budgets and resource allocation.

Companion Bills

MA H539

Similar To Providing for diabetes management in schools

MA S2661

Replaced by Relative to the board of elementary and secondary education

Previously Filed As

MA S342

Providing for diabetes management in schools

MA H652

Providing for diabetes management in schools

MA H539

Providing for diabetes management in schools

MA H0597

Diabetes Management in Schools

MA H963

Relative to costs for treatment and management of diabetes

MA SB1303

Student diabetes medical management plans; School Health Services Committee to conduct a review.

MA S363

Increasing access to emergency diabetes management medication

MA H1463

Diabetes Management

MA SB01178

An Act Concerning The Care And Treatment Of Students With Diabetes While At School.

MA HB612

Revise insurance requirements for diabetes self-management

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.