EDUCATION – Adds to existing law to require public schools to adopt sudden cardiac arrest prevention training.
68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)
House Bill H 313 mandates sudden cardiac arrest training in Idaho schools, ensuring coaches and parents are educated to protect student athletes from SCA risks.
Summary of House Bill H 313: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Training in Schools
Purpose and Intent
House Bill H 313 aims to enhance the safety of student athletes in Idaho by requiring public schools to implement sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) prevention training. The bill seeks to raise awareness among students, parents, and coaches about the symptoms of SCA and the necessary actions to take when these symptoms are observed.
Key Provisions
The bill introduces several important provisions regarding sudden cardiac arrest prevention:
Definitions:
Appropriate Medical Professional: Includes licensed physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses trained in SCA management.
Athletic Activity: Encompasses all school-sponsored sports, including cheerleading and club sports.
Coach: Refers to any individual overseeing student participation in athletic activities.
Training and Awareness:
The Idaho Department of Education will collaborate with the Idaho High School Activities Association to develop educational materials on SCA symptoms and risks.
Schools must provide an information sheet detailing SCA symptoms to students and their parents/guardians, which must be signed and returned before participation in athletic activities.
Removal from Participation:
Coaches are empowered to remove students exhibiting SCA symptoms from athletic activities. Students cannot return until cleared by an appropriate medical professional.
Mandatory Training for Coaches:
Coaches must complete a sudden cardiac arrest training course at least once every two years. They cannot coach until this training is completed.
Liability Protection:
Coaches are protected from civil liability for actions taken under this bill unless found to be grossly negligent or reckless.
Encouragement for Youth Athletic Sponsors:
Youth athletic activity sponsors are encouraged to follow the guidelines established in this bill.
Impact
This legislation is designed to protect student athletes by ensuring that coaches and parents are educated about the risks of sudden cardiac arrest. By implementing training and awareness programs, the bill aims to reduce the incidence of SCA-related emergencies in schools.
Affected Parties
Students: All student athletes participating in school-sponsored sports.
Parents/Guardians: Required to acknowledge receipt of SCA information.
Coaches: Must undergo training and adhere to new protocols.
Schools: Responsible for implementing the training and awareness programs.
Procedural Aspects
Introduced: February 24, 2025
Status: The bill was read in full and subsequently failed to pass with a vote of 23-43-4 on March 10, 2025.
Effective Date: If passed, the provisions would have taken effect on July 1, 2025.
Conclusion
House Bill H 313 represents a proactive approach to student athlete safety by mandating sudden cardiac arrest prevention training in Idaho's public schools. Despite its failure to pass, the bill highlights the importance of awareness and preparedness in addressing health risks associated with athletic activities.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.