New Jersey Assembly Bill A5603

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/15/23
• Refer: 6/15/23

Caption

Requires school districts to implement policy pertaining to use in school setting of medical devices that require utilization of district's internet.

Impact

The bill underscores the importance of ensuring that students have access to necessary medical technology to support healthcare while they are in school. The requirements include establishing a compliant technology infrastructure in schools, as well as providing necessary training for staff to assist students with these devices. This infrastructure will be funded through a special 'Medical Device Technology Fund,' allowing school districts to apply for grants to support their compliance with the legislation.

Overall

In summary, A5603 represents a significant step towards integrating technology into the educational environment to meet the needs of students with health considerations. While the bill aims to enhance the support available to students reliant on medical devices, its implementation will require careful navigation of privacy concerns and the creation of adequate infrastructure to ensure effective deployment.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5603 establishes a framework for the utilization of internet-connected medical devices by students in public schools across New Jersey. This legislation mandates that school districts create and implement policies to facilitate the use of medical devices, defined as those prescribed by licensed healthcare professionals that require internet access. The policy must be enacted within 90 days of the bill's effective date and will require an annual review to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of students using medical devices.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the requirement for school districts to ensure strict adherence to data privacy and security laws when handling any information collected by these medical devices. Concerns may arise over the potential risk of data breaches or mishandling of sensitive student data. Additionally, the requirement for parental acknowledgement of the school's policies raises questions about transparency and communication between schools and families regarding health-related decisions for students.