NC S665

Requires the Department of Public Instruction to develop a safety training and education program for prevention and treatment of exertional heat illness (EHI) in students, in consultation with athletic trainers, medical societies, high school athletic associations, and the Korey Stringer Institute.

Program must include information on recognition of EHI signs and symptoms, prevention techniques, emergency medical protocols for treatment, and requirements for student return to participation in physical activities.

Mandates local school boards implement the EHI program and require annual information sheets on EHI for coaches, athletes, parents, and other personnel, with parent acknowledgement forms required before student participation in athletics or extracurricular activities.

Establishes that students exhibiting EHI signs or symptoms must be removed from activity immediately and cannot return to practice or competition the next day without written clearance from a physician, licensed athletic trainer, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner trained in EHI management.

Requires schools to develop written, venue-specific emergency action plans addressing serious illness and acute medical conditions, including emergency equipment, communication methods, and annual review by appropriate personnel; effective beginning the 2014-2015 school year.