State Laws on Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training

The Alabama Sudden Cardiac Arrest Law (the “Tyrell Spencer Act” – Alabama HB 45) was signed by Governor Kay Ivey on May 23, 2023, became effective on August 1, 2023, and can be found at Sections 16-30D-1 through 16-30D-8.  This law defines “Athletic Activity” to include any interscholastic athletics at any school, (K-12; public or private) any athletic contest or competition other than interscholastic athletics sponsored by a school, including club sponsored activities, and any practices or scrimmages, but does not include any recreational sport activities not associated with a school including a city or county recreational youth sports league.  A “Student Athlete” is a student who is enrolled in a K-12 school and participates in any athletic activity.  School boards shall adopt guidelines and a cardiac arrest information symptoms and warning signs information sheet to inform student athletes, parents and coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, including the risks of continuing participation in an athletic activity after experiencing symptoms.

Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and for each year thereafter, every student athlete and his parent or guardian shall sign and return an acknowledgment form at the beginning of each year, if the student athlete intends to participate in an athletic activity, acknowledging receipt and review of the information form.  Informational meetings may be held at the start of each athletic season to inform student athletes, parents, coaches, and other school officials regarding the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.  Coaches are required to undergo a cardiac training course every two (2) years and may not be eligible to coach in any practice or competition until doing so.  An athletic trainer, coach of other responsible party may remove any student athlete believed to be experiencing cardiac related symptoms from play and shall attempt to notify the student athlete’s parent or guardian of the symptoms.  A student athlete who is believed to have experienced cardiac related symptoms may not return to play until after being evaluated by a licensed physician and receiving written clearance.  Sponsors of youth recreational activities are encouraged to follow the guidelines provided for by this law.  The availability of an automated external defibrillator (“AED”) is encouraged to be available within three (3) minutes of any athletic activity.

The John Wesley Foster Act enacted on May 16, 2024, became effective on October 1, 2024, and may be found under Title 16 (Education) Chapter 30D (Safety Guidelines and Training Related to Sudden Cardiac Arrest).  The definition of “Athletic Activity” has the same meaning as in Section 16D-2 to include interscholastic Athletics.  The new law requires beginning with the 2025-2026 school year that each local board of education and governing body of a nonpublic school develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan addressing the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents of sudden cardiac arrest and other similar life-threatening emergencies occurring on school property.  Local boards of education or nonpublic school governing bodies overseeing a school with an athletic department or an organized athletic program shall similarly prepare an emergency response plan which may occur while an individual attends or participates in any athletic activity on school property.   This law requires the appropriate placement of an “AED” in accordance with American Heart Association Guidelines.  “Appropriate school staff” including, but not limited to licensed coaches, school nurses, and athletic trainers shall be trained in the use of first aid, CPR and use of an AED.

The Alabama Code is available online at:

Alabama Legislature (state.al.us)

The following website offers additional information regarding Alabama Sudden Cardiac Arrest Law:

AHSAA > Schools > Sports Medicine & Safety

The Arizona law is found at Section 15-341(24)(b) of the Arizona Code, under the title dealing with education and the chapter dealing with local governance of schools and the powers and duties of local school districts. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 15-341(24)(C)).

Arizona law requires the governing board of the school districts to prescribe and enforce policies related to the health and safety of students, including developing guidelines and forms in consultation with a statewide private entity that supervises interscholastic activities to inform and educate coaches, pupils, and parents about the dangers of heat-related illness, sudden cardiac death, and prescription opioid use.  Before a student participates in any district sponsored practice session or game or other interscholastic athletic activity, the pupil and the pupil’s parent must be provided with information at least once each school year on the risks of heat-related illness, sudden cardiac death, and prescription opioid use.

The official version of section 15-341(24)(c) is currently available online at:

http://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=http://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00341.htm

(Scroll down to Section 24(c).

The following website offers additional information regarding Arizona Sudden Cardiac Arrest Law:

AIAOnline

The Arkansas Sudden Cardiac Arrest Law (known as the “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act”) is found at Title 6 (Education), Chapter 18 (Students), subchapter 7 (Health) of the Arkansas Code Annotated.  ACA §6-18-713.   This law defines “Athletic Activity” as an organized athletic activity that is sponsored or associated with a school and in which the participants, a majority of whom are under nineteen (19) are engaged in an athletic game or competition again another team, club, or entity that includes without limitation interscholastic athletics, cheerleading, club-sponsored sports activities, and sport activities sponsored by school-affiliated organizations.  The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall develop guidelines and other materials to inform and educate school officials, teachers, athletic coaches, students, and parents about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest including the risks associated with continuing to practice or participate in an athletic activity when experiencing any symptoms enumerated in the statute (e.g. Fainting or seizures during exercise;  Unexplained shortness of breath; Chest pain;  Dizziness;  Racing heart beat; or Extreme fatigue).  A school may hold an informational meeting before the start of an athletic activity season regarding the symptoms and warning signs for student competitors of all ages, parents or legal guardians, coaches and athletic trainers, heath care providers and other school officials.  Prior to participating in an athletic activity and before each school year students, parents or legal guardians shall sign and return an acknowledgment of receipt and review of an information sheet regarding sudden cardiac arrest.

A student who faints or loses consciousness during participation in or immediately following an athletic activity and believed by an athletic trainer to have experienced cardiac related symptoms shall be removed from participation at that time.  A student exhibiting any symptoms listed in the statute while participating in or immediately following an athletic activity and believed by an athletic trainer to have experienced cardiac related symptoms shall be removed from participation at that time.  A coach who observes a student exhibiting any symptoms listed in the statute while participating in or immediately following an athletic activity shall notify a parent or guardian of the student’s symptom.  A student removed from participation in an athletic activity shall not return to participation until being evaluated and receiving written clearance by a licensed medical physician in the State of Arkansas.  A coach, athletic director, school nurse, or athletic trainer acting in good faith shall not be liable for any action or inaction unless acting in a grossly negligent or reckless manner.  All sponsor of youth athletic activities are encouraged to follow guidelines developed by the Department of Health.

Title 6 (Education) of the Arkansas Code, Section 6-18-713 is currently available online at: https://advance.lexis.com/container?config=00JAA3ZTU0NTIzYy0zZDEyLTRhYmQtYmRmMS1iMWIxNDgxYWMxZTQKAFBvZENhdGFsb2cubRW4ifTiwi5vLw6cI1uX&crid=63c0a481-b404-483c-9ebf-46ad1294b25d

(type in 6-18-713 and then click on link to section).

