HB1643

House Bill 1643 mandates that schools and public institutions of higher education in Arkansas maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on their campuses. For K-12 schools, the bill requires that AEDs be present at all school-sponsored sporting events for grades seven through twelve. For institutions of higher education, the bill requires the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish rules for the placement of AEDs across campuses and mandates their presence at all institution-sponsored sporting events. The bill further stipulates that relevant personnel at these institutions must receive ongoing training in AED use and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This training must align with established standards from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross and count toward professional development requirements. The legislation also calls for quality improvement programs and coordination with emergency medical services.