THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE BILL

INTRODUCED BY BOSCOLA, FONTANA, TARTAGLIONE, FARNESE AND ALLOWAY, MARCH 14, 2011

REFERRED TO EDUCATION, MARCH 14, 2011  

AN ACT

Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An

act relating to the public school system, including certain

provisions applicable as well to private and parochial

schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the

laws relating thereto," providing for blood donation

education.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known

as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a

section to read:

Section 1526.  Blood Donation Education.--(a)  The department

shall, in cooperation with the Department of Health:

(1)  Establish a unit of instruction to educate students in

grades eleven and twelve regarding blood donation, to emphasize

the need for donated blood and to encourage blood donation and

participation in blood donation programs for students in grades

eleven and twelve.

(2)  Develop and distribute appropriate educational materials

and resources to educators and public and nonpublic schools.

(b)  The unit of instruction required under subsection (a)

shall be integrated within the health course of study required

in accordance with the State Board of Education regulations

contained in 22 Pa. Code Ch. 4 (relating to academic standards

and assessment). The department may utilize any appropriate

public or private materials, personnel and other resources in

developing and implementing this unit of instruction.

(c)  The unit of instruction required under subsection (a)

shall include:

(1)  A physiology component relating to blood, blood types

and the circulatory system.

(2)  A need and usage component that includes information

relating to:

(i)  The frequency of and situations where donated blood is

needed.

(ii)  Procedures utilized for the collection of donated blood

and the safety of those procedures.

(iii)  Procedures utilized for the storage of donated blood

and the various uses of donated blood.

(iv)  Specific instances where an available donated blood

supply assisted individuals in need.

(3)  A participation component to encourage students to

donate blood and volunteer at local blood banks, which component

emphasizes the personal rewards and community benefits from

donation and participation.

(d)  (1)  A student shall be excused from participation in

the unit of instruction required under subsection (a) if the

student or, if the student is less than eighteen (18) years of

age, the student's parent or guardian objects in writing to such

participation on religious grounds.

(2)  No student excused under paragraph (1) shall be

penalized for such excuse. During the time period that the unit

of instruction is presented, a substitute unit of instruction

shall be provided to the student in accordance with regulations

promulgated by the State Board of Education.

(e)  The State Board of Education shall adopt rules and

regulations necessary for the implementation of this section.

Section 2.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.