Bill > S1631

This bill aims to improve sudden cardiac arrest awareness and prevention in schools by establishing comprehensive guidelines and requirements. The legislation mandates that the departments of public health and education develop and post online educational materials about heart disease symptoms, warning signs, and risks associated with athletic activities. Schools must now provide annual information to students about cardiac health, including safety regulations for extracurricular athletic activities. Students and parents must sign an acknowledgment form each year recognizing these guidelines. The bill requires that any student who loses consciousness or exhibits cardiac-related symptoms during an athletic activity must be immediately removed from participation and can only return after being cleared by a medical professional. Additionally, the legislation requires schools to incorporate hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillator (AED) training as a graduation requirement, using the most current national emergency cardiovascular care guidelines. To support implementation, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education can provide financial incentives through mini-grants or subsidies to school districts, with priority given to high-needs schools, to support equipment and professional development for CPR and AED training. The bill emphasizes education, prevention, and student safety while explicitly stating that it does not create additional liability for schools or volunteers.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1631