BILL NUMBER:S8492             REVISED 09/24/10

TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring preven-
tative cardiac screening of student athletes

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation requires cardiac screening of student athletes;
mandates coaches receive training in CPR and the use of an automated
external defibrillator.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Section 206 of the public health law is amended by adding a
new subdivision 27 to read as follows: The commissioner shall, in
consultation with the commissioner of education, promulgate by regu-
lation, guidelines and standards mandating that student athletes receive
preventative cardiac screening to detect conditions and defects which
may lead to illness, injury and death as a result of strenuous physical
activity. The commissioner shall determine the specific types of screen-
ing which shall be required including, but not limited to, advanced
screening for the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

For purposes of this subdivision, "student athletes" shall mean any
student participating in supervised sporting activities organized by a
public or private school, or an organization, association or group
organized and functioning, in a whole or in part, for the purpose of
              

providing youth with the opportunity to participate in supervised sport-
ing activities.

JUSTIFICATION:
According to the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, 100,000 young
athletes die each year from all cardio-vascular disorders, including
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, as a result of participation in sports.

Basketball was a big part of Dominic Murray's life and death. He died at
the age of 17 after collapsing on the basketball court at SUNY Farming-
dale State College during an open gym pick up game, only a few weeks
after receiving medical clearance to clay college sports. The cause of
his death was Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) due to cardiac hypertrophy
related to underlying heart problems. To keep Dominic Murray's legacy
alive for his contributions as a student, an athlete and a compassionate
young man, the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation, Inc.  was
formed to help prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) among young athletes.
Their mission is to implement preventative heart screening programs in
educational institutions and youth-athletic organizations and to provide
training to coaches, teachers, and youth-athletic volunteers in CPR and
the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The cardiac screening for student athletes cost $75.00, which usually
includes an electrocardiogram (EKG) and an echocardiogram the parents

who can afford the cost will pay for the screening. The school and
districts do not pay for these services. For those families that are
unable to afford the cost, scholarships are available.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Minimal.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.