The following website offers additional information regarding Arkansas Sudden Cardiac Arrest Law:

http://www.ahsaa.org/sports-medicine-info

The California Law is found in Title II under educational statutes, Chapter 3 (State Department of Education0, Article 13.5, sections 33479 through 33479.9, and is known as the “The Eric Paredes Sudden Cardiac Prevention Act.   This law defines “Athletic Activity” to include any interscholastic athletics, an athletic contest or competition, other than interscholastic athletics, that is sponsored by a school, including cheerleading and club-sponsored sports, and interscholastic practices and activities (Cal Ed Code 33479.1).  The Department is required to post on its website guidelines, videos, and an information sheet to inform and educate pupils and parents and to train coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest including the risks associated with continuing to play or practice after experiencing fainting or seizures during exercise, unexplained shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness, or extreme fatigue (Cal Ed Code 33479.2).  Section 33479.3 requires that prior to participation in an athletic activity the pupil and the pupil’s parent or guardian shall sign and return an information sheet acknowledging receipt of and review of information posted on the Department’s Web site regarding the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest and risks associated with continuing to play or practice after experiencing symptoms (Cal Ed Code 33479.3).  A school may hold an informational meeting prior the start of each athletic season regarding the symptoms and signs of sudden cardiac arrest (Cal Ed Code 33479.4).  Section 33479.5 requires removal of a pupil who passes out or faints while participation in or immediately following an athletic activity by an athletic director, coach, athletic trainers or authorized person (an employee, volunteer, or contractor authorized to provide health or medical services to pupil athletes § 33479.1).  A pupil removed from play shall not return to athletic activity until evaluation and cleared to return in writing by a physician or surgeon, a nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, as applicable (Cal Ed Code 33479.5).  Coaches of an athletic activity are required to undergo sudden cardiac arrest training every two (2) years and are not eligible to coach until completing the course (Cal Ed Code 33479.6).  Any coach failing to complete the training requirement shall be subject to suspension from coaching any athletic activity until completion of the required training course (Cal Ed Code 33479.7).  § 33479.8 encourages the sponsors of youth athletic activities to follow the guidelines of the California Law, which became operative July 1, 2017.

Article 13.5, sections 33479 through 33479.9 is currently available online at:

Codes Display Text (ca.gov)

The following websites offer additional information regarding California Sudden Cardiac Arrest Law:

Eric Paredes Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act – Physical Education (CA Dept of Education)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Student-Athletes – California Interscholastic Federation (cifstate.org)

The Connecticut Law is found under Title 10 (Education and Culture), Chapter 166 (Teachers and Superintendents), Part I (Teachers), Sections 10-149f and 10-149g of the Connecticut General Statutes.  Section 10-149f provides that “intramural or interscholastic athletics” includes any activity sponsored by a school or local educational agency or an organization sanctioned by the local education agency that involves any athletic contest, practice, scrimmage, competition, demonstration, display, or club activity.  Each year school boards, the Commissioner of Public Health, the governing body for intramural and interscholastic athletics, an organization representing athletic trainers, and an organization representing national, state, or local medical associations shall develop a sudden cardiac awareness program, which shall be published on the State Board of Education’s website.  The program shall include the warning signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, the risks of continued participation, the means for obtaining proper treatment for individual suspected of experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, and the proper method for allowing a student who has experienced sudden cardiac arrest to return to play.  The State Board of Education and the aforementioned organizations shall also develop and approve an informed consent form to be distributed to students participating in intramural or interscholastic athletics.  Coaches shall prior to each season, provide a copy of informed consent form to each participating student’s parent or legal guardian and obtain each parent’s or legal guardian’s signature authorizing the students’ participation in the intramural or interscholastic athletics.

The Connecticut Board of Education’s (The “Board”) written policy may be found online at Policy 5141.28(a-c) Sudden Cardiac Arrest (ctreg14.org).  The Policy requires Districts to use the Sudden Cardiac Awareness Program (The “Program”) promulgated by the Board, to provide for annual training for persons holding or who are issued a coaching permit for intermural or interscholastic athletics and for revocation of the coaching permit for any coach who does not annually review the Program Section 10-149g (see also Section 10-149b).  Section 10-149f mandates that a consent form be signed by a parent/guardian prior to the student participating in intramural or interscholastic athletics.  Any intramural or interscholastic coach, who holds or is issued a coaching permit is immune from liability for any actions or omissions unless such actions or omissions constitute willful misconduct, gross negligence or recklessness.

Sections 10-149f and 10-149g can be viewed online at:

Chapter 166 – Teachers and Superintendents (ct.gov)

Chapter 166 – Teachers and Superintendents (ct.gov)

The following websites offer additional information regarding Connecticut Sudden Cardiac Arrest Law:

Policy 5141.28(a-c) Sudden Cardiac Arrest (ctreg14.org)

CT.gov Search Results

The Delaware Law is found under Title 14 (Education) Chapter 3 (Delaware Interscholastic Association) of the Delaware Code (Section 303).  Section 303(e) requires the Board of Directors of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association to adopt regulations applicable to member schools regarding student athletes and awareness, recognition, and management of sudden cardiac arrest.  At a minimum, those policies must develop and make publicly available a sudden cardiac arrest information sheet that includes information regarding the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, prior to participating in practice or competition require each student athlete and the athlete’s parent/guardian sign and return a cardiac information sheet, require that each student complete a heart history questionnaire as a part of the pre-participation physical examination, hold a “CPR” certification for each school head coach, which includes the use of an automated external defibrillator and present to each coach and official sudden cardiac arrest awareness information (Section 303(e)(1) through (5)).

Title 14, Section is available online at:

http://delcode.delaware.gov/title14/c003/index.shtml (scroll down to Section 303(e)).

The following websites offer additional information regarding Sudden Cardiac Arrest Law:

Concussions and Sudden Cardiac Arrest – Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association

diaa_sca_awareness_form_b.pdf (delaware.gov)

On October 28, 2024, District of Columbia Mayor signed 2023 D.C. B 570 (Cardiac Planning and Response (“CPR”) Amendment Act of 2024. This new law amended an existing law – The Public Access to Automated External Defibrillator (“AED”) Act of 2000.  Schools, community organizations, workplaces, or sport facilities must establish a cardiac emergency response plan (“CERP”), which documents in writing steps to be taken to reduce death from cardiac arrest in any setting.  This law defines “recreational facility” as a Department of Parks and Recreation public facility that is regularly staffed by a paid District government employee.  School means a school in the D.C. Public School System, a public, charter, independent, private or parochial school.

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the amendment requires schools to have at least one AED onsite at schools in a location identified in the school’s CERP, which complies with guidelines set by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or another nationally recognized evidence-based standard.  At least one AED is required onsite at each recreational facility.  The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education and other stakeholders shall maintain a model CERP, which address appropriate use of school personnel and protocols for responding to incidents involving cardiac arrest on school grounds, specifically including during a school’s athletic events or practices on school grounds.  Athletic coaches and assistants, Athletic Directors, team/game physicians, school nurses and other anticipated AED users shall successfully complete a CPR and AED program within 60 days after hire.

