Bill > SB593

This bill mandates that starting in the 2026-2027 school year, physical examinations for students participating in interscholastic sports, which are organized athletic activities like school teams, must include a cardiovascular prescreening. Cardiovascular prescreening is defined as a set of tests and examinations, including a targeted personal and family history and a physical exam based on national guidelines, designed to assess heart health and identify potential heart problems before symptoms appear. Qualified healthcare providers performing these physicals will be required to conduct this prescreening, which cannot be done more than 90 days before the start of the school year. If a prescreening reveals a positive finding, the healthcare provider should consider referring the student to a cardiologist for further evaluation. The bill also directs the Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health, to develop guidelines to educate healthcare providers on cardiovascular prescreening and to establish reporting requirements for schools and health departments on the number of students screened and referred. Additionally, the bill clarifies that nonpublic schools with a certificate of approval must also develop policies for student athletic activities related to sudden cardiac arrest awareness, aligning with existing requirements for public schools.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0593?ys=2026RS