Requires heart examinations for public school students

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring heart examinations for students

Purpose or general idea of bill

Requires heart examinations for public school students.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 Subdivision 1 of section 903 of the education law is amended to add that health certificates furnished by each student upon entrance into public schools shall include a statement that the student has undergone a heart test, such as an electrocardiogram. Furthermore, it shall state that the student is fit to participate in physical education or physical athletic activities.

Section 2. Effective date.

Justification

Under current law, a student must submit a health certificate upon entrance to public school. This is required upon his or her entry into the grades prescribed in regulations by the commissioner, which requires such certificates at least twice during the elementary grades and twice in the secondary grades. An examination and health history of any child may also be required by the local school authorities at any time in their discretion to promote the educational interests of such child. Each certificate shall describe the condition of the student when the examination was made, which shall not be more than twelve months prior to the commencement of the school year in which the examination is required, and it shall state whether such student is in a fit condition of health to permit his or her attendance at the public school.

The tragedy of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) occurs in individuals under 40 years of age more often than most would guess. According to a CNN study, over 400,000 young adults are affected by SCD each year. Requiring students to be screened for heart abnormalities when they go to their doctor for their school physical would show if there are any rhythm disturbances of the heart as well as abnormalities in size, thickness and functions of the left ventricle, aortic valve and aorta. Determining the presence of any of these conditions could result in the saving of a young life. Physical exertion associated with competitive sports and other physical athletic activities exacerbates these conditions and can result in an untimely death of a student. This legislation would add to the required health certificate, proof that the student has undergone a heart test, such as an electrocardiogram, which states whether that student is fit to participate in physical education and physical athletic activities.

Furthermore, screening the heart for any abnormalities would result in early detection thereby giving that student advanced warning to seek treatment.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :.

2015: S.3334 - Referred to Education / A.4826 - Referred to Education 2014: S.5748 - Referred to Education. A.132 Referred to Education 2012: A.10293 - Referred to Education

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately