Requires cardiac screening of student athletes

BILL NUMBER:S80

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring preventative cardiac screening of student athletes

Purpose

This legislation requires cardiac screening of student athletes; mandates coaches receive training in CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Section 206 of the public health law is amended by adding a new subdivision 29 to read as follows: the commissioner shall, in consultation with the commissioner of education, promulgate by regulation, guidelines, and standards mandating that student athletes receive preventative cardiac screening to detect conditions and defects which may lead to illness, injury, and death as a result of strenuous physical activity. The commissioner shall determine the specific types of screening which shall be required including, but not limited to, advanced screening for the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

For purposes of this subdivision, "student athletes" shall mean any student participating in supervised sporting activities organized by a public or private school, or an organization, association or group organized and functioning, in a whole or in part, for the purpose of providing youth with the opportunity to participate in supervised sporting activities.

Justification

Basketball was a big part of Dominic Murray's life and death. He died at the age of 17 after collapsing on the basketball court at SUNY Farmingdale State College during an open gym pick up game, only a few weeks after receiving medical clearance to play college sports. The cause of his death was Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) due to cardiac hypertrophy related to underlying heart problems. To keep Dominic Murray's legacy alive for his contributions as a student, an athlete and a compassionate young man, the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation, Inc. was formed to help prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) among young athletes. Their mission is to implement preventative heart screening programs in educational institutions and youth athletic organizations and to provide training to coaches, teachers, and youth-athletic volunteers in CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The cardiac screening for student athletes cost $75.00, which usually includes an electrocardiogram (EKG) and an echocardiogram. The parents who can afford the cost will pay for the screening. The school and districts do not pay for these services. For those families that are unable to afford the cost, scholarships are available.

Prior legislative history

2011-12: S.78-A 2010: S.8492/A.11670-A

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.