Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0322

Introduced
2/21/25  

Caption

Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.

Impact

If passed, the act will have significant implications for how pediatric healthcare is administered in schools and medical practices. By requiring that students participating in any school-sponsored sports undergo these screenings, the bill seeks to reduce instances of sudden cardiac arrest, which can be fatal. The data collected through these screenings will be used to create protective measures around children's health and inform parents of potential heart risks, promoting early intervention when necessary. Furthermore, the act also aims to ensure that school physicians complete the cardiac screening training module, thus enhancing the overall quality of healthcare provided to children in schools.

Summary

Bill S0322, titled 'The Children's Cardiac Safety Act', aims to introduce mandatory cardiac screenings for children aged 19 and younger during their annual physical examinations. The bill emphasizes the need for registered, licensed, and certified healthcare professionals conducting these examinations to incorporate specific questions related to a child's family history of cardiac conditions. It also mandates that healthcare practitioners complete a professional development module focusing on childhood cardiac screening every four years. This act is intended to provide a standard approach to assessing cardiac health in youth and to ensure that medical practitioners are updated on best practices related to cardiac screening in children.

Contention

While the bill garners support for its proactive approach to child health, it may face challenges regarding implementation logistics, costs, and potential pushback from parents concerned about privacy. Some may question the feasibility of consistently applying these screenings across all school districts, particularly in areas with fewer healthcare resources. Additionally, debates may arise related to parental consent and the responsibility for ensuring that children have completed the required screenings before participating in athletic events.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5670

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act

RI H7150

Expands the rights of physician assistants with regard to their practice and prohibits non-compete clauses that exceed five years with regard to the purchase and sale of a practice.

RI S2182

Expands the rights of physician assistants with regard to their practice and prohibits non-compete clauses that exceed five years with regard to the purchase and sale of a practice.

RI S0279

Physician Assistants

RI H5284

Physician Assistants

RI S2231

Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.

RI S2512

Establishes a task force managed by the children's cabinet to develop recommendations to improve access to early intervention and early childhood special education services.

RI H7438

Establishes a task force managed by the children’s cabinet to develop recommendations to improve access to early intervention and early childhood special education services.

RI S1103

Senate Resolution Proclaiming June 1-7, 2023, To Be "national Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation And Automated External Defibrillator Week" In Rhode Island

RI S2201

Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.

Similar Bills

VA SB1320

Preparticipation physical evaluation; children's cardiac safety.

MA H2485

Concerning the cardiac health of children and student athletes

RI H5087

Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.

IA HF2053

A bill for an act relating to the cardiac health of children, and providing for licensee discipline and civil penalties.

IL HB3589

STUDENT ATHLETE MEDICAL EVAL

GA HB1104

Quality Basic Education Act; address mental health risks for student athletes

OH HB356

Enact the Healthy Cardiac Monitoring Act

NJ S129

Requires all students enrolled in grades six through 12 to have certain physical examination that includes cardiac component.