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TO AMEND CHAPTER 32, TITLE 59 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM, BY ADDING SECTION 59-32-35 TO REQUIRE INSTRUCTION IN CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION AND THE USE OF AN AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR TO ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AS A REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION FROM HIGH SCHOOL.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Chapter 32, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 59-32-35. (A) 'Psychomotor skills' means the use of hands-on practice to support cognitive learning.
(B) Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, each school board operating school grades nine through twelve shall provide instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to all students enrolled in the school district as a requirement for graduation from high school. The school board shall use one of the following programs and shall incorporate into the instruction the psychomotor skills necessary to perform CPR:
(1) an instructional program developed by the American Heart Association;
(2) an instructional program developed by the American Red Cross; or
(3) an instructional program which is nationally recognized and based on the most current national evidence-based Emergency Cardiovascular Care guidelines for CPR and the use of an AED.
(C) In accomplishing the objectives in subsection (B), public-private partnerships are encouraged for school districts, local EMS and first responder agencies, and grant awarding foundations in order to alleviate cost.
(D) An instructor of a non-certification course, who is a licensed teacher, shall not be required to be a certified CPR/AED instructor to facilitate, provide, or oversee such instruction.
(E) If a school district chooses to provide a course resulting in CPR certification, the course shall be taught by a certified CPR/AED instructor.
(F) The Department of Education shall establish a procedure for monitoring adherence by school boards to the requirements set forth in subsection (B) of this section.
(G) The CPR/AED certification shall be made a part of the comprehensive health education program required by this chapter.
(H) The local school board or other appropriate school official shall provide a waiver for this requirement for any student with a disability whose individualized education program indicates such student is unable to complete all or a portion of the Hands Only CPR requirement."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
This web page was last updated on January 8, 2013 at 12:49 PM