Pennsylvania lawmakers are taking steps to improve safety for students living with epilepsy.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 1045, legislation that would require school nurses and school personnel who have direct contact with students to complete training on epilepsy and seizure recognition. Supporters say the measure could help schools respond more effectively when a student experiences a seizure and strengthen partnerships between families, healthcare providers, and educators.
The bill now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration.
If enacted, the legislation would require school nurses and professional employees who interact directly with students to complete epilepsy and seizure-response training every two years. The training would be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and focus on recognizing seizures, understanding appropriate first aid, and responding safely during seizure-related emergencies.
Why the Legislation Matters
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting children. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, approximately 456,000 children in the United States live with active epilepsy. In Pennsylvania alone, epilepsy is believed to affect more than 129,000 residents, according to legislative materials supporting House Bill 1045.
While some seizures are immediately recognizable, others can be subtle and easily mistaken for daydreaming, inattentiveness, or behavioral issues. Delayed recognition may result in missed opportunities to provide appropriate care or activate emergency protocols when necessary. Advocates say mandatory training can help ensure that school personnel know how to identify different seizure types, provide seizure first aid, and understand when additional medical intervention may be needed.
Representative Carol Kazeem, who sponsored the legislation, has emphasized that proper seizure recognition and response can help prevent injuries and improve outcomes for students living with epilepsy.
Building on Existing Efforts
Pennsylvania previously passed legislation that made seizure-recognition training available to school employees on a voluntary basis. House Bill 1045 would move beyond voluntary participation by making the training a requirement for school personnel who work directly with students.
The proposal reflects a broader effort to strengthen health and safety preparedness in schools.
Pennsylvania joins a growing national conversation about creating seizure-safe schools through staff education and emergency preparedness. National epilepsy organizations have advocated for increased seizure recognition training, seizure action plans, and emergency response education to help schools better support students living with epilepsy.
The Epilepsy Foundation’s School Personnel Training Program teaches school staff how to recognize seizures, provide seizure first aid, understand seizure action plans, identify emergencies, and support students with epilepsy in the school setting.
Expert Perspective: A Vital Partnership with Families
For healthcare professionals who care for children with epilepsy, the legislation addresses an important safety concern.
Michele Manter, DNP, CRNP, CPNP-AC, ACCNS-P, CHPPN, CCRN, CPN, a pediatric nurse practitioner at a Philadelphia children’s hospital, believes the legislation could have a meaningful impact on both student safety and family peace of mind.
“I believe passing this bill will significantly improve the safety and well-being of children with epilepsy in our schools,” said Manter. “Because epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological condition of childhood and students spend much of their day at school, training school personnel to recognize seizures and respond promptly—including administering rescue medication when needed—creates a vital partnership with families and can help prevent serious complications.”
Manter notes that seizure preparedness extends beyond emergency response. When school personnel understand epilepsy and seizure management, families can feel more confident that their child will receive appropriate support while away from home.
“This legislation not only enhances quality of life for patients and caregivers but also raises awareness of the importance of timely seizure treatment and seizure safety in the school setting.”
Manter’s comments align with broader efforts to improve seizure preparedness in schools. Training programs recommended by epilepsy advocacy organizations include seizure recognition, seizure first aid, seizure action plans, rescue therapies, and guidance on identifying seizure emergencies.
Understanding Seizure Emergencies
Not every seizure requires emergency medical treatment. However, some seizures can become prolonged, occur in clusters, or develop into life-threatening emergencies that require immediate intervention. For students with known epilepsy, healthcare providers may prescribe rescue medications as part of a seizure action plan. These plans outline important information for caregivers and school personnel, including seizure triggers, medication instructions, emergency contacts, and guidance on when to call 911.
Experts say that when school staff are trained to recognize seizure activity and understand a student’s seizure action plan, they are better equipped to respond quickly and appropriately. This can be especially important in situations where time-sensitive treatment may help prevent complications associated with prolonged seizures.
What Nurses Should Know
For school nurses, pediatric nurses, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals, the legislation highlights the growing importance of collaboration between healthcare and education systems. Nurses frequently play a key role in developing seizure action plans, educating families, communicating with schools, and ensuring continuity of care for students with epilepsy.
If the bill becomes law, healthcare providers may see increased opportunities to support schools through education, care coordination, and individualized planning for students who have seizure disorders. The legislation also reinforces the importance of health literacy and emergency preparedness within school communities.
While schools cannot replace medical care, advocates argue they should be prepared to recognize medical emergencies and provide appropriate first aid until additional help arrives.
Looking Ahead
The bill’s future now rests with the Pennsylvania Senate. If approved and signed into law, Pennsylvania would join a growing number of states working to improve seizure safety through school-based education and preparedness initiatives.
For families of children with epilepsy, supporters say the legislation represents more than a training requirement—it represents reassurance that the adults responsible for their children during the school day are prepared to recognize a seizure, respond appropriately, and help keep students safe. As schools continue to support students with increasingly complex healthcare needs, advocates believe epilepsy education and seizure preparedness are essential components of creating safer learning environments for all.
