SPRINGFIELD – Students with epilepsy would be better protected at school under a proposal by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) that passed the Senate recently.

“With a long-term risk of recurrent seizures, children with epilepsy require individuals around them to be able to effectively respond should a seizure occur,” Morrison said. “By developing a plan that lays out the unique set of health care needs of students with epilepsy, schools are ensuring they are fully prepared to both treat and manage a disorder that affects 470,000 children nationwide.”

Morrison’s proposal – contained in House Bill 1475 – creates the Seizure Smart School Act, which would require the development of a plan for students with epilepsy that includes training for employees and care aides on how to handle students with the disorder.

The plan requires student’s parents or guardians to share the health care provider’s instructions on managing the student’s epilepsy and include a copy of any prescriptions and how and when to administer those medicines.

"Many people who develop epilepsy do so during their school years,” said Bryan Anderson, President and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. "It is important for school personnel to know how to recognize a seizure and how to appropriately respond should it happen in a school setting. Enactment of this legislation can save lives.”

House Bill 1475 passed the Senate without opposition on May 16 and will now head to the governor’s office for his approval.