Wisconsin Senate Bill SB854

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/26/23
• Refer: 12/26/23
• Report Pass: 2/14/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

The supply and use of short-acting bronchodilators on school premises or at a school-sponsored event.

Impact

The bill introduces a framework for the management of asthma among students in educational settings. By allowing designated school staff members, such as school nurses, to administer bronchodilators, SB854 seeks to ensure that students experiencing asthma attacks can receive immediate assistance. Additionally, it stipulates that any bronchodilator usage must align with prescriptions or standing orders from healthcare professionals, promoting safe and regulated access to asthma treatments within school environments.

Summary

Senate Bill 854 allows public, private, and tribal schools to adopt a management plan for students with asthma, potentially impacting student health services significantly. The plan must receive approval from qualified medical professionals such as physicians or nurse practitioners. This regulation enables schools to accept donated short-acting bronchodilators, making it easier for schools to stock these essential medications for students in need. The inclusion of bronchodilators specifically aims to improve the response to respiratory emergencies on school premises or during school-sponsored events.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance student safety and health, it also raises concerns regarding liability. SB854 provides certain civil immunities to schools and personnel when administering or allowing self-administration of bronchodilators, which could remove a barrier to timely medical response. Critics may worry that this lack of liability could lead to negligence in handling asthma-related incidents, particularly if staff are untrained in recognizing the signs of distress or fail to follow proper protocols set by healthcare providers. Overall, SB854 engenders a debate between enhancing health services in schools and managing the ethical and practical implications of administering medical treatments.