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Bill

H 617

An act relating to seizure disorders in schools

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Hooper

Vermont schools must implement individualized Seizure Action Plans, designate trained staff to administer seizures and VNS care, and annually certify and report compliance.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Education
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Bill Summary · H 617

Overview

H.617 (2025-2026) from Vermont would require public schools and approved independent schools to implement comprehensive seizure management for students with seizure disorders. The bill creates seizure action plans, designates trained staff to administer seizure rescue medications and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices, requires parent and health-provider authorization, provides training for staff and students, and establishes annual reporting and compliance review by the Agency of Education.

Purpose and intent

  • Ensure safe, standardized management of seizures within school settings.
  • Enable timely administration of seizure rescue medications and VNS-related care when appropriate.
  • Improve awareness and understanding of seizures among students, staff, and families.
  • Create a formal, auditable framework for seizure-related accommodations and care in schools.
  • Collect and report data to the General Assembly to monitor compliance and implementation.

Key provisions and changes

  • Seizure Action Plans (Section 16 V.S.A. § 1370)
    • Definition: A written, individualized health plan for students diagnosed with a seizure disorder.
    • Scope: Applies to all public schools and approved independent schools.
  • Designation of trained personnel (a) (Beginning 2027–2028)
    • Each school must designate at least two staff members at each school trained to:
    • Administer or assist with self-administered seizure rescue medications.
    • Administer or assist with VNS magnet (manual vagus nerve stimulation).
  • Training requirements (b, c)
    • Training must cover administering seizure medications, manual VNS administration, recognizing seizures, and responding appropriately.
    • A full-time school nurse can fulfill these duties and training requirements.
    • Training programs must align with Epilepsy Foundation guidelines or equivalent approved programs; can be online or in person and must be provided at no charge.
  • Authorization and administration (d)
    • Parents must provide:
    • Written authorization for school administration of medications.
    • Written health-care provider statement detailing name, medication, dosage, route, frequency, and circumstances for administration.
    • The medication must be delivered to the school in an unopened, sealed package with pharmacy label intact.
    • Authorization is valid for the school year and renewable annually upon meeting requirements.
  • Training and implementation (c)
    • Training for school personnel on recognition and first aid of seizures occurs every two years.
    • Training content must be consistent with Epilepsy Foundation guidelines and approved by the Agency of Education in consultation with the Department of Health.
  • Seizure action plan development (d)
    • Parents collaborate with school personnel to create the plan.
    • Plans are kept on file at the school (nurse or administrator’s office) and distributed to relevant staff/volunteers.
    • Plan must include provider-verified information (student name, medications, dosage, administration frequency, and seizure-symptom guidance).
  • Seizure education (e)
    • Schools must provide an age-appropriate seizure education program to all students.
    • The program must align with Epilepsy Foundation guidelines.
    • The Vermont State Board of Education shall adopt rules to develop and implement the education program.
  • Liability protection (f)
    • Schools and staff acting in good faith and substantially in line with the health plan and health-care professional instructions are shielded from criminal or civil damages for services provided under this section.
  • Compliance certification and reporting (g)
    • Starting in 2027–2028, districts and independent schools must annually certify compliance, including:
    • Training completion for required personnel.
    • Implementation/maintenance of seizure action plans.
    • Availability of designated trained personnel to administer medications.
    • Distribution of seizure action plans to relevant staff/volunteers.
    • The Agency of Education must maintain an online, public database of compliance.
    • Annual compliance report to the Agency, including trained staff counts, plan implementation status, and identified gaps with corrective actions.
    • The Agency may conduct random audits or request additional documentation.
  • Annual reporting to Legislature (h)
    • By January 15 each year, the Agency must submit a written report to specified House and Senate committees summarizing compliance rates, implementation challenges, and recommended improvements.

Affected parties and scope

  • Public schools governed by Vermont's school districts.
  • Approved independent schools (private schools approved by state authorities).
  • Students diagnosed with seizure disorders.
  • Parents/guardians of affected students.
  • School personnel, including principals, guidance counselors, teachers, bus drivers, classroom aides, and school nurses.
  • Health care providers whose information is included in seizure action plans.

Timelines and implementation

  • Training and designation requirements take effect starting the 2027–2028 school year.
  • Annual compliance certification begins in the 2027–2028 school year and every year thereafter.
  • Ongoing training cycles occur every two years for school personnel.
  • The Agency of Education must publish an online compliance database and report annually to the General Assembly by January 15.

Administrative and fiscal considerations

  • Requires allocation of staff time for training and plan development.
  • Potential need for resources for online training, materials, and compliance auditing.
  • Liability protections are designed to reduce concern over litigation for actions taken in good faith.

Summary

H.617 aims to normalize and formalize seizure care in Vermont schools by requiring seizure action plans, designated trained staff, parent-provider authorization, and regular training. It emphasizes safe administration of seizure rescue medications and VNS-related care, standardized education for students, and transparent statewide compliance reporting. The bill establishes a two-year training cycle, an annual certification process, and a public compliance database, with accountability through agency audits and annual legislative reporting. Effective date: July 1, 2026, with major operational requirements commencing in the 2027–2028 school year.

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

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