Relates to directing the commissioner of education to establish rules and regulations for a sepsis awareness and prevention program for schools

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to directing the commissioner of education to establish rules and regulations for a sepsis awareness and prevention program for school districts, boards of cooperative educational services and nonpublic schools

Purpose

This bill directs the Commissioner of Education to establish rules and regulations for a sepsis awareness and prevention program for schools.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 would establish Rory Staunton's Law.

Section 2 amends Education Law to require the Commissioner of Education to promulgate rules and regulations relating to an ongoing sepsis awareness, prevention and education program. The regulations must include a model curriculum, lesson plans and instructional resources that can be made available to every school district at no cost relating to sepsis awareness and prevention; up to date instructional tools and materials for schools and libraries developed in collaboration with the Commissioner of Health; and provide that the Department of Education post on its website information relating to sepsis awareness and prevention. In addition, the Commissioner of Education must issue a guidance memorandum to every school district to inform them of the availability of sepsis awareness and prevention materials and annually, in September, the Commissioner of Education must remind school districts of the availability of sepsis materials as part of sepsis awareness month.

Section 3 provides for the enactment date.

Justification

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection that affects over 1 million Americans each year. In March 2012, Rory Staunton, a healthy 12 year old boy, died of sepsis after cutting his arm during gym class. His symptoms went unrecognized by all around him. If sepsis is diagnosed early enough, it can be treated successfully. Raising awareness about prevention and symptoms of sepsis through education and outreach programs can help prevent another tragedy and save a child's life.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

TBD.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made completed on or before such effective date.