The Cardiac Planning and Response Act of 2024 amendments can be viewed online at:

https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/25-254

The District of Columbia Public Access to Defibrillator law is found at Chapter 23 D of the Code of District Columbia §7-3271.01 – 72371.06 and can be viewed online at:

Chapter 23D. Public Access to Defibrillators and Epinephrine. | D.C. Law Library

The Georgia Law is found in Title 20 (Education), Chapter 2 (Elementary and Secondary Education), Article 6 (Quality Basic Education) Section 20-2-324.5 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and is known as the “Jeremy Nelson and Nick Blakely Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act”.

This law defines “Athletic Association” (as any association of schools or any other similar organization which acts as an organizing, sanctioning, scheduling, or rule-making body for interscholastic athletic events in which public high schools in this state participate) and “Interscholastic athletic activity” (means interscholastic athletics and practices, interschool practices, and scrimmages related to interscholastic athletics).  The Georgia Department of Education is required to develop and make publicly available guidelines to inform and educate students participating in interscholastic athletic activity, their parents/guardians and coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest including the risks associated with continuing to play after experiencing symptoms.  Schools may hold informational meetings twice per year and distribute informational sheets to each student’s parents/guardians, coaches, and other school officials.

A student who passes out or faints during or following an interscholastic athletic activity may be removed from participation in the interscholastic athletic event by an athletic trainer, if such symptoms are reasonably believed to be cardiac related.  In the absence of an athletic trainer, a coach who observes symptoms shall notify the parents/guardians.  A student who has been removed from participation shall not participate in any interscholastic athletic activity until after being evaluated and cleared for a return to participation in writing by a licensed health care provider. Coaches are required to annually review guidelines and other materials approved by the Department of Education or an athletic association.  The Georgia Law shall not create any liability or cause of action against a local board of education, governing body of a non-public school or charter school, or officers, employees, or volunteers for any act or omission related to removal or non-removal of a student participating in an interscholastic athletic activity (excluding health care providers unless they are acting in a volunteer capacity).  Sponsors of youth athletic activities involving students grades 6 through 12 are encouraged to implement the provisions of this law.

Title 20, Section 20-2-324.5 of the Georgia Code can be viewed online at:

https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022/title-20/chapter-2/article-6/part-15/section-20-2-324-5/

The following websites offer additional information regarding Georgia Sudden Cardiac Arrest law:

2019 Service Line Gating for Strategic Plans (ghsa.net)

The Indiana Law is found in Title 20 (Education), Article 34 (Student Health and Safety Measures), Chapter 8 (Student Athletes: Sudden Cardiac Arrest (Sections 20-34-8-0.5 – 20.34-8-9) of the Indiana Code. The law defines “Applicable Student” (a student who competes in an athletic activity), “Association” (an organization that conducts, organizes, sanctions, or sponsors interscholastic athletic events as the organization’s primary purpose), and “Athletic Activity” (an athletic contest or competition between or among schools, competitive and noncompetitive cheerleading that is sponsored by or associated with a school, marching band, and other extracurricular competitive or noncompetitive activities in which students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest).  The Department of Education is required to disseminate guidelines and forms to each school (public and state accredited non-public schools) informing coaches, marching band leaders, applicable students and parents.  The guidelines must include information regarding the nature and risk of sudden cardiac arrest, including the risks associated with continuing to play or practice after experiencing one (1) or more symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest including fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pains, dizziness and abnormal racing heart rate and information about electrocardiogram testing (Section 20-34-8-5).

Prior to beginning practice each year for an athletic activity applicable students and parents must be given an information form, which shall be signed acknowledging receipt and review of the information to the applicable coach, marching band leader, or other designated school official, who shall maintain a file of completed forms (Section 20-34-8-6).  No parental consent form is required if the applicable student is 18 years of age or an emancipated minor Section 20-34-8-4).  An applicable student suspected, as determined by a game official, coach from the applicable student’s team, licensed athletic trainer, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, licensed physician, marching band leader or other designated official during practice or in an athletic activity of experiencing symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest shall be removed at the time symptom(s) are identified and the parents notified (Section 20-34-8-7).  An applicable student removed from practice or play, may not return to practice or play until the applicable coach, marching band leader, or other designated school official has provided the parent with sudden cardiac arrest information previously described in Section  20-34-8-5, has received verbal permission from a parent for the student to return to practice and play, and with 24 hours after giving verbal permission, the parent must provide a written statement that the applicable student has permission to return to practice and play.  Head or assistant coaches who coach an athletic activity, a marching band leader, a drama or musical leader or leader of an extracurricular activity with an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest shall undergo a sudden cardiac arrest training course, which must include training in the use of automated external defibrillator (AED) (Section 20-34-8-9).  A Head or assistant coach who coaches an athletic activity, a marching band leader, a drama or musical leader or leader of an extracurricular activity who complies with the training requirement and who provides coaching or leadership services in good faith shall not be liable for damages in a civil action  as a result of cardiac arrest except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence, or willful or wanton misconduct.  An operational AED may be deployed at each event where there is an increased risk to students for sudden cardiac arrest.

Title 20, Section 20-34-8-0.5 through 20-34-8-9 of the Indiana Code can be viewed online at:

IGA | 2023 Indiana Code

The following website offer additional information regarding Indiana sudden cardiac arrest law:

DOE: Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest (in.gov)

On April 23, 2024, the governor of Kansas signed SB 19, 72 titled Cardiac Emergency Response Plans into law.  This law, which became effective on July 1, 2024, may be found under Article 62 (Student Health and Welfare) §6288 of Chapter 72.  The law provides for the development of statewide standards by the Secretary of Health and requires each local board of education to adopt a comprehensive cardiac emergency response plan, which shall include but not be limited to, establishing procedures for school district personnel to respond to sudden cardiac arrest incidents involving individuals while attending school or at the site of any school-sponsored athletic practice or competition or other school-sponsored activity located in the State of Kansas whether such site is located on school grounds or at another location.

Enrolled SB 19 can be viewed online at:

sb19_enrolled.pdf

Article 62 (Student Health and Welfare, Chapter 72, §6288 can be viewed online at:

72-6288

The following websites offer additional information regarding Indiana sudden cardiac arrest law:

KDHE Announces Guidance on Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERP)

Cardiac Emergency Response Plans | KDHE, KS

Louisiana repealed the law found in Section 17:440.2 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes as a result of the passage of Act 686, which the Louisiana Governor signed into law on June 19, 2024, making the repeal effective as of that date. Two (2) new Louisiana Laws Sections 17:440.3 (Act 95) and 14:440.4 (Act 421) became effective on August 1, 2024.  The new laws can be found in Title 17 (Education), Chapter 2 (Teachers and Employees), Part 1 (General Provisions).

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, any high school employee who serves as a coach shall be required to obtain and maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, and automatic external defibrillator use.  Section 17:440.3 also provides that in order not to create an unfunded mandate, the requirement for coaching certification shall not apply to any city, parish, or local school board until either the legislature appropriates funds in an amount sufficient to implement the provisions of the section or the costs of implementation are made by grant or other private donations.

