AJ’s Law: Empowering Students Living with Seizures in Georgia Schools

Living with epilepsy or a seizure disorder can present unique challenges for students and families, especially in a school environment. These challenges can range from a lack of education and awareness from school personnel and classmates to a lack of first aid training by school personnel in the event of a seizure during school hours. As students head back to school after summer break, families will no longer have to face these challenges alone thanks to AJ’s Law. Let’s dive into the key questions and points about AJ’s Law that every parent, guardian, and school should know to ensure the well-being and success of students living with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.

WHAT IS AJ’S LAW?

In short, AJ’s Law requires Georgia public schools to both 1) IMPLEMENT seizure actions plans submitted by a student’s parent or guardian, and 2) TRAIN school staff on seizure action plans and seizure first-aid, among other requirements. The law became effective in July 2023 and was passed unanimously by Georgia legislators. The law gets its name from AJ Taylor, a fierce advocate living with epilepsy in Georgia who partnered with Georgia legislators for years to ensure public schools are adequately trained to provide proper care for students living with seizures. Read more about AJ’s journey to change lives across our great state here.

WHAT DOES AJ’S LAW MEAN FOR YOU?

Every student has the right to access a school of their choice regardless of their medical condition. AJ’s Law provides families confidence that students can attend school safely by ensuring Georgia public schools are equipped with the right information and training to enable school personnel to provide proper care for students living with seizures when they need it.

WHAT DOES AJ’S LAW REQUIRE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO DO?

1. Onsite Support and Services: The school must review and act upon the submitted seizure action plan. Each school with a student having a seizure action plan must have a school nurse or trained personnel available during regular school hours to provide support and first aid.
2. Training for School Staff: To ensure effective implementation of seizure action plans, the Department of Education has developed guidelines for training school nurses and staff. This training covers understanding epilepsy and seizure disorders, recognizing symptoms, providing first aid, and maintaining communication with parents and healthcare providers. Importantly, each school must ensure that at least one member of school personnel per grade is trained in implementing seizure action plans.
3. Training for Bus Drivers: Bus drivers responsible for transporting students with epilepsy or seizure disorders must be informed about the condition and receive epilepsy and seizure disorder first aid training. Bus drivers must also be equipped with the student’s emergency contact information.
4. Seizure Action Plans on Field Trips: For off-campus events like field trips, a student’s parent or guardian (or designated individual) may accompany them instead of a school nurse or trained school personnel. A copy of the student’s seizure action plan must be available during the field trip.
5. Limited Liability Protection: Physicians, nurses, school employees, local school systems, or charter school governing bodies are protected from civil damages or disciplinary action when following the guidelines in good faith. The same protection applies to private schools in Georgia that elect to implement the services and support required by AJ’s Law.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?

WHAT IS A SEIZURE ACTION PLAN?

HOW DO I CREATE A SEIZURE ACTION PLAN?

You have a few options for creating a seizure action plan. The easiest way is to utilize a seizure action plan template provided by EFGA and the Georgia Department of Education. Follow the link to be taken directly to the seizure action plan template. Once you have the template, share with your doctor or health care provider to create and align on the plan.