RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

HB1499

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1499

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to the department of education
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

����
SECTION
1.
�
The legislature finds that school
health assistants, pursuant to section 302A-853, Hawaii Revised Statutes, may
administer medications to students in public schools.
�
However, due to vacancies, many schools
experience challenges in meeting the needs of students who are prescribed
medications or may benefit from receiving medications in emergency situations
while on campus.

����
The
legislature further finds that school staff acting as volunteers can be an
effective substitute after completing training and general instruction in tasks
such as correctly interpreting the health care provider's orders; identifying
the correct route of administration of medication, either oral or nasal;
confirming the correct dosage; administering the medications at the right time;
and duly documenting events.
�
Skilled
nursing services such as those that require a license, are out of scope for
both school health assistants and trained volunteers.

����
Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to authorize public school employees or agents who
have completed appropriate training to act as volunteer substitutes to
administer medications to students consistent with standards applicable to
school health assistants.

����
SECTION 2.
�
Section 302A-853, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

����
"
�302A-853
�

Administration of medication.
�
(a)
�

School

health assistants
, and other employees and agents trained by a health care
professional employed or contracted by the department,
may assist students
by administering oral, nasal, and topical medication, and in emergency
situations, other premeasured medication; provided that:

����
(1)
�
If the student receiving the medication is a
minor, a parent or guardian requests and authorizes the administration of
medication;

����
(2)
�
The medication has been prescribed by a licensed physician,
[
as defined in section 334-1,
]
physician's assistant, advanced
practice registered nurse,
or [
by a
]
other
practitioner with
prescriptive authority;

����
(3)
�
The administration of the medication is with the approval
of a health care professional within the department, department of health, or
health care service as defined in section 323D-2 pursuant to a written
agreement with the department; and

����
(4)
�
The administration of the medication is necessary for the
health of the student and for the student's attendance at school.
"

����
SECTION
3.
�
Statutory material to be repealed is
bracketed and stricken.
�
New statutory
material is underscored.

����
SECTION 4.
�
This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department
of Education; Administration of Medication; Students' Health and Safety

Description:

Expands
the Department of Education's authority to allow more trained staff to
volunteer to assist students with the administration of medication.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.