Texas House Bill HB3967

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to access to certain health information of public school students during an emergency evacuation.

Impact

The legislation directly addresses the need for swift communication between schools and medical facilities during emergencies. By allowing for the sharing of crucial health information, the bill seeks to enhance student safety and health outcomes in urgent situations. However, it also necessitates that procedures align with federal laws regarding privacy, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The legal frameworks are put in place to ensure that any shared information remains confidential and used solely for emergency purposes.

Summary

House Bill 3967 aims to improve access to health information of public school students during emergency evacuations. Specifically, the bill mandates that the commissioner of education establish procedures allowing school districts to share relevant student medical information with local hospitals or medical centers. This information pertains to medications administered during the school day by authorized school personnel or qualified volunteers. The bill is designed to ensure that medical responders have access to critical health information, potentially improving the care and response provided during emergencies.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB3967 is the balance between student safety and privacy rights. While supporters argue that having immediate access to a student's medical information can save lives during emergencies, critics may raise concerns about how this data may be handled and the potential for misuse. The challenge will lie in developing regulations that provide the necessary access to information without infringing upon students' privacy rights. Additionally, there may be debates about the extent of training required for school personnel to manage and share such sensitive information properly.