GA HB970

Expands the list of qualified healthcare professionals authorized to conduct preparticipation physical examinations for student athletes to include licensed medical physicians, doctors of osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants

Physical examinations are valid for 12 months from the date of examination, or if conducted on or after April 1 of the preceding year, remain valid through the applicable school year

Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, healthcare professionals must include a cardiovascular prescreening following nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines from the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, or similar organizations

Schools must distribute educational materials to parents or guardians about causes of sudden cardiac arrest in children as part of the preparticipation physical examination and athletic permission process