Rhode Island Senate Bill S0635

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/7/25

Caption

Requires immediate notification to the person in charge of the educational program when a child has a cardiac emergency and the head of the educational program must notify the department of education within 24 hours.

Impact

The implications of S0635 could significantly improve the accountability and responsiveness of educational institutions in managing health crises. By formalizing the notification process concerning cardiac emergencies, the state aims to provide a clearer framework for tracking such incidents. The bill also compels educational administrators to ensure the development of procedures that will govern the collection and management of health-related reports, thus fostering a more organized approach to pupil health and safety.

Summary

Bill S0635, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, mandates that all employees, agents, contractors, and volunteers of educational programs must immediately notify school authorities if they call for emergency services in response to a cardiac emergency involving a child under their care. This act aims to streamline the reporting process, ensuring a swift response to cardiac incidents within educational settings, thereby enhancing the safety and health protocol for pupils. Furthermore, school heads are obliged to inform the Department of Education about such emergencies within 24 hours of their occurrence.

Contention

Although the bill's intent focuses on improving student safety, there may be concerns regarding its implementation. Some stakeholders may argue about the administrative burdens it places on educational institutions, particularly in the creation of new reporting procedures by the Department of Education. Moreover, discussions around this bill may involve debates over privacy related to students' health data. The requirement of immediate notification could cause apprehensions regarding the stigma associated with reporting health emergencies, potentially leading to underreporting in some circumstances.