Bill Summaries: H288 (2019-2020 Session)

Tracking:
  • Summary date: Mar 6 2019 - View summary

    Part I

    Enacts GS 115C-81.22, requiring instruction be provided in first aid and emergency care education for K-12 students, including teaching CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, use of an automated external defibrillator when available, and beginning in 6th grade, bleeding control. Requires instruction in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver be hands-on so that students pass a test approved by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Sets related requirements for schools concerning the instructional program used, documentation of students' successful completion of CPR instruction, and addition of the successful completion of CPR instruction to high school graduation requirements. Describes the required instruction for the use of an automated external defibrillator and bleeding control. 

    Requires the State Board of Education (State Board) to develop and maintain a recommended list of first aid and emergency care materials as specified. Assigns duties to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) concerning strengthening instructional offerings, developing curricular materials and resources, and recommending any addition or removal of education support materials on the State Board's list of first aid and emergency care materials. 

    Authorizes local boards to select supplemental materials from the State Board's list or develop their own materials to be approved by the State Board. Requires local boards to implement an approved first aid and primary care education as a primary part of their comprehensive health education program and provide for ongoing evaluation of the education resources to include participation in ongoing evaluations with DPI.

    Directs DPI, in conjunction with local boards, to provide professional development training for educators and support personnel to implement the education program. Details criteria that must be met for sequential, age-appropriate instruction under the statute. 

    Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-81.25(c)(10).

    Amends GS 115C-375.1, which clarifies that the provision of certain medical care to students is within the scope of duty of public school employees so authorized by their respective local board. Adds a requirement that each local board must make annual instruction in first aid and lifesaving techniques available to employees, including but not limited to, CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and the use of an automated external defibrillator when available. Makes organizational and clarifying changes. 

    Effective July 1, 2020, and applies beginning with the 2020-21 school year. 

    Part II

    Amends GS 115C-47 (concerning the duties of local boards of education), GS 115C-12 (concerning the duties of the State Board of Education), GS 115C-218.75 (concerning charter school operating requirements), GS 115C-238.66 (concerning the duties of boards of directors of regional schools), and GS 116-11 (concerning the duties of the UNC Board of Governors). Requires the placement of at least one trauma kit in each classroom of every school operated by or under the control of the authorities set out in the specified statutes. 

    Amends GS 115C-105.49, to require a presentation be made on the location and use of any trauma kits placed in the school by each school of a local unit, at least annually, along with the existing requirement for each school to hold a full school-wide tabletop exercise and drill based on the procedures in its School Risk Management Plan (SRMP).

    Enacts GS 115C-105.52A, requiring the governing body of each public school unit to place at least one trauma kit at an appropriate and easily accessible location in each classroom of every school within the unit. Defines public school unit to include a local school administrative unit, a charter school, a regional school, and a school providing elementary or secondary education operated by the State Board or UNC. Details ten mandatory contents of trauma kits, along with optional contents that may be included at the principal or administrator's discretion. Requires trauma kit placement be coordinated with the superintendent or equivalent administrator, the principal or equivalent administrator, and local law enforcement and emergency management agencies within the jurisdiction. Requires biannual training on the appropriate use of a trauma kit for all school personnel who are reasonably expected to use the kit, as determined by the superintendent or equivalent administrator. Requires DPI and the Center for Safer Schools to consult with the Department of Public Safety to provide or contract for adequate training on the use of trauma kits, which must meet several specified qualifications. Requires annual inspection and replacement, as necessary, of the kits by the principal or equivalent administrator of each school within a public school unit. 

    Directs DPI to create, no later than January 1, 2020,  an online usage tool to permit principals or equivalent administrators to provide specified information on the use and contents of all trauma kits in their schools.  Requires DPI to annually report, beginning by August 1, 2021, the most recent information provided by the tool to the specified NCGA Committee and Division.

    Grants limited civil immunity to public school units and their members, employees, designees, agents, and volunteers for any acts or omissions related to the use of trauma kits.

    Appropriates from the General Fund to DPI for the 2019-20 fiscal year $10 million in nonrecurring funds to implement Part II of the act, as specified.

    Effective July 1, 2019, and applies beginning with the 2019-20 school year.

    Part III

    Provides the act applies beginning with the 2019-20 school year.