Bill > H0313

This bill requires public schools in Idaho to implement a comprehensive sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) prevention program for athletic activities. The bill defines key terms such as "appropriate medical professional," "athletic activity," and "sudden cardiac arrest symptoms," which include fainting, seizures during exercise, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, racing heart rate, and unexplained fatigue. The state department of education must collaborate with the Idaho high school activities association to develop educational guidelines and materials about SCA symptoms, including an information sheet that students and parents must sign annually before participating in athletic activities. Coaches must be trained in SCA recognition through a specific course, such as the one produced by Simon's Heart, and are required to remove a student from an athletic activity if SCA symptoms are observed. The student cannot return to the activity without written clearance from an appropriate medical professional. The bill also provides protection for coaches from civil liability unless they act in a grossly negligent or reckless manner, and encourages youth athletic activity sponsors to follow these guidelines. The provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the aim of increasing awareness and preventing potential cardiac incidents among student athletes.

Health and Social Services

Health and Welfare Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0313/