HB 180 Summary

• Requires students to submit signed forms acknowledging receipt of sudden cardiac arrest information before participating in any athletic activity at public schools, chartered nonpublic schools, and schools subject to interscholastic conference rules.

• Mandates coaches complete an approved sudden cardiac arrest training course within the previous year before coaching any athletic activity.

• Prohibits students exhibiting signs or symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest from participating and requires their removal from play; students may only return after written clearance from a physician, nurse practitioner, or cardiologist.

• Establishes minimum penalties for coaches violating removal requirements: suspension for remainder of season (first violation), suspension for remainder and next season (second violation), and permanent suspension (third violation).

• Requires the departments of health and education to jointly develop and post guidelines on their websites educating students, parents, and coaches about sudden cardiac arrest symptoms including fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, and abnormal heart rate.