Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires mandatory CPR training and certification in high schools.

Highlights:

• Requires Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) education training for all students in grades 9 through 12 beginning at the start of the 2019-2020 school year (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that each school CPR education program cover the following curriculum guidelines, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• Age appropriate training method approved by the department and model national standards;

• Recommended guidelines and educational material from expert CPR organizations and emergency care;

• Psychomotor skills training including hands-only CPR techniques; and

• Information on the purpose of an automated external defibrillator.

• Authorizes a teacher, instructor, or community volunteer to provide, facilitate, or oversee the instruction offered by a school entity and not be a certified CPR trainer (Sec. 1).

• Exempts an individual from liability who in good faith provides CPR instruction to a student that has any civil damages as a result (Sec. 1).

• Defines “automated external defibrillator” as a portable defibrillator designed to be automated for use by any person without substantial medical training responding to a cardiac emergency (Sec. 1).

• Defines “cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)” as a first aid technique utilizing hands-only compressions of the chest used to relieve an individual whose heart has stopped beating (Sec. 1).

• Defines “department” as the Department of Education of the Commonwealth (Sec. 1).

• Defines “psychomotor skills” as the use of hands-on practice to support cognitive learning (Sec. 1).

• Defines “school entity” as the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• School district or joint school district;

• Charter school, regional charter school, or cyber charter school; and

• Intermediate unit or area vocational-technical school.

• Establishes that this act will take effect 60 days after passage (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text