Bill > H2485

This bill establishes comprehensive cardiac health screening requirements for children and student athletes in Massachusetts. The legislation mandates that healthcare professionals performing annual physical examinations for children 19 and younger must include specific cardiac screening questions covering family heart health history, including questions about fainting, chest pain, family heart conditions, and sudden deaths. For students participating in school athletic teams or squads, a detailed "Preparticipation Physical Evaluation" form must be completed within 6 weeks before the first day of athletic practice, which includes comprehensive cardiac screening questions. The bill requires the departments of elementary and secondary education and public health to develop a professional development module for healthcare practitioners to improve their cardiac screening skills, covering topics like identifying cardiac arrest symptoms and when to refer students to cardiologists. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of an informational pamphlet about sudden cardiac arrest for parents and students, which must be distributed annually and reviewed by participants in school sports. Healthcare professionals must complete the cardiac screening module every four years and retain documentation of their training. The goal is to enhance early detection of potential cardiac conditions in children and student athletes, potentially preventing sudden cardiac events.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2485