Pennsylvania House Bill HB1084

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/23
• Refer: 5/2/23

Caption

In school health services, providing for school access to bronchodilators.

Impact

If passed, the bill will amend the Public School Code of 1949 to explicitly allow schools to keep bronchodilators on hand and administer them under specified conditions. The administration would require training for personnel and written permissions from parents or guardians, along with established protocols for when and how to administer these medications. This change seeks to strengthen the response to respiratory emergencies in schools and provide schools with a comprehensive framework for handling such situations.

Summary

House Bill 1084 aims to enhance school health services in Pennsylvania by providing clear regulations for school access to bronchodilators. Under this bill, authorized personnel, including school nurses and trained employees, can administer bronchodilators to students experiencing asthma episodes or respiratory distress. This legislative measure is designed to ensure that students who need bronchodilators have timely access to these critical medications, especially in emergency situations, promoting overall student health and safety in schools.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1084 appears to be supportive, particularly among legislators focused on health and safety issues in educational settings. Proponents argue that access to bronchodilators will significantly improve the management of asthma in schools and provide peace of mind for parents. However, concerns have been raised regarding potential implementation challenges and the need for sufficient training and resources to ensure staff can manage these responsibilities effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the distribution and management of bronchodilators within schools, including fears over liability when administering medications and the adequacy of training for school personnel. There is also a discussion of how the bill integrates into existing health protocols and the capacity of schools to adhere to the new requirements without compromising other health services.