To: Senate Committee on Education
From: Erich Haslehurst
Date: April 9, 2025
Re: S392 – RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
Dear Chair Gallo and Members of the Committee,
I am writing on behalf of the National Education Association Rhode Island and our 12,000 members to express our concerns with S392, introduced by Senator Tikoian.
We have concerns regarding time, training, liability, and funding related to this proposed legislation. Our members are not authorized to distribute Tylenol, yet this bill would mandate training in Basic Emergency and Response Skills (BEARS), including hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control.
Our members are educators, not emergency medical technicians. They are already being tasked with roles as mental health professionals, social workers, and even body shields. The additional burden being placed on them without consideration for their current responsibilities is significant. There are limited hours available for professional development, and replacing necessary training with healthcare instruction would be a trade-off.
While the intentions behind this legislation are commendable, we have reservations about its practical implementation. Therefore, we respectfully request that this bill be postponed for further review.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Erich Haslehurst
