New Rhode Island Law Requires Action Plan For Students With Seizure Disorders

PROVIDENCE, RI — A new Rhode Island law requires schools to adopt action plans for students diagnosed with epilepsy and seizure disorders.

The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty, D-South Kingstown, who "introduced the legislation in memory of Matthew Siravo, who passed away due to complications from an epileptic seizure at the age of 5," according to a media release. "Matthew was the son of Representative Fogarty’s neighbors, Richard and Debra Siravo."

The new law requires the Department of Education and the Department of Health to issue guidance for the administration of seizure rescue medications administered for students who have been medically identified as having epilepsy or a seizure disorder, according to the release.

“Any child who has epilepsy should be able to partake in all activities, such as field trips, while the parents have the peace of mind of knowing that their children are in safe hands,” Fogarty said in the release.

“With appropriate training of school personnel, along with safe storage measures, this is legislation that could potentially save lives,” Fogarty said.

The law provides for a parent or legal guardian of any child to expressly authorize school employees, if there is no school nurse immediately available, to administer seizure rescue medication to the child in case of an emergency, while at school or school sponsored activities, according to the release.

"Any school employee authorized to administer the medications would be trained in seizure first aid using the Epilepsy Foundation Seizure Training for School Personnel Program and American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR certification," the release said.

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