TRENTON – In an effort to inform parents, guardians, and school districts of the risk factors and symptoms of type 1 diabetes, the Senate Education Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Angela V. McKnight that would require the Department of Health (DOH) to develop informational materials on the disease in consultation with the Department of Education (DOE).
“While type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting schoolchildren, many kids are not diagnosed until they experience life-threatening complications,” said Senator McKnight (D-Hudson). “Providing information on type 1 diabetes in schools can aid early detection, help parents plan and prepare treatment for their child, and potentially prevent hospitalization at diagnosis.”
The bill, S-3057, requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Education, to post informational materials on type 1 diabetes on DOE’s website. School districts would also be required to make this information available to parents or guardians of students enrolled in the district.
The information would include a description of type 1 diabetes, risk factors and warning signs, recommendations on when to consult a physician, a description of the screening process, and information on school care following a type 1 diagnosis.
The bill advanced out of committee in an X-X vote.