AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-11-85, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DEFINE "HIGH-NEEDS SCHOOL" FOR PURPOSES OF PRIORITIZING FUNDING FOR IMPLEMENTING CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS (CERPS); TO AMEND SECTION 37-11-87, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT CERPS SHALL ENCOMPASS ATHLETIC VENUE GROUNDS, THAT MEMBERS OF A CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM SHALL HAVE CURRENT TRAINING ON CPR AND AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AEDs) FROM A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATION, AND THAT AN AED SHALL BE PLACED WITHIN THREE MINUTES OF EACH SCHOOL ATHLETIC VENUE; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-11-89, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIRECT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DESIGNATE $2,499,000.00 TO AID IN IMPLEMENTING CERPS; TO SPECIFY THAT FUNDING SHALL BE USED FOR ACTIVITIES AND EQUIPMENT PROMOTING CERP PREPAREDNESS IN SCHOOLS, AND THAT HIGH-NEEDS SCHOOLS SHALL BE GIVEN FUNDING PRIORITY; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE FOR MONITORING SCHOOL COMPLIANCE WITH FUNDING REQUIREMENTS; TO AUTHORIZE SCHOOLS TO ACCEPT GIFTS, GRANTS AND DONATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF AEDs THAT MEET THE STANDARDS ESTABLISHED BY THE UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND FOR THE COSTS INCURRED IN INSPECTING AND MAINTAINING, AND TRAINING STAFF IN THE USE OF, SUCH DEVICES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
By mandating the establishment of CERPs, SB2491 significantly impacts the operational protocols within Mississippi schools regarding emergency preparedness. It allocates $2,499,000 for funding these initiatives, prioritizing high-needs schools, which typically serve underprivileged student populations. This financial support aims to help schools procure necessary equipment such as AEDs and training materials. The bill's passage indicates a commitment to safeguarding student health and enhancing overall safety within educational institutions in the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 2491 aims to enhance the preparedness of Mississippi schools in dealing with cardiac emergencies, particularly for students involved in athletic programs. The bill requires every public school with such programs to develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. These plans must include the integration of a trained Cardiac Emergency Response Team and the placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) within three minutes of each school athletic venue. The bill specifies guidelines for training, activation of the response team, and maintenance of AEDs, and it emphasizes the need for ongoing staff training and drills to ensure readiness in emergency situations.
Contention
While the intent of SB2491 is to improve student safety, there may be challenges related to funding adequacy and the implementation of the required programs. Debate may arise about the allocation of funds and whether it sufficiently covers all schools' needs, especially those classified as high-needs. Additionally, the requirement for continuous compliance monitoring by the State Department of Education may raise concerns regarding bureaucratic burdens on school administrations. These elements could be focal points of discussion among legislators and stakeholders in the education and health sectors.