Substitute Senate Bill No. 194 seeks to improve cardiac screening and prevent sudden cardiac arrest among student athletes in Connecticut by mandating comprehensive health assessments for all public school students. The bill requires these assessments to be conducted by qualified medical professionals and includes new provisions such as physical examinations that cover hematocrit or hemoglobin tests, chronic disease evaluations, and immunization updates. Importantly, the assessments must be conducted in the presence of a parent or guardian, and schools have the authority to deny attendance to students who do not meet these requirements.

A key feature of the bill is the introduction of an annual athletics health assessment for students in grades nine to twelve, effective from the 2027-28 school year, which will screen for serious cardiac conditions that could lead to sudden death. This assessment will gather information on the student's medical history, including family cardiac issues, and whether an electrocardiogram (EKG) was performed. The bill also ensures that students eligible for free or reduced-price meals receive these assessments at no cost. Additionally, it includes technical changes to existing laws, protects the confidentiality of assessment records, allows for religious exemptions, and mandates reporting of asthma diagnoses among students. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-149f
PH Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-206, 10-206a
File No. 494: 10-206, 10-206a