An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators, providing for automated external defibrillators and training, further providing for sudden cardiac arrest and electrocardiogram testing and providing for electrocardiogram testing for interscholastic athletics; and, in terms and courses of study, further providing for cardiopulmonary resuscitation education.

PRINTER'S NO. 2452
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1943
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY SCOTT, PROBST, GUENST, RIVERA, HILL-EVANS, KUZMA,
FRANKEL AND SANCHEZ, OCTOBER 14, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, OCTOBER 16, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," in school health services, further
providing for automatic external defibrillators, providing
for automated external defibrillators and training, further
providing for sudden cardiac arrest and electrocardiogram
testing and providing for electrocardiogram testing for
interscholastic athletics; and, in terms and courses of
study, further providing for cardiopulmonary resuscitation
education.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 1423 of the act of March 10, 1949
(P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, is
amended to read:
Section 1423. [Automatic] Automated External
Defibrillators.--(a) The department shall establish an
[automatic] automated external defibrillator program to assist
school entities and nonpublic schools in making [automatic]
automated external defibrillators available in school buildings.
(b) On a biennial basis, the department, in consultation
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with the Department of General Services and the Department of
Health, shall issue an invitation to bid for the cost of
[automatic] automated external defibrillators and other
equipment and supplies necessary for the proper operation of the
device. The department shall accept the bid of the lowest
responsible bidder and permit any school entity or nonpublic
school to purchase the devices at the contract bid price. The
department may purchase [automatic] automated external
defibrillators from any funds appropriated pursuant to
subsection (k) for distribution to school entities and nonpublic
schools.
(c) To be eligible to obtain or purchase [automatic]
automated external defibrillators under the program a school
entity or nonpublic school must:
(1) Assure that two (2) or more persons assigned to the
location where the [automatic] automated external defibrillator
will be primarily housed are trained as required in subsection
(d).
(2) Ensure that the device will be secured in a safe and
readily accessible location and agree to properly maintain and
test the device according to the manufacturer's operational
guidelines.
[(3) Submit a valid prescription for the device from a
licensed medical practitioner in this Commonwealth.]
(4) Agree to provide the training required by subsection
(d).
(d) School personnel who are expected to use the [automatic]
automated external defibrillator shall complete training in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the use of an [automatic]
automated external defibrillator provided by the American Heart
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Association, the American Red Cross or through an equivalent
course of instruction approved by the Department of Health.
(e) A school entity may include the training required by
subsection (d) in its continuing professional education plan
submitted to the department under section 1205.1.
(f) The provisions of 42 Pa.C.S. § 8331.2 (relating to good
Samaritan civil immunity for use of [automatic] automated
external defibrillator) shall apply to school employes who
render care with an [automatic] automated external
defibrillator.
(g) From funds appropriated for this purpose or from other
funds available, the department may assist school entities and
nonpublic schools that are not equipped with [automatic]
automated external defibrillators by providing a discount from
the contract bid price obtained under subsection (b) or by
providing [automatic] automated external defibrillators obtained
under subsection (b).
(g.1) The purchase of an [automatic] automated external
defibrillator shall be considered an allowable use of
Pennsylvania Accountability Grants under section 2599.2(b).
(g.2) The purchase of [automatic] automated external
defibrillators shall be considered an innovative educational
program under Article XVII-F of the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6,
No.2), known as the "Tax Reform Code of 1971."
(h) (Reserved).
(i) Not later than June 30, 2014, and each year thereafter,
each school entity shall make a report to the department
detailing the number, condition, age and placement of
[automatic] automated external defibrillators in each school
building. After the initial report is made, a school entity may
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report this information as part of the annual report required by
the Commonwealth under section 2505.1 to receive State
reimbursement for health services.
(i.1) A nonpublic school that participates in the
[automatic] automated external defibrillator program under
subsection (b) or (g) shall be subject to the reporting required
under subsection (i).
(i.2) The department shall annually publish a report on its
publicly accessible Internet website no later than December 31,
2014, and each year thereafter. The report shall contain the
following information:
(1) The total number of [automatic] automated external
defibrillators by school entity and nonpublic school.
(2) The number of school buildings by school entity and
nonpublic school that are equipped with [automatic] automated
external defibrillators.
(3) The number of school buildings by school entity and
nonpublic school that are not equipped with [automatic]
automated external defibrillators.
(j) The department may adopt guidelines as necessary to
administer this section.
(k) The General Assembly may appropriate funds to carry out
the provisions of this section.
