2019 -- H 5323

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LC001274

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Donovan, Bennett, Amore, Ranglin-Vassell, and
McNamara

     Date Introduced: February 07, 2019

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws entitled "Health and Safety of Pupils" is

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hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     16-21-37. Possession of over-the-counter medications.

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     (a) School districts shall allow students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) while on

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school property or at school-related events or activities, to possess and use appropriate doses of

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over-the-counter medications and products including, but not limited to aspirin, acetaminophen,

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ibuprofen, anti-prostaglandins, antihistamines, azoles, and topical anesthetics, without a

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physician's or parent's note.

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     (b) Nothing in this section shall make the school district or its personnel liable for any

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damages under this section.

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     (c) The school district may encourage schools to educate pupils on the safe use of over-

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the-counter medications.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001274

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

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     This act would permit students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) to possess and use

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over-the-counter medication and products during school activities without a doctor's or parent's

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note. It would authorize the school district to encourage schools to educate pupils on the safe use

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of such products, but would not hold the school district or its personnel liable for any damages.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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