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Bill Summary · HB 141

HB 141 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) — Summary

Purpose and overall aim
- The bill focuses on Type 1 diabetes information for families and, in amended form, expands to a broader set of health priorities related to diseases (per Senate amendments). The core legislative text initially directs state education and health authorities to provide parental information about Type 1 diabetes, its signs, and early detection, and to encourage consultation with health care providers for appropriate treatment planning.

Key provisions

Section 158 (Type 1 diabetes information for families)
- Duty of the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), in coordination with the Department of Health (and other appropriate entities such as the Kentucky Board of Licensed Diabetes Educators when applicable) to develop informational materials for parents/guardians of students.
- Content of materials:
- Description of Type 1 diabetes
- Risk factors and warning signs
- Need for screening for early detection using a blood autoantibody test
- Guidance to promptly consult with the student’s primary care provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan if warning signs appear or screening results are positive
- Treatment plans may involve consultations with specialty health care providers (e.g., endocrinologists)
- Accessibility: Materials provided at no cost on KDE's website.
- Distribution obligation: Local boards of education and public charter school boards must annually provide these materials to parents/guardians of students in preschool through 12th grade.
- Additional distribution requirements (HCS 1 variant): Materials must also be posted on school or district websites, displayed at the main school entrance, and available in family resource and youth services centers.

Section 2 (Senate amendments) — Sickle cell disease provisions and title amendment
- A new section of KRS Chapter 216B is created with requirements for hospitals:
- By January 1, 2027, hospitals must establish policies to improve care for sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, including:
- Expedited pain management protocols aiming for relief within 30 minutes of arrival
- Formation of SCD crisis management medical care teams in emergency rooms
- ER staff training on recognizing pain episodes, addressing biases, and providing culturally competent care
- Programs to prevent/address addiction risks for SCD patients, including:
- Non-opioid pain management options
- Accessible addiction treatment tailored for SCD patients with opioid dependence
- Patient education and resources:
- Self-efficacy education to manage SCD as a chronic illness
- Financial literacy workshops to assist with budgeting during extended hospital stays
- Title amendment proposed to read “AN ACT relating to diseases.”

Affected parties and impact

  • Students and families: Enhanced access to Type 1 diabetes information; improved awareness of signs and early detection; clearer pathways to medical care and treatment planning.
  • Schools: Required distribution and display of materials; integration into school communications and resources.
  • State agencies: KDE, Department of Health, and other health education bodies coordinate material development and dissemination.
  • Hospitals (per Senate amendments): New policies and training to standardize and improve SCD care, with emphasis on timely pain management, specialized teams, non-opioid options, addiction support, and patient education.
  • Healthcare providers: Encouraged/required to implement referral pathways and coordinated care for Type 1 diabetes and, in amendments, SCD patients.

Timeline and process

  • Original House version: Materials to be developed and distributed annually to parents/guardians; materials on KDE website at no cost.
  • Senate amendments add a separate healthcare title requiring hospitals to implement SCD care improvements by January 1, 2027, and call for related education and financial literacy initiatives for SCD patients.
  • The bill has progressed through committee and floor actions in the House and Senate, with amendments filed and adopted during the session.

Notes
- The Senate amendments significantly broaden the bill’s scope beyond Type 1 diabetes to address sickle cell disease and overall disease-related care and education. If enacted, final text will determine the exact policy mix.

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

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