S.B. 1443 Summary

• Authorizes Hawaii Department of Education schools to maintain stock supplies of bronchodilators (emergency asthma medications) for use during respiratory distress episodes.

• Requires schools maintaining bronchodilator supplies to develop protocols covering employee training, medication maintenance, storage location, follow-up procedures, and parental notification.

• Permits school nurses and authorized trained employees to administer bronchodilators to any student or individual experiencing actual or perceived asthma episodes.

• Requires bronchodilators to be prescribed by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant with the school designated as the patient, and allows schools to accept donations and grants for medication procurement.

• Provides civil and criminal liability immunity to schools, employees, and healthcare providers administering bronchodilators in accordance with requirements, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.