Massachusetts § 55A - Sick, injured or incapacitated pupils; procedure for handling; emergency first aid or transportation; exemption from civil liability

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 55A — Sick, injured or incapacitated pupils; procedure for handling; emergency first aid or transportation; exemption from civil liability, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 55A. Sick, injured or incapacitated pupils; procedure for handling; emergency first aid or transportation; exemption from civil liability

Section 55A. A child showing signs of ill health or of being infected with a disease dangerous to the public health as defined in accordance with section six of chapter one hundred and eleven shall be sent home immediately, or as soon as safe and proper conveyance can be found, or shall be referred to a school physician, who may direct that such child be sent home. In the case of schools remotely situated, such other steps may be taken as will best effectuate the purpose of this section and ensure the safety of such child and other pupils. The superintendent of schools or collaborative director of a collaborative as set forth in section four E of chapter forty, shall immediately cause the board of health to be notified of all children excluded under this section by reason of any disease dangerous to the public health.

No public school teacher and no collaborative school teacher, no principal, secretary to the principal, nurse or other public school or collaborative school employee who, in good faith, renders emergency first aid or transportation to a student who has become injured or incapacitated in a public school or collaborative school building or on the grounds thereof shall be liable in a suit for damages as a result of his acts or omissions either for such first aid or as a result of providing such emergency transportation to a place of safety, nor shall such person be liable to a hospital for its expenses if under such emergency conditions he causes the admission of such injured or incapacitated student, nor shall such person be subject to any disciplinary action by the school committee, or collaborative board of such collaborative for such emergency first aid or transportation.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 55A

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 55A cover?

Section 55A ("Sick, injured or incapacitated pupils; procedure for handling; emergency first aid or transportation; exemption from civil liability") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 55A?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 55A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 55A apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.