New Jersey Assembly Bill A4573

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/22/22
• Refer: 9/22/22

Caption

Requires school districts to provide instruction on bleed control as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

Impact

If adopted, A4573 will affect all school districts in New Jersey that include grades nine through twelve. The legislation aims to standardize health education across the state, ensuring that all high school students receive vital training related to bleed control. The bill allows for flexibility by enabling school districts to select non-cost, non-certification instructional programs to fulfill this requirement, which could ease implementation concerns and broaden accessibility for schools with limited resources.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4573 aims to enhance health education in New Jersey high schools by mandating that school districts incorporate bleed control instruction into their health curriculum. This directive is framed within the existing New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. The bill is sponsored by Assemblywoman Marilyn Piperno and Assemblywoman Kim Eulner, both representing District 11 in Monmouth. The focus is on empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in emergency situations involving severe bleeding, potentially saving lives in crises.

Contention

While proponents advocate for the measure based on its potential to improve emergency response skills among students, concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of training programs and the impact on existing health curricula. Critics might argue that adding new instructional requirements could increase the workload for educators and schools already dealing with packed schedules. Therefore, discussions will likely center around how to implement this mandate effectively without compromising other crucial aspects of health education in schools.