BILL REQ. #:  S-5340.1 

Read first time 03/21/12.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

     AN ACT Relating to establishing a medical emergency response program for high schools; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.210 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 28A.210 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The use of automated external defibrillators has been demonstrated to save lives including those of young athletes pursuing athletic activities. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to promote the timely and appropriate use of automated external defibrillators in settings where school athletic events occur.
     (2) The superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with school districts and stakeholder groups, shall develop and implement a medical emergency response program to include an automated external defibrillator program for each high school in the state.
     (3) The medical emergency response program must:
     (a) Work with existing community resources and stakeholders to include evidence-based guidelines and training;
     (b) Provide effective and efficient communication across the school campus;
     (c) Develop a coordinated and practiced response plan;
     (d) Develop a plan for risk reduction;
     (e) Implement a training program and provide equipment for first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and
     (f) Implement a lay rescuer automated external defibrillator program in schools with an established need, which may include:
     (i) Medical provider oversight;
     (ii) Appropriate training of anticipated rescuers in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of the automated external defibrillator;
     (iii) Coordination with the emergency medical services system;
     (iv) Appropriate device maintenance; and
     (v) Ongoing quality improvement program.
     (4) The office of the superintendent of public instruction and its employees and agents are not liable for failures to comply with subsections (2) and (3) of this section or for injuries or accidents involving automated external defibrillators.