(l) As used in this section--
["Automatic] "Automated external defibrillator" means a
portable device that uses electric shock to restore a stable
heart rhythm to an individual in cardiac arrest.
"Department" means the Department of Education of the
Commonwealth.
"Nonpublic school" means a nonprofit school, other than a
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public school within this Commonwealth, wherein a resident of
this Commonwealth may legally fulfill the compulsory school
attendance requirements of this act and which meets the
applicable requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 (Public Law 88-352, 78 Stat. 241).
"School building" means a building owned by or under the
control of a school entity or nonpublic school where classes are
taught or extracurricular activities are conducted on a regular
basis.
"School entity" means an area career and technical school, a
charter school, a cyber charter school, an intermediate unit or
a school district.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of Education of the
Commonwealth.
Section 2. The act is amended by adding a section to read:
Section 1423.1. Automated External Defibrillators and
Training.--( a) (1) Each school entity shall place an automated
external defibrillator in an easily accessible, centralized
location in each occupied school building or facility where
school-sponsored activities or athletic activities occur.
(2) A minimum of four school entity employes trained in the
use of an automated external defibrillator must be present
within one thousand (1,000) feet of the location of an automated
external defibrillator throughout the school day.
(3) A minimum of two school entity employes or volunteers
trained in the use of an automated external defibrillator must
be present within two hundred (200) yards of an automated
external defibrillator at each school-sponsored or school-
approved athletic activity.
(4) The following school entity employes shall participate,
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on an annual basis, in training on the use of an automated
external defibrillator provided by the American Heart
Association, the American Red Cross or through an equivalent
course of instruction approved by the Department of Health:
(i) The school nurse and at least one additional member of
the nursing staff.
(ii) The school principal and at least one additional member
of school administration.
(iii) A physical education teacher.
(iv) The head coach of each athletic team and at least one
additional member of the coaching staff.
(v) The school resource officer or any other school security
personnel.
(vi) The director of athletic activities or a designee.
(vii) Any other employe as assigned by the school entity in
compliance with this section.
(b) Each school entity shall perform an annual inspection to
ensure that each automated external defibrillator is functional
according to manufacturer's guidelines.
(c) On an annual basis, each school entity shall report to
the Department of Education and Department of Health the
following information:
(1) The number of automated external defibrillators placed
in school buildings and facilities.
(2) The names of employes trained in the use of automated
external defibrillators and proof of certification or successful
completion of training.
(3) Any other information requested by the Department of
Education or Department of Health relating to automated external
defibrillator availability and training.
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(d) As used in this section, the following words and phrases
shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Athletic activity." Any of the following:
(1) Interscholastic athletics as defined in section 1602-A.
(2) An athletic contest or competition, other than
interscholastic athletics, that is sponsored by or associated
with a school entity, including cheerleading, club-sponsored
sports activities or sports activities sponsored by school-
affiliated organizations.
(3) Noncompetitive cheerleading that is sponsored by or
associated with a school entity.
(4) Practices, interschool practices and scrimmages for an
activity listed under clause (1), (2) or (3).
"Automated external defibrillator." As defined in section
1423.
"School building or facility." A building or facility owned
by or under the control of a school entity or, in the case of a
cyber charter school, at each location under the cyber charter
school's jurisdiction, where classes are taught or
extracurricular activities are conducted on a regular basis.
"School entity." A public school, charter school, cyber
charter school, private school, nonpublic school, intermediate
unit or area career and technical school.
"School resource officer" or "school security personnel." As
defined in section 1301-C.
"School-sponsored activities." Assemblies, graduation
ceremonies, athletic activities, extracurricular activities,
clubs, groups, teams or any activities sponsored, held or
approved by the school entity whether held during normal school
hours or otherwise.
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Section 3. Section 1425(a)(1) introductory paragraph, (i)
and (iii) and (d)(1) of the act are amended to read:
Section 1425. Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Electrocardiogram
Testing.--(a) (1) The department and the Department of
Education shall develop and post on their publicly accessible
Internet websites guidelines and other relevant materials to
inform and educate students participating in or desiring to
participate in an athletic activity, their parents or guardians
and their coaches about:
(i) The nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest,
including the risks associated with continuing to play or
practice after experiencing one (1) or more symptoms of sudden
cardiac arrest, including fainting, difficulty breathing,
shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness and abnormal racing
heart rate.