Section 17:440.4 requires the state Department of Education to provide written information to school governing authorities, which at a minimum shall include the requirements that a student athlete who has or has had a cardiac health issue must meet before returning to play.  The information shall be distributed to student athletes and parents and legal guardians, which shall be signed indicating understanding of the requirements.

Sections 17:440.3 and 17:44.4 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes can be viewed on line at:

Louisiana Laws – Louisiana State Legislature

For the repeal, see:

https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=1297543

The following websites offer additional information regarding Louisiana Sudden Cardiac Arrest Law:

Copy of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information for Parents: ACT 421

https://www.lhsaa.org/sports-medicine  (click on Ochsner Sports Medicine – Head, Heat and Heart Best Practices link on left side of web page and scroll down to “Sudden Cardiac Death”)

The Maryland Law is found at § 14-501 of the Maryland Code under the health title in the chapter related to general day care and subtitled youth sports programs.  Section 14-501 also references the Maryland Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act, which is found at §7-436 of the Maryland educational law.

Section 14-501 titled, “Concussions, head injuries or sudden cardiac arrest in youth sports programs” defines youth athlete as an individual who participates in an athletic activity in association with a youth sports program at a public-school facility or by a recreational athletic organization. A “Youth sports program” is a program organized for recreational competition or instruction for participants who are under 19 years of age.  The Maryland Law also defines sudden cardiac arrest as a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.  A youth sports organization shall make information on concussions and sudden cardiac arrest developed by the Education Department available to coaches, youth athletes and parents. A youth athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury shall be removed at the time and may not return to play until obtaining a written clearance from a qualified health care provider.  Prior to a youth sports program using a facility owned or operated by local government, notice of these provisions must be provided to the youth sports program by the local government.

The Maryland Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act, which is found at §7-436 of the Maryland educational law, similarly defines youth sports program as a program organized for recreational competition or instruction for participants who are under nineteen (19) years of age.  The law applies to and defines interscholastic athletics in public schools. Youth sports programs that use a public-school facility are required to annually provide a statement of its intent to comply with the statute, place notice on the registration form that information on sudden cardiac arrest is available, provide directions for retrieving the information electronically, and have the parent and youth athlete acknowledge receipt of information. A youth sports program not using a public-school facility is encouraged to follow the provisions of the law.

The Maryland Legislature enacted H.B. 1219, The Bailey Bullock Act, which was signed by the governor on April 25, 2024, became effective on July 1, 2024, and is codified at §7-452.  The new law requires public schools to develop and implement a cardiac emergency action plan and set forth the requirements including procedures for activating the cardiac emergency response team during incidents involving a cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency while on school grounds.  It also requires specified school personnel to have CPR Training and AED training including athletic and training staff and school nurses.  A trained member of the coaching staff is to be present at all athletic practices and events on school property.  Cardiac Emergency Response Plan shall be posted around the school’s grounds, at each school athletic facility, and posted on the school’s website at the beginning of each school year.  The Plan shall be distributed to each team member, the school’s athletic coaching and training staff, school nurses and other school personnel.

Section 14-501 of the Maryland Code can be viewed at:

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-maryland/article-health-general/title-14-general-day-care/subtitle-5-youth-sports-programs/section-14-501-concussions-head-injuries-or-sudden-cardiac-arrest-in-youth-sports-programs

Section 7-436 of the Maryland Code can be viewed at:

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-maryland/article-education/division-ii-elementary-and-secondary-education/title-7-public-schools/subtitle-4-health-and-safety-of-students/section-7-436-maryland-sudden-cardiac-arrest-awareness-act

Section 7-452 of the Maryland Code can be viewed online at:

View Document – Maryland Code and Court Rules

The following website offers additional information regarding Maryland Sudden Cardiac Arrest law:

https://www.mpssaa.org/membership-services/sudden-cardiac-arrest/

The Michigan Legislature passed H.B. 5527, which was signed into law by the governor on April 27, 2024.  The new Michigan Law is codified at §29.19b under Chapter 29 (Fire Prevention) and requires that beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the governing body of public and private schools shall develop a cardiac emergency response plan that includes identifying school personnel who will respond to a sudden cardiac arrest or other life-threatening emergencies during school hours on school campus or during a school sponsored event including during school-sponsored athletic events.  The requirements for the cardiac emergency response plan are set forth in this statute including the recommendation that AEDs should be accessible within 1 to 3 minutes of a cardiac emergency.  The plan should be disseminated throughout the school’s campus.  School personnel who are a part of the cardiac emergency response plan must be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPF and use of an AED.  Schools are not responsible to administer and comply with the law unless the legislature annually appropriates sufficient funds. Michigan enacted another law, which the governor also signed on April 27, 2024, and it is codified at §380.1319 under the School Code (Chapter 380).  An individual may not serve as a high school athletic coach unless such individual maintains a valid certification issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or comparable institution approved by the department in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of an AED.

The Michigan Statute at §29.19b can be viewed online at:

MCL – Section 29.19b.added – Michigan Legislature

The Michigan Statute at §380.1319 can be viewed online at:

MCL – Section 380.1319.added – Michigan Legislature

The following websites offer additional information regarding Maryland Sudden Cardiac Arrest law:

Sudden Cardiac Arrest | University of Michigan Health

Care Guides – Sudden Cardiac Arrest

High school coaches in Michigan are now required to get CPR, AED training

On April 15, 2024, the Mississippi enacted S.B. 2349, which was signed into law by the governor on April 19, 2025, became effective on July 1, 2024, and is codified at §37-11-85 and §37-11-87 under Title 37 (Education), Chapter 11 (General Provisions Pertaining to Education).  Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year the Mississippi Law requires each public school to develop a cardiac emergency response plan (“CERP”) that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving sudden cardiac arrest or other similar lift-threatening emergency while on school grounds.  Similarly, each public school with an athletic department or organized athletic program shall develop a CERP to deal with sudden cardiac arrest or other similar lift-threatening emergency while attending or participating in an athletic practice or event while on school grounds. Appropriate placement of AED’s shall be in accordance with the CERP and American Heart Association guidelines or other nationally recognized standard.  Appropriate school staff shall be trained in first-aid, CPR, and AED use including, but not limited to licensed coaches, school nurses, and athletic trainers.

To view §37-11-85 and §37-11-87 of the Mississippi Code online:

Mississippi Code Public Access (type 37-11-85 in search box, click on link for 37-11-85 and use next arrow to view 37-11-87)

The following websites offer additional information regarding Mississippi Sudden Cardiac Arrest law:

CERP School Implementation Resource Guide

Cardiac-Emergency-Planning-for-Schools.pdf

The New Jersey law is found at Sections 18A:40-41 through 18A:40-41j of the New Jersey Code and is found in the title dealing with education and the chapter on promotion of health and prevention of disease and the article dealing student athletes.  (N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 18A:40-41 through 18A:40-41j).  This law is titled the “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act.”

The New Jersey Law defines athletic activity as interscholastic athletics, an athletic contest or competition, and other athletic contests that are sponsored by or associated with a school district or non-public school including cheerleading and club sponsored activities.  The law establishes protocols to be followed in the event that a student exhibits symptoms or signs of cardiac arrest and requires schools to develop an emergency action plan to respond to incidents involving sudden cardiac arrest.  It also requires a school district or non-public athletic coach to maintain a certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.  The law provides that all nonprofit youth-serving organizations such as Little Leagues, Babe Ruth Leagues, Pop Warner Leagues, Police Athletic Leagues, and youth soccer league are encouraged to review cardiac arrest information on the Department of Education’s website and to follow the protocols with regard to removal from play set forth in the statute.

Section 18A:40-41h(a) requires any student who exhibits symptoms or warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, as determined by an athletic trainer, game official, team coach, licensed physician, or other official designated by the student’s school, shall be immediately removed from the athletic activity, and the student shall not be eligible to return until they are evaluated and receive a written clearance from a licensed physician.

The board of education of a public school district and the governing board or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school that includes any of the grades kindergarten through 12 shall ensure that each school has an automated external defibrillator (AED) and establishes an emergency action plan for responding to a sudden cardiac event.

Section 18A:40-41d requires that The Commissioners of education and Health, in consultation with the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, the American Heart Association, and the New Jersey Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, develop a Student-Athlete Cardiac Screening professional development module to increase the assessment skills of the health care practitioners who perform student-athlete physical exams and screenings. This screening module shall be performed at a student-athlete’s annual physical examination prior to the student’s participation in a school-sponsored interscholastic or intramural athletic team or squad.  A person who coaches a school district or nonpublic school athletic activity shall hold a certification in CPR from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or other training program recognized by the Department of Health.

New Jersey Sudden Cardiac Arrest Act can be viewed online at:

https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

(Use “Next Doc” button to view other sections)

The following website offers additional information regarding New Hampshire Sudden Cardiac Arrest law:

Information for Student Athletes

The New York law is found at Sections 923, 3001-b, and 3001-c of the New York Consolidated Laws Service, and in the title dealing with education.  (N.Y. CLS Educ §923, §3001-b, and §3001-c).  This law is titled the “Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act.”

Section 923 requires the commissioner develop and to assist in the education of the signs and symptoms of pending or increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest and shall post the information on the Department’s website. Additionally, the commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations for the removal of any student who exhibits signs or symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest from athletic activities and not allow for them to resume play until they have been evaluated by and received written authorization from a licensed physician.

Sections 3001-b and 3001-c makes first aid instruction mandatory for coaches for public schools (§3001-b) and nonpublic high schools (§3001-c) to obtain and hold a valid certificate of completion of a course of study in first aid knowledge. Any such course must include instruction on recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac arrest and the administration of adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and such certification shall be provided prior to the start of each sports season. If any coach is unable to fulfill this requirement because of physical disability, they may still coach as long as there is another teacher or person employed by the school system who holds a valid certificate of completion and is present at all times during the athletic activities including but not limited to practices, scrimmages, and during competition.

Section 923 of the New York Consolidated Laws Service can be viewed at:

https://casetext.com/statute/consolidated-laws-of-new-york/chapter-education/title-1-general-provisions/article-19-medical-and-health-service/section-923-sudden-cardiac-arrest

Section 3001-b of the New York Consolidated Laws Service Can be viewed at:

https://casetext.com/statute/consolidated-laws-of-new-york/chapter-education/title-4-teachers-and-pupils/article-61-teachers-and-supervisory-and-administrative-staff/section-3001-b-effective712022first-aid-instruction-mandatory-for-coaches-of-extra-class-public-school-athletic-activities

Section 3001-c of the New York Consolidated Laws Service can be viewed at:

https://casetext.com/statute/consolidated-laws-of-new-york/chapter-education/title-4-teachers-and-pupils/article-61-teachers-and-supervisory-and-administrative-staff/section-3001-c-first-aid-instruction-mandatory-for-coaches-of-high-school-extra-class-nonpublic-school-athletic-activities

The following websites offer additional information regarding New York Sudden Cardiac Arrest law:

https://www.schoolhealthny.com/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=188&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=8464&PageID=116

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/chronic/sca/

The New Hampshire Law may be found at §200:40-C under Title XV (Education), Chapter 200 (Health and Sanitation & School Health Services).  The statute is titled “Emergency Plans for Sports Related Injuries”.  The New Hampshire Law requires each local school board or governing body of each nonpublic school to establish an emergency action plan for responding to serious and/or life-threatening sports-related injuries.  Each plan shall set forth the proper procedures to be followed when a student sustains a serious injury or illness while participating in school sponsored sports or other athletic activity and it shall list employees, team coaches, and licensed athletic trainers who are trained in first aid or CPR and those who are responsible for carrying out the plan. Additional plan requirements are set forth in the statute   §200:40-C was amended by SB 379, which established requirements for the placement and maintenance of automated external defibrillators (AED’s) and now requires an individual trained in CPR to supervise school sponsored sport activities for grades 6-12.  The aforementioned amendments are effective August 1, 2025.

§ 200:40-C of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes can be viewed online at:

Section 200:40-c Emergency Plans for Sports Related Injuries.

The following websites offer additional information regarding New Hampshire Sudden Cardiac Arrest law:

emergency-action-plan-sports-injuriessb-148.pdf

New Hampshire Athletic Directors Association (NHADA) – SB 148 – New Hampshire Athletic Directors Association (NHADA) – SB 148

The Ohio law is found at Sections 3313.5310, 3707.58, and 3707.59 of the Ohio Revised Code Annotated, and is found in the title dealing with health, safety, and morals.  (ORC Ann. §3313.5310, §3707.58, and §3707.59).  This law is titled “Lindsay’s Law.”

Section 3707.59 sets forth the requirements for the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Workforce to jointly develop guidelines and materials to inform and educate students and youth athletes, their parents, and coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, and to post it on their prospective websites.

