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HB 3589

STUDENT ATHLETE MEDICAL EVAL

104th Regular Session Introduced by Nabeela Syed

Requires annual medical evaluations for student-athletes (grades 9-12 and candidates) with optional ECGs, administered by licensed health professionals, starting 2026.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3589

Summary of HB3589 – Student Athlete Medical Evaluation

Overview

HB3589, titled “Student Athlete Medical Eval,” amends the Illinois School Code (adding 105 ILCS 5/22-80.5). The bill would require medical evaluations for student-athletes participating in interscholastic activities, with an emphasis on cardiovascular screening and optional electrocardiograms (ECGs). It sets standards for who may administer evaluations, what the evaluation form must include, and how results are shared with schools. Effective date: January 1, 2026.

Key Provisions

  • Scope and requirement:

    • Students in grades 9–12 must satisfactorily pass a medical evaluation each year before participating in interscholastic athletic activities, and if applicable, before an ECG is performed.
    • Students in any grade who participate in or are candidates for an interscholastic team must pass a medical evaluation each year before any practice, tryout, workout, conditioning, or other activity related to candidacy (including activities outside the school year).

  • ECG waiver:

    • The ECG may be waived if a parent/guardian objects due to religious tenets or practices, or submits a written request to waive the requirement.

  • Administration and qualifications:

    • Medical evaluations must be administered only by a licensed health care professional or a physician (or someone under direct supervision of such professional).

  • Content of the preparticipation evaluation form:

    • The form must document:
    • The professional’s signature and attestation that the examination procedures were performed.
    • Any referrals to other practitioners.
    • Completion of remaining sections by referred practitioners, if applicable.
    • A section educating students about cardiovascular screening, information, and diagnostic tests.
    • The results must include an assessment or referral information and be provided to the student’s school.

  • Definitions:

    • Key terms defined include: athletic trainer, coach, interscholastic athletic activity, licensed health care professional, nurse, physician, physician assistant, school, and student.

Implementation Details

  • Reporting and records: Results of the medical evaluation must be provided to the student’s school.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect January 1, 2026.

Legislative and Committee Status

  • Introduced: February 18, 2025 (Rep. Nabeela Syed) and filed March 3, 2025.
  • Current status: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee.
  • Earlier actions included referrals to Education Policy and public committee hearings (April 2025).

Potential Impact

  • Students: Enhanced health screening for secondary school athletes, with annual requirements and optional ECGs; potential privacy considerations regarding medical data.
  • Schools: Increased documentation and coordination with licensed health care professionals; process for receiving and storing medical evaluation results.
  • Medical/Allied Health Professionals: Expanded role in school-based athletic health evaluations; adherence to specified form and reporting standards.
  • Costs/Logistics: Possible costs for periodic medical exams and ECGs, and scheduling/logistics to ensure annual evaluations.

This bill would, if enacted, formalize annual medical evaluations and cardiovascular screening for student-athletes, with a standardized form and explicit physician-led administration, beginning in 2026.

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

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