Requires teachers in public and non-public school systems to be trained in identifying and responding to asthma emergencies in accordance with prescribed standards

8 Co-sponsors

• Ruben Diaz
• Thomas K. Duane
• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Liz Krueger
• George Onorato
• John L. Sampson
• José M. Serrano
• Malcolm A. Smith

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring all teachers to be trained in identifying and responding to asthma emergencies

Purpose

This legislation seeks to require the training of all teachers and other appropriate personnel for the purposes of identifying and responding to asthma emergencies. The state Education Commissioner, working in concert with the Health Commissioner, is directed to establish standards for the training of teachers and other appropriate personnel in identifying and responding to asthma emergencies in pupils and other persons.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Adds a new Education Law section 3001-e to require the Education Commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to establish standards for the training of teachers and other appropriate personnel in identifying and responding to asthma emergencies.

Justification

The incidence of asthma is rapidly increasing among children. Pediatric asthma has grown by 73% from 1982 to 1994. It is one of the primary reasons for school absenteeism for chronic diseases. In this environment, it is important for teachers and other appropriate personnel be trained in the proper methods of identifying and responding to situations when a child is having an asthma attack or episode. Rapid treatment can dramatically lessen the symptoms that children must endure, but this treatment will remain unavailable in many instances for lack of proper training.

Legislative history

S.4434 of 2006 - Referred to Education S.2266 of 2008 - Referred to Education

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect one year after it becomes law.