* * *
(iii) The [option] requirement to request, from the family's
medical provider or a cardiologist, the administration of an
electrocardiogram, in addition to the comprehensive initial
participation physical examination, at a cost to be incurred by
the parent or guardian.
* * *
(d) (1) Once each school year, a coach of an athletic
activity shall complete [the sudden cardiac arrest training
course] training in sudden cardiac arrest and the use of an
automated external defibrillator offered by a provider approved
by the department.
* * *
Section 4. The act is amended by adding a section to read:
Section 1426. Electrocardiogram Testing for Interscholastic
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Athletics.--(a) Except as provided under subsection (f), the
following students shall receive an electrocardiogram:
(1) For the 2026-2027 school year, each student who
participates in interscholastic athletics or is a candidate for
an interscholastic athletic team.
(2) For the 2027-2028 school year and each school year
thereafter, each student in grades six through eight who, for
the first time, participates in interscholastic athletics or is
a candidate for an interscholastic athletic team.
(3) For the 2027-2028 school year and each school year
thereafter, each student in grades nine through twelve who, for
the first time since entering grade nine, participates in
interscholastic athletics or is a candidate for an
interscholastic athletic team.
(b) For a student under subsection (a), the parent or legal
guardian shall provide to the school entity one of the
following:
(1) Certification from the family's primary care provider, a
cardiologist or another health care provider with specialized
training in cardiovascular screening techniques and protocols,
as approved by the Department of Health, that the student
received electrocardiogram testing and does not exhibit signs,
symptoms or risk factors of sudden cardiac arrest.
(2) A written notice under subsection (f).
(c) If a student fails an electrocardiogram, the student
shall obtain a comprehensive cardiovascular examination by a
cardiologist within one hundred twenty (120) days or before the
start of the next school year, whichever occurs first. The
notice submitted to the school entity shall include a form
completed by the examining cardiologist.
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(d) Except as provided under subsection (f), a student who
fails to submit the certification required under subsection (b)
(1) or to complete the examination required under subsection (c)
shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics
until the required documentation is provided to the school
entity.
(e) A school entity shall not be required to arrange
comprehensive cardiovascular examinations and shall not be
financially responsible for the treatment of a student who fails
an electrocardiogram.
(f) A student may participate in interscholastic athletics
or be a candidate for an interscholastic athletic team if the
student's parent or legal guardian objects in writing to the
student receiving an electrocardiogram on the ground that the
electrocardiogram is contrary to the parent's or legal
guardian's religious tenets or practices. If an objection is
submitted under this subsection, no liability shall arise for a
person or entity that would otherwise rely on electrocardiogram
results for damages that arise directly from the student's
participation in interscholastic athletics where an undisclosed
medical condition that would have been revealed by an
electrocardiogram is a proximate cause of the injury or death.
The parent or legal guardian shall provide a written release of
liability prepared by an attorney in good standing and licensed
to practice law in this Commonwealth. The parent or legal
guardian may also submit a written recommendation from the
student's primary care provider, a cardiologist or another
health care provider with specialized training in cardiovascular
screening techniques and protocols, as approved by the
Department of Health, stating that the student does not require
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an electrocardiogram.
(g) As used in this section, the term "interscholastic
athletics" means athletic contests or competitions conducted
between or among a school district, intermediate unit, area
career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter
school, regional charter school or nonpublic school entity.
Section 5. Section 1528(c)(1) of the act is amended and the
subsection is amended by adding clauses to read:
Section 1528. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Education.--* *
*
(c) (1) [A] Through the 2025-2026 school year, a school
entity that offers instruction in CPR may utilize the model
curriculum developed under subsections (a) and (b) or develop
the school entity's own curriculum in accordance with academic
standards and consistent with guidelines developed under
subsections (a) and (b). A school entity may utilize appropriate
publicly or privately available materials, personnel and other
resources in developing and implementing this instruction,
subject to the requirements of section 111 and 23 Pa.C.S. § 6344
(relating to employees having contact with children; adoptive
and foster parents).
* * *
(3) Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, a school
entity shall provide instruction in CPR for all students in
grade nine and grade eleven. The instruction shall be based on a
one-hour, nationally recognized program that uses the most
current evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines
and shall include practice of the psychomotor skills associated
with performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using an
automated external defibrillator if the school entity has the
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necessary equipment. A school entity may utilize public or
private partnerships to provide training or funding.
(4) Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, a student may
not graduate from a high school unless the student has
successfully completed instruction in CPR consistent with this
section.
* * *
Section 6. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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