New Bill Proposes $34.5M Grant Program to Train School Staff on Seizure Care for Students

This legislation, the "Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act," aims to bolster support for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders within schools. It proposes amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a federal grant program, authorizing $34.5 million over fiscal years 2026 to 2030. The core idea is to funnel funds through states to local school districts specifically for improving seizure awareness and preparedness among school personnel.

Getting Schools Ready: Training and Plans

So, what does this look like on the ground? The bill focuses heavily on preparation. Grant funds are earmarked for training school staff – think teachers, aides, and even bus drivers – on how to recognize and respond to seizures. This includes learning how to administer seizure medications if needed. A key component is the development and use of two types of plans: "individualized health care plans" (IHCPs) and "individualized emergency health care plans" (IEHCPs). These aren't just generic forms; they're meant to be detailed documents crafted by the student's doctor, parents, and the school nurse, outlining specific procedures, symptoms, medication needs, and accommodations for school activities. The goal is a clear, consistent approach to managing the student's condition at school, ensuring everyone involved knows the plan, especially during an emergency.

The Nuts and Bolts: Coordination, Information, and Liability

The bill designates the school nurse as the central coordinator for epilepsy and seizure disorder care within the school. They're responsible for ensuring staff get trained (using approved courses) at least every two years. Importantly, bus drivers are also looped in, receiving notice about students with seizure conditions on their routes, along with emergency contacts and basic care information. To facilitate this coordination, the bill requires parents to sign a release allowing the school to share necessary medical information between the student's physician and other relevant healthcare providers. Recognizing the responsibilities placed on staff, the act includes liability protection for school employees who act in good faith when providing care, unless their actions involve willful misconduct or gross negligence. Finally, the funding is explicitly meant to add to existing resources, not replace them, aiming to enhance, rather than just maintain, current support levels.