All high school student athletes in the state of Florida will be required to undergo an electrocardiogram, often known as an EKG, before they are allowed to participate in school sports teams, according to a new rule that will go into effect on Tuesday, July 1.
Because Florida is the first and only state to mandate that high school student-athletes undergo at least one electrocardiogram (EKG) throughout their time competing in high school sports, the Second Chance Act is the first of its type at the state level.
Detecting heart abnormalities that can lead to abrupt cardiac arrest and death is the purpose of the test, which is completely painless and only takes a few minutes to finish.
Results obtained at any point in time during the two years leading up to the fall 2026 deadline will be accepted, despite the fact that athletes are not required to complete the test until the 2026-2027 school year.
Families have the option to opt out of having their child undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG) for religious or medical reasons, or if their child’s school does not offer an EKG for a fee of fifty dollars or less. The new law mandates that school districts provide low-cost EKGs to all student-athletes in grades nine through twelve.
Bylaws or procedures that restrict a student-athlete from participating in tryouts, practice, or competition if they receive an abnormal EKG result must be developed by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) by the time the school year 2028-2029 rolls around.
In the event that their physician gives them the go-ahead to participate in school athletics, students will be permitted to take part!
Those of you who have never had an electrocardiogram before, this is what it looks like:
Other legislation that will go into effect on July 1 and are designed to protect the health of students in the state of Florida include the following:
- SB 112 is a bill that mandates free autism testing throughout the state and expands early detection and intervention programs for students who have autism.
- SB 772 is a law that mandates that schools in the state of Florida must have glucagon on hand in order to respond to and treat diabetic shock in pupils.
- SB 430 is a law that mandates that all schools in the state of Florida to have automated external defibrillators, often known as AEDs, on campus in order to respond to and restart the heart of a student who has experienced a sudden cardiac arrest.
- SB 958 is a law that mandates that early learning coalitions and schools in the state of Florida to create and distribute informative materials to families regarding the early diagnosis and treatment of type I diabetes.
- SB 1514 is a law that requires schools in the state of Florida to provide training to staff members on how to respond to a severe allergic response in a kid. Additionally, schools are required to have a plan of action in place to deal with a severe allergic reaction that occurs on campus.
- SB 1620: The Florida Department of Education will begin to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing telehealth in schools that are located in rural and underserved areas in order to support the mental health needs of students.
