Beach Bill to Help Students with Seizure Disorders Clears Committee

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator James Beach, which would allow for an individualized health care plan for a public school student with a seizure disorder, cleared the Senate Education Committee today.

“As a former teacher, I know that an unexpected crisis can occur at any time during a typical school day. However, with appropriate training, complete information and an individualized health care plan, school personnel can be better prepared. All school personnel should know what to do when a student has a seizure, whether it is in the classroom or at an after school event,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden). “With the help of Paul St. Pierre, this legislation will go a long way in educating our teachers and school personnel on how to handle a situation when one of their students has a seizure.”

Under the bill, S-4141, entitled “Paul’s Law,” the parents or guardians of the student with a seizure disorder, would inform the school nurse. The school nurse would develop both an individualized health care plan and an emergency plan for the students authorized to receive care at their public school.

Paul St. Pierre of Maple Shade, the namesake for the bill, is a youth epileptic disorder activist in Senator Beach’s district. Since being diagnosed with epilepsy, he has created a non-profit, Paul’s Purple Warriors NJ, to spread epilepsy awareness and provide support to others living with the disorder.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 6-0.