The bill mandates that all public and private schools in New Mexico develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan, which includes specific protocols for responding to incidents of sudden cardiac arrest. Each plan must identify trained personnel, establish maintenance routines for automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and ensure that the AEDs are installed in appropriate locations. The bill also requires that every school install an AED and maintain it according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Additionally, the Department of Health is tasked with adopting rules for training school employees on the use of AEDs by January 1, 2026.

The bill amends existing law by adding a new section to the Emergency Medication in Schools Act, which outlines these requirements. It specifies that public non-charter high schools must comply by the 2026-2027 school year, while elementary schools, middle schools, charter schools, and private schools must meet the requirements by the 2027-2028 school year. The bill aims to enhance the safety of students and staff by ensuring that schools are prepared to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-33-2
EC substitute: 22-33-1, 22-33-2
Final Version: 22-33-1, 22-33-2