The proposed legislation, titled "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act," establishes a new chapter in the General Laws of Education aimed at enhancing cardiac health screenings for children aged nineteen and younger. The act mandates that registered, licensed, and certified healthcare professionals conducting annual physical examinations for children include specific questions related to family history of cardiac conditions, as outlined in the "preparticipation physical evaluation" form developed by various medical organizations.

The act requires that prior to participation in school-sponsored athletic activities, students must complete a preparticipation physical evaluation form that includes a detailed medical history and specific questions regarding heart health. It also mandates the creation of a single statewide form for these evaluations and the development of a childhood cardiac screening professional development module to improve the assessment skills of healthcare practitioners performing well-child physical examinations and screenings.

Additionally, the act emphasizes collaboration between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Health to provide guidance to both public and private schools, ensuring compliance with the new requirements. It requires the distribution of an informational pamphlet about sudden cardiac arrest to parents and guardians of student athletes, which includes information on early warning signs and available screening options.

The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to support and expand upon existing laws related to sudden cardiac arrest prevention.