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Bill

HD 1738

An Act concerning the cardiac health of children and student athletes

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jay Livingstone

Requires Massachusetts schools to screen student athletes for cardiac conditions, equip facilities with AEDs, and train staff in emergency response protocols.

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Bill Summary · HD 1738

Legislative bill overview

HD 1738 establishes requirements for cardiac screening, emergency response protocols, and automated external defibrillator (AED) access for student athletes in Massachusetts schools. The bill mandates pre-participation cardiovascular assessments and ensures trained personnel and equipment are available during athletic activities to respond to sudden cardiac events.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes, though rare, can be fatal within minutes if untreated. This bill addresses a documented public health gap by ensuring schools have systematic screening and emergency response infrastructure, potentially preventing deaths from undetected heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that may not show symptoms until extreme exertion.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools must purchase AEDs, train staff, and conduct cardiac screenings, creating budget pressures in under-resourced districts
  • Medical screening standardization: Debate over which screening method (EKG, echocardiogram, physician exam) is most effective and appropriate for all students
  • Parental consent and privacy: Questions about mandatory screening participation, data handling, and potential stigma for students with identified cardiac issues
  • Liability concerns: Unclear responsibility allocation if screening misses a condition or if an AED fails to prevent a tragedy

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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