Bill > S1157

This bill, known as the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act, aims to protect student athletes by establishing standards to prevent sudden cardiac arrest and death. It defines "athletic activity" broadly to include interscholastic sports, school-sponsored competitions, cheerleading, and related practices, and "school entity" as public schools and those under Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) rules. The Department of Education will create educational materials about the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, such as fainting, chest pain, and dizziness, which students, parents, and coaches must review annually. Schools may also hold informational meetings with medical professionals. Crucially, any student who faints during or after an athletic activity must be immediately removed from play and cannot return until cleared in writing by a medical professional. Coaches are required to complete a sudden cardiac arrest training course annually and face escalating penalties, including permanent suspension, for violations. The bill also encourages youth athletic activity sponsors to adopt these guidelines.