An Act providing CPR and AED Education for All, AKA The CPR and AED Education for All Act

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carol Doherty and 1 co-sponsor

Public high school students in Massachusetts must complete hands-only CPR and AED instruction as a graduation requirement.

Senate concurred

Overview

HD 2946, titled “An Act providing CPR and AED Education for All,” would require public high schools in Massachusetts to integrate hands-only CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) instruction into the existing physical education or health education curriculum for grades 9–12. The act sets a graduation requirement tied to participation in the program, with narrowly tailored exemptions. The bill was introduced February 27, 2025, and the Senate has concurred with the House version. Section 2D would amend Chapter 71 by adding this new requirement, with an effective date of September 1, 2025.

Key Provisions

Curriculum requirement: Each school district must provide instruction in hands-only CPR and AED use as part of the PE/Health curriculum for students in grades 9–12.

No-cost, non-certification option: Districts may select a no-cost, non-certification instructional program to meet the requirement.

Program standards: The instructional program must be modeled after an instructional program established by a nationally recognized association with CPR/AED expertise and must include a hands-on learning component for each participating student.

Graduation requirement: Every public high school student must participate in the instructional program as a condition of graduation.

Exemptions:

A licensed physician may certify in writing that participation would be injurious to the student.
a parent or guardian may submit a written objection to the student’s participation.

Who is Affected

Primary beneficiaries: Public high school students (grades 9–12) across Massachusetts.

School districts: Required to implement the program, choose an appropriate no-cost option if desired, and ensure participation for graduation.

Parents/guardians and physicians: Have the ability to opt out on medical or personal grounds through the specified exemption processes.

Implementation & Timeline

Effective date: September 1, 2025.

Implementation pathway: Districts integrate the program into existing PE/Health curricula and ensure hands-on CPR/AED training is delivered.

Status: Senate concurred with the House; bill would proceed to the Governor for final action (subject to final enactment).

Potential Impacts & Considerations

Enhances student preparedness to respond to cardiac emergencies.

Could require resources for program adoption, instructor training, or coordination with nationally recognized CPR/AED programs (though a no-cost option is allowed).

Clear, limited exemptions protect medical concerns and parental rights while preserving the graduation requirement for the vast majority of students.

Bill