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H 645

An Act allowing the administration of antiseizure medication on school busses

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill permits trained school bus staff to administer emergency antiseizure medications to students experiencing seizures during transport, improving emergency response times and reducing seizure-related harm.

Hearing scheduled for 07/21/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
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Bill Summary · H 645

Legislative bill overview

H 645 authorizes school bus personnel to administer antiseizure medications (such as rescue medications like diazepam or midazolam) to students experiencing seizures during bus transport. The bill modifies existing protocols to allow trained staff to administer these potentially life-saving medications outside of school buildings, addressing a critical gap in emergency medical response during transit.

Why is this important

Students with seizure disorders face a dangerous window of vulnerability during bus rides when school nurses are unavailable but seizures may occur. Quick administration of rescue antiseizure medications can prevent status epilepticus (prolonged seizures) and reduce hospitalizations, brain damage, or death. This bill could significantly improve emergency medical outcomes for an estimated 1-2% of the school-age population with epilepsy.

Potential points of contention

  • Training and liability: Questions about whether bus drivers and aides have adequate medical training, and which entity bears liability if medication administration causes harm or is administered incorrectly
  • Medication storage and access: Concerns about secure storage of controlled substances on buses, preventing misuse or theft, and ensuring medications reach the right student
  • Parental consent and medical protocol: Debate over what parental notification and medical authorization requirements should apply, and whether protocols follow evidence-based seizure management guidelines

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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