Bill > H556

This bill requires all public high schools in Massachusetts to provide instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use as part of their existing physical education or health education curriculum for students in grades 9 through 12. The instruction must be based on a program developed by a nationally recognized association specializing in CPR and AED education, and must include hands-on learning for each student. This will become a mandatory graduation requirement, though students can be exempted if a physician certifies that participation would be harmful to their health or if their parent/guardian submits a written objection. School districts can choose a no-cost, non-certification instructional program to meet this requirement. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025, ensuring that students will learn critical life-saving skills before graduating high school, potentially enabling them to provide emergency medical assistance in critical situations.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H556