Villa-Backed Bill to Provide Medical Support for Students Passes House Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – One out of every 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime, most often as a child. Under a bill backed by state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, students with epilepsy will receive improved access to medical support if they have a seizure at school.

“Every child deserves to learn in a safe and supportive environment,” Villa said. “Unfortunately for kids with some medical conditions, leaving the care of their parents or professionals equipped to handle emergency situations can be risky.”

House Bill 1475 requires schools to have an employee volunteer to become a delegated care aid and receive special training about epilepsy. The delegated care aid would be responsible for helping students manage their seizure action plans – which are developed in coordination with the child’s parents and doctors – and respond to medical situations. Additionally, all school employees would be required to review self-study material about seizure recognition and first aid. Students would also gain the right to equip themselves with the supplies they need to treat their epilepsy at all times.

“The Seizure Smart School Act creates a plan for school employees to follow so that students with epilepsy can focus on their education with the confidence that they will have support if a seizure occurs,” said Villa. “I’m proud to support this bill and am looking forward to seeing it become law to make our schools more safe and inclusive for all.”