Bill Caption

Relating to a public school district policy providing that a school nurse may administer prescription asthma medicine to a student. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 3819 would allow school nurses to administer, with parental consent, asthma medicine to students who have a clinical presentation of asthma with signs and symptoms which may include respiratory distress, dyspnea, labored breathing, audible wheezing, tightness of chest, or persistent cough and the student has notification from the parent or guardian. 

If a student is given prescription asthma medication without consent of their parent or guardian, the school nurse would be required to refer the student to the student's primary care provider on the day the medication is administered. Notification would also have to be given to the parent or guardian that includes the student's physical assessment, the name of the medication, and the patient care instructions given to the student. If the student doesn't have a primary care physician, the parents would receive information about how to select a primary care provider. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 3819 adds flexibility by allowing necessary asthma medication to be administered to a child in need who also has written notification from the parent. This supports the principles of individual liberty and limited government. Texas Action supports HB 3819.