Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/42291
Seizure bill goes to governor over educators' objections CTA AND ORGANIZATIONS represent- ing medical and school personnel are urg- ing Gov. Jerry Brown to veto a CTA-opposed measure that would put the physical health of students with epilepsy at risk. Senate Bill 161 by Sen. Robert Huff (R-Diamond Bar) would provide for the rec- tal administration by unlicensed, nonmedi- cal school employees of the drug Diastat to students experiencing seizures. Over the objections of educators, educa- tional support personnel, nurses, and oth- ers committed to the health and safety of students, SB 161 has cleared both houses of the Legislature and now awaits the gov- ernor's decision. Educators have been concerned about the danger posed to students by having teach- ers, other certificated personnel or educa- tion support professionals administer the drug. They feel it is unrealistic to assume that unlicensed, nonmedical school employees Educators should not be put in this position. will receive sufficient training to distinguish between different types of seizures and recog- nize whether or not the seizure can be safely treated with Diastat. Inappropriate adminis- tration is not harmless; it can result in serious consequences such as respiratory depression. There are no funds identified in SB 161 for training unlicensed, nonmedical "vol- unteers" on or off the job. Neither is there funding to keep volunteers on the job in the event of an epileptic seizure that occurs at the end of a contract day; the volunteer could be required to remain with the student for as long as four hours after the adminis- tration of Diastat. This bill puts unlicensed, nonmedical employees in the position of making medical assessments, distinguishing between seizure types, monitoring breathing and deciding when a child can go back to class after receiving Diastat. Teachers, custodians, secretaries and bus drivers should not be put in this position, say educators, nor are they qualified to make medical assessments. SB 161 undermines existing protections for both students and school employees without ensuring that every child receives the necessary medical services and care students have a right to expect. Story by Len Feldman and Toni Trigueiro American Public University You are1degree away from changing your world. Which 1 will it be? Y ou are one degree away from achieving more. American Public University has 87 online degrees. Our tuition is far less than other top online universities so you can further your education without breaking the bank. You are one click away from making it happen. Graduate level courses start monthly at only $325 per semester hour. Learn more about one of the best values in online education at studyatAPU.com/cal-ed APU was recognized in 2009 and 2010 for best practices in online education by the prestigious Sloan Consortium. Text "APU" to 44144 for more info. Message and data rates may apply. September 2011 / www.cta.org 37