Bill

Bill > A3418


NJ A3418

NJ A3418
Requires DOH to create and disseminate materials and resources related to cardiomyopathy.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires the State Department of Health (DOH) to create and disseminate materials and resources related to cardiomyopathy, including a cardiomyopathy risk assessment. The DOH, in consultation with the Department of Education, would be required to develop public education materials and resources on the signs, symptoms, and risk-factors associated with high-risk cardiac conditions and genetic heart rhythm abnormalities. These materials and resources would then be disseminated to school administrators, educators, school health professionals, coaches, families, guardians, caregivers, and other appropriate individuals. The cardiomyopathy risk assessment would be disseminated to the public. Under the bill, DOH would be required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature every five years detailing: (1) the natural history of an individual with cardiomyopathy, in both the pediatric and adult population; (2) the estimated number of cardiomyopathy-related emergency department visits and hospitalization, in both the pediatric and adult population; (3) the ongoing cardiomyopathy focused research efforts of the Department of Health; and (4) a research agenda regarding adult forms of cardiomyopathy, plans for researching cardiomyopathy affecting the pediatric population, and the areas of greatest need for such research. The submitted reports would also be made available to the public. This bill would require the DOH apply to any available federal grants to expand and coordinate research and research-related activities associated with cardiomyopathy. Additionally, this bill authorizes a grants program. Under the program, the commissioner may award grants to eligible public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools for the following purposes: 1. Developing and providing comprehensive materials to establish AED and CPR programs in public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools; 2. Providing support for CPR and AED training programs in public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools for students, staff, and related sports volunteers; 3. Providing support for developing a cardiac emergency response plan within public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools; 4. Purchasing AEDs, AED batteries, and performing necessary AED maintenance; or 5. Replacing old and outdated AED and CPR equipment, machinery, and educational materials. To receive grant funds, a local educational agency, in consultation with a qualified health care entity, would be required to submit an application to the Commissioner of Health. If a local educational agency has applied and been awarded federal funds for the same or similar purposes as listed above, the educational agency would need to first utilize the federal funds before applying to the State for any additional funds.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that the State Department of Health (DOH) create and distribute educational materials and resources about cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, and related high-risk cardiac conditions and genetic heart rhythm abnormalities that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, especially in young people. These materials, which will include information on signs, symptoms, and risk factors, will be shared with schools, educators, coaches, families, and caregivers. The DOH will also develop and make publicly available a cardiomyopathy risk assessment tool to help individuals and healthcare providers identify potential risks and track progression. Furthermore, the DOH is required to apply for federal grants to support cardiomyopathy research and will submit a comprehensive report every five years to the Governor and Legislature, detailing research efforts, prevalence data, and future research needs, with these reports also being publicly accessible. Additionally, the bill authorizes a grant program for eligible public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools to establish and enhance automated external defibrillator (AED) programs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, and cardiac emergency response plans, including funding for equipment purchase and maintenance, with schools that have received federal funding for similar purposes needing to use that funding first.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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