Bill > A1608

This bill, known as "Janet's Law," mandates that all public and nonpublic schools serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade must have an automated external defibrillator (AED), a portable device that can analyze a person's heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if needed to restore a normal heartbeat, available in an unlocked location on school grounds by September 1, 2014. The AED must be accessible during school hours and any school-sponsored athletic event or practice, and located near athletic fields or gymnasiums. Additionally, designated school staff, such as coaches or athletic trainers, must be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an AED, though compliance is met if a certified emergency responder is present. Schools are also required to maintain their AEDs according to manufacturer guidelines and inform local emergency medical services about the device's presence and location. Furthermore, schools must develop and implement an emergency action plan for sudden cardiac events, which includes a list of at least five staff members trained in CPR and AED use, and detailed procedures for responding to such emergencies, including calling 911, administering CPR, retrieving and using the AED, and assisting emergency responders. The bill also provides immunity from civil liability for schools and their employees regarding the acquisition and use of AEDs and directs the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to establish necessary rules and regulations to implement these requirements.