Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2652

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.

Impact

This act will establish new requirements for both public and private schools in Rhode Island, necessitating that students in grades K-12 complete a preparticipation physical examination before engaging in school-sponsored athletic activities. Additionally, the state departments of education and health will work in tandem to provide guidelines for these screenings, impacting educational policies and health standards within school districts. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, marking a significant shift in how children's cardiovascular health is monitored and managed in educational settings.

Summary

Bill S2652, known as the Children's Cardiac Safety Act, aims to enhance the cardiovascular health screening of children aged 19 and younger through mandated annual physical examinations. Healthcare professionals performing these examinations are required to include cardiovascular prescreenings that align with best practices and guidelines set forth by relevant health organizations. The bill stipulates that children with positive findings must be referred to a cardiologist for further evaluation, ensuring early identification of potential cardiovascular issues.

Contention

While the bill aims to promote child safety, it may also raise concerns regarding the implementation logistics and the potential financial impact on families and schools due to increased healthcare provider involvement. Opponents could argue that such mandates may burden healthcare professionals and schools, particularly regarding administrative challenges in tracking and ensuring compliance with the new requirements. Furthermore, the collaboration with organizations like the American Heart Association introduces another layer of complexity in implementing the guidelines effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0322

Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.

RI H5087

Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.

RI S0635

Requires immediate notification to the person in charge of the educational program when a child has a cardiac emergency and the head of the educational program must notify the department of education within 24 hours.

RI H5550

Standardizes successor appointment language for various boards and adds language providing that a quorum be a majority of appointed members and the language applies across several healthcare professional boards that currently lack this language.

RI S0608

Standardizes successor appointment language for various boards and adds language providing that a quorum be a majority of appointed members and the language applies across several healthcare professional boards that currently lack this language.

RI H5164

Establishes a task force managed by the children’s cabinet to develop recommendations to improve access to early intervention and early childhood special education services.

RI S0231

Establishes a task force managed by the children’s cabinet to develop recommendations to improve access to early intervention and early childhood special education services.

RI S0131

Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.

RI S0089

Incorporates ethical energy standards to the 2021 Act on Climate.

RI H5121

Creates a process for licensure and oversight by DBR over the practices and procedures of virtual currency kiosk operators to prevent fraud related to the use of virtual currency kiosks, by establishing daily transaction limits and the regulating of fees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.