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HD 3097

An Act relative to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator education in public schools

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carole Fiola and 1 co-sponsor

Requires public schools to teach CPR/AED, provide grant-funded support for districts, and make CPR/AED knowledge a high school graduation prerequisite with hands-on instruction.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · HD 3097

Summary: An Act relative to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator education in public schools (HD 3097)

Overview

  • Bill number: HD 3097
  • Official title: An Act relative to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator education in public schools
  • Status: Senate concurred
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Classification: proposed bill in the 194th General Court (2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to ensure that all public schools in Massachusetts incorporate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automatic external defibrillator) education into the health curriculum, with a focus on current guidelines and hands-on skills. It creates a state-level grant program to support districts in implementing these requirements and establishes graduation prerequisites for high school students related to CPR/AED knowledge and demonstration.

Key provisions

1) Health Education Grant Program (new Section 1U of Chapter 69)

  • Establishment: A health education grant program within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the department), subject to appropriation and in accordance with Chapter 70.
  • Purpose: Assist school districts in implementing CPR/AED instruction.
  • Rules and criteria: The department must promulgate:
    • Application format
    • Timelines and deadlines
    • Scoring rubric and grant award criteria
    • Allowable uses of grant funds
    • Data collection and evaluation requirements
  • Content requirements: The program must include instruction on CPR and AED use.
  • Instructional standards:
    • Hands-only CPR
    • Use of AEDs
    • Instruction aligned with the most current national evidence-based Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) guidelines
    • Inclusion of psychomotor skills development (hands-on practice and skills testing)
  • Staffing flexibility: A licensed teacher is not required to be a certified CPR trainer to facilitate, provide, or oversee instruction for non-certification courses. Certifications earned through courses must be taught by an authorized CPR/AED instructor.

2) Graduation Requirement for High School Students (amendment to Chapter 71)

  • Requirement: All public high school students must study and demonstrate general knowledge of CPR and AED use as a prerequisite for graduation.
  • Standards and program options:
    • Instruction must be based on programs from the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or other nationally recognized programs
    • Must use the most current national ECC guidelines
    • Must incorporate psychomotor skills development
  • Staffing flexibility: As above, a licensed teacher is not required to be a certified CPR trainer to facilitate/oversee non-certification instruction; certification courses must be taught by an authorized CPR/AED instructor.

Who is affected

  • Public school districts and schools in Massachusetts
  • Public high school students (graduation prerequisite)
  • Teachers and school staff who may facilitate CPR/AED instruction
  • CPR/AED instructors and licensed teachers involved in delivering the program

Implementation and timeline considerations

  • Funding: The grant program is contingent on appropriation; not automatically funded.
  • Administration: DESE would establish the grant_application process, guidelines, and evaluation metrics.
  • Timeline: As introduced in 2025, with the current status showing Senate concurrence; actual rollout would depend on subsequent appropriations and final legislative action.

Legislative actions

  • 2025-02-27: Referred to the Committee on Education
  • 2025-02-27: Senate concurred

This bill would codify CPR/AED education in public schools, support districts through a grant program, and make CPR/AED knowledge a graduation prerequisite for high school students, emphasizing current guidelines and practical skills while allowing flexible instructional delivery.

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

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