Sections 3313.5310 and §3707.58 both provide guidelines related to the information and training provided in schools (§3313.5310) and by youth sports organizations (§3707.58) for sudden cardiac arrest of students and youth athletes. For the purposes of §3707.58, “Youth Sports Organization” is defined as a public or nonpublic entity that organizes an athletic activity in which athletes are not more than nineteen years of age and are required to pay a fee to participate in the athletic activity or whose cost to participate in the athletic activity is sponsored by a business or nonprofit organization.  Ohio HB 47 amended §3707.58 effective October 24, 2024, and now requires that prior to the start of each sports season, a youth sports organization that is subject to §3707.58 shall hold an informational meeting for youth athletes, parents, guardians, other persons having charge of a youth athlete and other interested individuals (physicians, pediatric cardiologists, athletic trainers, etc.).  Similarly, any school subject to the provisions of §3313.5310 shall hold an informational meeting prior to the start of each athletic season. No student or youth athlete shall participate in an athletic activity until they have submitted an informational form on sudden cardiac arrest signed by them and their parent, guardian, or person having care or charge of them. No student or youth athlete with a biological parent, sibling, or child who has previously experienced sudden cardiac arrest shall be allowed to participate in an athletic activity until they have been evaluated and cleared by a physician. Any student or youth athlete who has exhibited signs of syncope or fainting shall not be allowed to participate and/or shall be removed from participation and are unable to return until they have been evaluated and cleared for return in writing by a physician (under Chapter 4731), a certified nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse-midwife who holds a certificate of authority issued under Chapter 4723.

No individual shall be permitted to coach an athletic activity unless the individual has completed, on an annual basis, the sudden cardiac arrest training course approved by the Department of Health under division (C) of section 3707.59.

Section 3313.5310 of the Ohio Revised Code can be viewed at:

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3313.5310

Section 3707.58 of the Ohio Revised Code can be viewed at:

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3707.58

Section 3707-59 of the Ohio Revised Code can be viewed at:

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3707.59

The following websites offer additional information regarding Ohio Sudden Cardiac Arrest law:

https://www.ohsaa.org/MEDICINE

https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/lindsays-law/

https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/f06e24f6-5e02-417f-8aec-d7741c8a4d8b/Parent+Guardian.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_M1HGGIK0N0JO00QO9DDDDM3000-f06e24f6-5e02-417f-8aec-d7741c8a4d8b-ncgtZMy

The Oklahoma Law is found in Section 24-156 and is known as and maybe cited as the “Chase Morris Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act.  This statute defines “athletic activity” as any sport sanctioned and offered in grades seven (7) through twelve (12) by a school district.  This law requires the State Department of Health and the State Department of Education to jointly develop and post on their publicly accessible websites guidelines regarding the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrests and the risks of continuing to play or practice after experiencing one or more known symptoms associated with sudden cardiac arrest to inform and educate students, parents, and coaches.

Each year prior to a student participating in an athletic activity, the student and the student’s parent/guardian shall sign and return an acknowledgment of receipt of and review of a sudden cardiac arrest symptoms and warnings signs information sheet.  Schools may hold annual informational meetings at the start of an athletic season for students, parents, coaches, and other school officials regarding the symptoms and warning signs, which may include physicians, pediatric cardiologists, and athletic trainers. A student who collapses or faints while participating in an athletic activity without a concurrent head injury shall be removed from participation by the coach at that time and may not return to participation until evaluated and receiving written clearance from a health care provider as set forth in Title 60 Section 3090.2 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

The Oklahoma Legislature enacted SB 1921, which was signed by the governor on June 14, 024 and became effective July 1, 2024. In addition to Coaches, school nurses and athletic trainers are required to undergo annual training in first aid, CPR, and use of an automated external defibrillator by a State Department of Health approved provider and shall not coach until doing so.  The 2024 amendments require each public school in the state to develop a sudden cardiac emergency response plan according to the provisions set forth in the statute including the placement and maintenance of AEDs.  An AED shall be placed at each athletic venue or be accessible within one to three minutes. The plan is to be communicated and disseminated throughout the school campus. The sponsors of youth athletic activities not associated with a school are encouraged to follow the guidance stated in the Chase Morris Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act.

The Oklahoma Law is found at Title 70 (Schools), Chapter 1 (School Code of 1971), Section 24-156 (School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act).  To access Section 24-156 of the Oklahoma Statutes online follow:

https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=476659

For additional information regarding sudden cardiac arrest with regard to the State of Oklahoma, please see:

Correct SCA Document.pdf (ok.gov)

Professional Development | Oklahoma State Department of Education

School Health (oklahoma.gov)

The Pennsylvania Law titled “Sudden cardiac arrest and electrocardiogram testing” is found in Title 24 Section 14-1425.  The law requires the Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Education to develop and post on publicly accessible websites guidelines and other relevant materials to inform and educate students desiring to participate in athletic activities, parents and coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest including the risks of continued participation after experiencing one or more related symptoms, information about electrocardiogram testing, and the option to request electrocardiogram testing along with a comprehensive initial physical examination, at a cost to be incurred by the parent or guardian.

Schools may hold an informational meeting prior to the start of an athletic season regarding the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest and information about electrocardiogram testing for students, parents, coaches, and other school officials and may include physicians, pediatric and adult cardiologists and athletic trainers.   A student who, as determined by a game official, coach from the student’s team, certified athletic trainer, licensed physician or other official designated by the student’s school entity, exhibits signs or symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest while participating in an athletic activity or any time prior to or following an athletic activity, shall be removed by the coach from participation at that time and may not return to participation until evaluated and cleared in writing by a licensed physician, certified registered nurse practitioner or cardiologist.

Coaches of an athletic activity are required to annually complete a sudden cardiac arrest training course and may not coach until doing so.  The governing body of a school entity shall establish minimum penalties for coaches failing to comply ranging from a suspension for the remainder of the season to permanent suspension from coaching any athletic activity.  Sponsors of youth athletic activities not associated with a school entity are encouraged to follow the statute.

Section 14-1425 offers the following definitions:

Athletic activity” means interscholastic athletics, an athletic contest or competition, other than interscholastic athletics, that is sponsored by or associated with a school entity, including cheerleading, club-sponsored sports activities and sports activities sponsored by school-affiliated organizations, noncompetitive cheerleading that is sponsored by or associated with a school entity, and practices, interschool practices and scrimmages for all of the previously listed activities.  “Department” means the Department of Health of the Commonwealth, “interscholastic athletics” means as defined in section 1602-A, and “school entity” means as defined in section 1602-A.

To access the Pennsylvania “Sudden cardiac arrest and electrocardiogram testing” Law online follow:

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=1949&sessInd=0&act=0014.&chpt=014.&subchpt=000.&sctn=025.&subsctn=000.

Additional information regarding sudden cardiac arrest may be found online at:

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (pa.gov)

PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REQUIRED TRAINING COURSES – PIAA

The Rhode Island “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act” is found under Title 16 (Education), Chapter 91.1, Section 16-91.1.  “Youth sport program or activity” is defined under the Rhode Island Law as any program organized for recreational and/or athletic competition purposes by any school district, or by any school participating in Rhode Island Interscholastic League competition, and whose participants are nineteen (19) years of age or younger (Section 16-91.1-2).  The departments of education and health are required to promulgate guidelines to inform and educate coaches, teachers, school nurses, youth athletes, and their parents and/or guardians about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, including the risks associated with continuing to play or practice after experiencing the following symptoms:  fainting or seizures during exercise, unexplained shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness, racing heart rate and extreme fatigue. All coaches and volunteers involved in a youth sport program or activity are required to complete a training course about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest including the risks of continuing to play or practice after experiencing symptoms.  Parents/guardians shall be provided with information about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest prior to the start of every season.

