Minnesota House Bill HF1951

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

CPR and AED instruction provisions modified to include Health and Safety Institute.

Impact

If passed, HF1951 will amend Minnesota Statutes, particularly section 120B.236, which governs the requirements for CPR and AED instruction in school curricula. This change will allow school districts to leverage community members, like EMTs and firefighters, to provide necessary training at no cost. Moreover, it encourages school districts to seek resources for CPR training and equipment from community organizations, thus fostering a collaborative approach to student safety and emergency response education in schools.

Summary

House File 1951 (HF1951) is a bill designed to modify the current requirements of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillator (AED) instruction in Minnesota schools. The bill aims to include the Health and Safety Institute as a recognized entity that can develop training programs, alongside existing organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. The initiative seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of emergency life-saving training for students in grades 7 to 12.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving student preparedness for emergency situations, potential points of contention may arise regarding the adequacy of training provided by community members. Critics may question whether non-professional instructors can deliver training with the same rigor and compliance with nationally recognized standards as dedicated organizations. Concerns may also be raised about the implications of waiving training requirements for certain students, particularly those with disabilities or who are new to the district, potentially leaving gaps in emergency preparedness among vulnerable populations.