Pennsylvania House Bill HB191

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25
• Refer: 6/4/25
• Report Pass: 6/9/25
• Engrossed: 6/9/25
• Refer: 6/18/25

Caption

In certification of teachers, repealing provisions relating to CPR instruction; and, in school health services, repealing provisions relating to automatic external defibrillators and providing for AED and CPR instruction and procedure, for Automated External Defibrillator Program and for availability and specifications of automated external defibrillators.

Impact

By repealing the specified provisions related to CPR instruction, HB191 seeks to modify how educational institutions ensure that their staff are prepared to handle health emergencies effectively. The bill's implications suggest a potential shift towards broader educational frameworks that might allow for varied health training. Supporters advocate that this will enhance the adaptability of health services offered in schools, making it more relevant to current best practices and resources available.

Summary

House Bill 191 focuses on the certification of teachers with respect to instructional requirements in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill proposes to repeal existing provisions that mandate CPR instruction within school health services and alter the requirements surrounding the availability and specifications for AEDs in educational settings. This shift represents an effort to streamline training processes and adapt them according to the latest health service standards, promoting a more effective approach in schools.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB191 appears largely positive among educators and health proponents who see value in modernizing health training frameworks in schools. Advocates argue that this flexibility could encourage more robust health programs tailored to specific school contexts. However, there may be some concerns regarding whether reducing mandated instruction might affect the preparedness of school staff in emergency situations, leaving some factions within the education community to express a cautious viewpoint.

Contention

One key point of contention lies in the repeal of the existing CPR instruction provisions, which some argue may weaken the preparedness of teachers to handle health emergencies. Critics argue that standardizing and providing specific health training is crucial for ensuring student safety and equipping educators with the necessary skills. The balance between necessary training and adaptability in educational policies remains a central theme in discussions regarding HB191, with advocates and critics having differing views on the implications of these changes.