A student who, as determined by a game official, coach from the student’s team, certified athletic trainer, licensed physician, or other official designated by the student’s school entity, exhibits signs or symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest while participating in an athletic activity shall be removed by the coach from participation at that time and shall not return to participation until the student is evaluated and cleared for return to participation in writing by a licensed physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or cardiologist.  All school districts are encouraged to have an athletic trainer, or similarly trained person, at all recreational and athletic events addressed by this statute (Section 16-91.1-3).

The Rhode Island statute indicates that all other youth sports programs not specifically addressed by this chapter are encouraged to follow the guidance set forth in this chapter for all program participants who are age nineteen (19) and younger (Section 16-91.1-4).

To view the Rhode Island Statutes online follow:

webserver.rilegislature.gov//Statutes/TITLE16/16-91.1/INDEX.htm

Additional information regarding the Rhode Island sudden cardiac arrest may be found online at:

Sudden Cardiac Arrest – Rhode Island Interscholastic League

The Tennessee law is found at Sections 68-6-101 through 68-6-104 of the Tennessee Code Annotated, and is found in the title dealing with health, safety, and environmental protection.  (Tenn. Code Ann. §68-6-101 through §68-6-104).  The Tennessee Legislature enacted HB 2251 on March 27, 2024, was approved by the governor on March 27, 2024, and became effective on July 1, 2024.  This law is known as the “Safe Heart Act”.  There are additional provisions in the Tennessee Code under the education title at sections 49-6-3601 and 49-6-3602, known as the “Safe Stars Act.” (Tenn. Code Ann. §49-6-3601 and §49-6-3602).

The statute defines Community-based youth athletic activity” or “youth athletic activity” as an athletic activity organized by a city, county, business, or nonprofit organization when the majority of the participants are under eighteen (18) years of age, and are engaging in an organized athletic game or competition against another team, club, or entity or in practice or preparation for an organized game or competition against another team, club, or entity. Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-6-102 “Community-based youth athletic activity” does not include college or university activities or an activity which is entered into for instructional purposes only, an athletic activity that is incidental to a nonathletic program, or a lesson;  “School youth athletic activity” means a school or a local education agency organized athletic activity when the majority of the participants are under eighteen (18) years of age, and are engaging in an organized athletic game or competition against another team, club, or entity or in practice or preparation for an organized game or competition against another team, club, or entity. “School youth athletic activity” does not include college or university activities, an activity which is entered into for instructional purposes only, or an athletic activity that is incidental to a nonathletic program, or a lesson. Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-6-102

Section 68-6-103 set forth the requirement to be met by governing authorities of public and nonpublic schools for prevention of sudden cardiac arrest during school youth activities.  Section 68-6-104 sets forth the requirements to be met by organizers of community-based youth athletic activities for the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest.  The governing body of each public and nonpublic school and organizers of community-based youth athletic activities, working with the guidance of the Department of Health and communicated through the Department of Education to adopt guidelines and forms to inform and educate coaches, school administrators, youth athletes, and their parents or guardians of the nature, risk, and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest. On an annual basis, coaches are required to complete a sudden cardiac arrest education program approved by the Department of Health (as also required by §49-6-3601), and the Department shall make the education course available on its website for any school to access free of charge (as also required by §49-6-3602). The 2024 amendments require that the program include training in CPR, first aid, and use of an AED.   Each year, each coach and athletic director and each youth athlete and the athlete’s parent or guardian shall sign and return a sudden cardiac arrest information sheet prior to initiating practice or competition for the year. The governing body of each public and nonpublic school and organizers of community-based youth athletic activities shall maintain all related documentation for a period of three (3) years and establish a policy for the immediate removal of a youth athlete who passes out or faints while participating in an athletic activity and require the evaluation of the youth athlete and written clearance by a health care provider for a full or graduated return to play.

The 2024 amendments added §68-6-105, §68-6-201, §68-6-202, and §49-2-122.  §68-6-105 (“Automated external defibrillators for public and nonpublic schools – accessibility and maintenance) requiring that an AED be accessible during the school day and during all school youth athletic activities in which students are participating.  §68-6-202 provides the beginning September 1, 2024, each public and nonpublic school serving grades 9-12 shall establish, review, and annually rehearse an athletics emergency action plan (“AEAP”) for responding to serious or life-threatening injuries sustained by students participating in school youth athletic activities.  The requirements are in addition to requirements of the Safe Stars Act.  Cities, counties, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that organize a community-based youth athletic activity, as defined in §§ 68-6-102[1] are encouraged to comply with the safety standards set forth in §49-6-3601(b)(1)-(3) & (c) (Safety standards for school youth athletic activities — Code of conduct for coaches).  Key provisions of 3601(b)(1)-(3) & (c) with regard to coaches employed by or volunteering at a public or charter school include, but are not limited to required annual training for concussion/head injury safety, cardiac arrest, training in CPR and the use of AEDs, complying with all background check and fingerprinting requirements, completion of training in physical conditioning, an emergency action plan, severe weather policy, heat illness prevention course, and a coaches code of conduct. 49-2-122 requires all public schools to have at least one AED and for local school boards to develop and adopt a cardiac emergency response plan (“CERP”) that establishes steps to be taken in response to a sudden cardiac arrest occurring within the school building or on school grounds. The CERP must establish the number of AEDs that must be placed within each school building or on school grounds that are used for academic, athletic, of other community purposes. 

Sections 68-6-101 through 68-6-2-1 of the Tennessee Code can be viewed online at:

TENNESSEE CODE UNANNOTATED CUI| PAW Document Page (use the next & previous button to navigate between sections).

Sections 49-6-3601 through 49-6-3603 of the Tennessee Code can be viewed online at:

TENNESSEE CODE UNANNOTATED CUI| PAW Document Page

The following websites offer additional information regarding Tennessee Sudden Cardiac Arrest law:

https://tssaa.org/health-safety-policies#:~:text=Sudden%20Cardiac%20Arrest%20Information,her%20parent%20or%20legal%20guardian.

https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/at-board/at-board/at-legislative/sudden-cardiac-arrest-prevention-act.html

https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/injury-and-violence-prevention-programs/ivp-programs/safe-stars-initiative.html

[1] Community-based youth athletic activity” or “youth athletic activity” means an athletic activity organized by a city, county, business, or nonprofit organization when the majority of the participants are under eighteen (18) years of age, and are engaging in an organized athletic game or competition against another team, club, or entity or in practice or preparation for an organized game or competition against another team, club, or entity. “Community-based youth athletic activity” does not include college or university activities or an activity which is entered into for instructional purposes only, an athletic activity that is incidental to a nonathletic program, or a lesson.

