Florida Care of Students Epilepsy Law

The Care of Students with Epilepsy or Seizure Disorder Law

Florida Statute 1006.0626, also known as the Care of Students with Epilepsy or Seizure Disorder Law, was created in 2022 to ensure that Florida schools are prepared to care for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders. The law requires schools to develop an individualized seizure action plan (ISAP) for each student with these conditions. The ISAP is a document that outlines the student’s health care and emergency services, and must be developed and signed by a medical professional in consultation with the student’s parent. The ISAP also includes procedural guidelines and specific directions for how the school will provide these services.

The law also includes other requirements, such as:

• Providing training to school nurses and other employees who regularly interact with the student.
• Providing information and training to school bus drivers who transport students with epilepsy or seizure disorders.
• Requiring school nurses to obtain certain releases related to the student’s medical information and care.
• Providing immunity from liability under certain conditions.

The ISAP must be developed and signed by a medical professional, in consultation with the student’s parent, and include the following:

1. Written orders from the student’s medical professional outlining the student’s epilepsy or seizure disorder recommended care.
2. The parent’s signature.
3. The student’s epilepsy or seizure disorder symptoms.
4. Any accommodations the student requires for school trips, after-school programs and activities, class parties, and other school-related activities.
5. When and whom to call for medical assistance.
6. The student’s ability to manage and the student’s level of understanding of their epilepsy or seizure disorder.
7. How to maintain communication with the student, the student’s parent, and the student’s health care team, school nurse, and educational staff.
8. Any rescue medication prescribed by the student’s medical professional and how and when to administer the medication.

The school nurse or an appropriate school employee of a school that receives an ISAP under subsection shall:

• In accordance with Florida Statute 1006.0626, coordinate the provision of epilepsy and seizure disorder care at the school for the student, including administering anti-seizure and rescue medications as outlined in the ISAP.
• Verify that each school employee whose duties include regular contact with the student has completed training in caring for students with epilepsy and seizure disorders.