Hawaii Senate Bill SB1443

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Asthma.

Impact

The legislation amends Hawaii Revised Statutes to allow schools to maintain a stock of bronchodilators and ensure that trained school employees can administer this medication in case of an asthma episode. This policy is expected to lead to better health outcomes for children suffering from asthma, potentially reducing emergency room visits and associated healthcare costs that burden families and the state. Moreover, the bill underscores the importance of having a well-thought-out protocol for the administration of these medications, which includes proper training for school staff.

Summary

Senate Bill 1443 aims to address the serious health issue of asthma among children in Hawaii by authorizing the Department of Education (DOE) to stock bronchodilators for emergency use in schools. Currently, many children experience asthma attacks during school hours without immediate access to medication, which can exacerbate their condition and lead to unnecessary hospital visits. The bill recognizes that effective and timely intervention is crucial for managing asthma and seeks to mitigate the challenges children face during such emergencies.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1443 may include concerns about the liability that schools might incur from administering bronchodilators. The legislation attempts to address these concerns by including provisions for training and liability protections for school employees who administer the medication in good faith. However, critics may argue that expanding the responsibilities of school staff could expose them to greater legal risks and question the adequacy of the training provided. Additionally, ensuring the availability and proper storage of medications raises logistical issues that schools may need to navigate effectively.