The Texas Law is found at Section 38.018 under the education statutes in the section dealing with health and safety and is called. “Procedures Regarding Response to Cardiac Arrest”.   School districts and private schools are required to develop safety procedures for districts, employees, or students to be followed in responding to a medical emergency involving cardiac arrest including appropriate response time, use of an automatic external defibrillator (“AED”) or calling a local emergency services provider.  A private school is only required to develop safety procedures if the school receives an AED from the agency or funding for it through the agency.

Section 38.018 can be found online at:

EDUCATION CODE CHAPTER 38. HEALTH AND SAFETY (texas.gov)

For addition information see the following link:

CPR Training Requirements for Texas Teachers – School CPR

Virginia has adopted in their education code requirements for the distribution of information regarding sudden cardiac arrest and procedures for student athletes experiencing symptoms that may lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The Virginia Law is titled “Sudden cardiac arrest prevention in student athletes.” Section 22.1-271.8(A) instructs the Board of Education to develop, update and distribute, guidelines and policies to each local school division about the nature and risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Further under Section 22.1-271.8(B) local school divisions shall develop and biennially update policies and procedures regarding the identification and handling of symptoms that may lead to sudden cardiac arrest in student-athletes. These policies shall be reviewed by the student-athlete and their parent or guardian and the information distributed to them by the local school division on an annual basis. The student-athletes parents/guardian shall sign a statement acknowledging receipt of such information.

Section 22.1-271.8(B)(2) states that a student-athlete who is experiencing symptoms that may lead to sudden cardiac arrest be immediately removed from play. A student-athlete who is removed from play shall not return to play until he is evaluated by and receives written clearance to return to physical activity by an appropriate licensed health care provider as determined by the Board of Education. The licensed health care provided evaluating student-athletes may be volunteer.

The applicable law can be found using the below link:

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-271.8/

Follow the below link to find the guidelines published by the Virginia Department of

Education:

Cardiac and Emergency Management | Virginia Department of Education

The Washington Law is found under title 28A (Common School Provisions) and is known as the “Sudden cardiac arrest in student athletes – Online pamphlet – Online prevention program for coaches” (§28A.600195). The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association in coordination with the University of Washington has created an online pamphlet which includes information on the nature, risk, symptoms, warning signs, prevention and treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. On a yearly basis, prior to participating in an interscholastic athletic activity a sudden cardiac arrest form stating that the online pamphlet was reviewed shall be signed by the youth athlete and the athlete’s parents and/or guardian and returned to the school. Every three years, prior to coaching an interscholastic athletic activity coaches shall complete the online sudden cardiac arrest prevention program described in this section. Coaches shall provide a certificate showing completion of the online sudden cardiac arrest prevention program to the school.  A school board of directors my delegate control, supervision, and regulation of interschool athletic activities and other interschool extracurricular activities to Washington Interscholastic Activities Association or any other voluntary non-profit entity subject to the provisions of Section 28A.600.200.  In accordance with §4.24.660 (Liability of School Districts Under Contracts with Youth Programs) a school district shall not be liable for an injury to or the death of a person due to the action or inaction of persons employed by, or under contract with a youth program subject to the conditions specified in this statute.  The statute defines “Youth Programs” as any program or service, offered by a private nonprofit group, that is operated primarily to provide persons under the age of eighteen with opportunities to participate in services or programs (§4.24.660.

The applicable law can be found using the below link:

https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.600.195

https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28a.600.200

https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.24.660

See the below link for the online pamphlet:

https://assets-rst7.rschooltoday.com/rst7files/uploads/sites/652/2023/06/08142237/SCA-Pamphlet.pdf

On March 22, 2024, the West Virginia Legislature enacted SB 602, which was signed by the governor on March 22, 2024.  This new law became effective on May 30, 2024, and repealed the existing law.  West Virginia Law is found in the West Virginia Code under Public Health (Sections 16-57-2 through 16-57-4) titled the “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act”. The new law is codified in Chapter 18 (Education), Article 5 (County Board of Education) §18-5-22e and is titled “Cardiac response plans.”

Schools are required to develop a cardiac emergency response plan.  A school with an athletic department or organized athletic program shall develop a cardiac response plan that provides for the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while attending or participating in an athletic practice or event on school grounds and that school staff including, but not limited to licensed coaches, school nurses, and athletic trainers be trained in first aid, CPR, and AED use.

Prior to the start of each athletic season, a school subject to this section shall hold an informational meeting for students, parents, guardians, or other persons having care or charge of a student regarding the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest for children of all ages. No student may participate in an athletic activity until the student has submitted to a designated school official, a form signed by the student and the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student stating that the student and the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student have received and reviewed a copy of the information developed by the departments of health and education and posted on their respective webpages.  A completed form shall be submitted each school year in which the student participates in an athletic activity (Section 16-57-3).

No individual may coach an athletic activity unless the individual has completed, on an annual basis, the sudden cardiac arrest training course approved by the Department of Education.

A student shall not be allowed to participate in an athletic activity if either of the following is the case: (1) The student is known to have exhibited syncope or fainting at any time prior to or following an athletic activity and has not been evaluated and cleared for return after exhibiting syncope or fainting; or (2) The student experiences syncope or fainting while participating in, or immediately following, an athletic activity. The student shall not be allowed to return to participation until the student is evaluated and cleared for return in writing by any of the following: (1) A physician authorized under WV law ; (2) A certified nurse practitioner,  or (3) A physician assistant licensed under WV law.

The applicable law can be found using the below links:

West Virginia Code | §18-5-22E

https://www.wvssac.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Sudden_Cardiac_Arrest_Awareness.pdf

Follow the below link to find the guidelines published by the West Virginia Department of Education:

Cardiac and Emergency Management | Virginia Department of Education

The “Wisconsin Law is found under in Section 118.2935 under the chapter dealing with “Public Instruction and General School Operations” Youth athletic activity is defined under Wisconsin law as an organized athletic activity in which the participants, a majority of whom are under 19 years of age, are engaged in an athletic game or competition against another team, club or entity (see § 118.293).

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association in consultation with pediatric cardiologists is required to develop an information related to sudden cardiac arrest for distribution.

At the beginning of a season for a youth athletic activity offered to persons who are 12 years of age or older, the person operating the youth athletic activity shall ensure that the information developed is included in the information sheet required to be distributed under Section 118.293 (3) (a). Section 118.2935 does not create any liability for, or a cause of action against, any person.

The applicable law can be found using the below links:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118/2935

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118/293

Department of Public Instruction (Education) Sudden Cardiac Arrest information:

https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/program/tbi/concussion

Sudden cardiac arrest flyer created by the above statute:

https://www.wiaawi.org/Health/Sudden-Cardiac-Arrest