1. (a) Each school shall meet the requirements of § 7-2371.02 and:

   1. (1) Establish procedures for responding to a medical emergency involving cardiac arrest, including the appropriate use of CPR and an AED, and by the beginning of School Year 2025-2026 adopt and implement a CERP compliant with subsection (a-1)(1) of this section;
   2. (2) Have at least one AED on-site at the school in a location that is identified in the school's CERP and complies with guidelines set by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or another nationally recognized, evidence-based standard;

   3. (3) Have, in coordination with the Department of General Services, a maintenance schedule established for each AED that is in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines, is described in the school's CERP, and includes:

      1. (A) Periodic testing;
      2. (B) Periodic inspection; and
      3. (C) Annual maintenance;
   4. (4) Ensure that each AED at the school is appropriate for use on children and adults;

   5. (5) Have had the following individuals successfully complete a CPR and AED program; provided, that individuals newly hired for the following positions shall be required to successfully complete a CPR and AED program within 60 days after their hire date:

      1. (A) Athletic coach, coaching assistant, and athletic trainer;
      2. (B) Athletic director;
      3. (C) Team or game physician;
      4. (D) School nurse; and
      5. (E) Every anticipated AED user employed by the school, as designated by the school;
   6. (6) Require that at least one individual trained in a CPR and AED program be present during the school's hours of operation and during any athletic activity; and
   7. (7) Inform all school employees, at least annually, of the location of each AED in the schooland provide them with the school's CERP.

2. (a-1)

   1. (1) The Department, in collaboration with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education and other stakeholders as needed, shall develop, maintain, and make accessible to schools a model CERP that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel and protocols for responding to incidents involving an individual experiencing cardiac arrest while on school grounds, specifically including during a school's athletic events and practices on school grounds.

   2. (2) The model CERP shall:

      1. (A) Integrate evidence-based core elements, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or other nationally recognized evidence-based core elements; and

      2. (B) Include guidance on the following components:

         1. (i) Establishing a cardiac emergency response team that includes the individuals referenced in subsection (a)(5) of this section and members' contact information;
         2. (ii) Activating the cardiac emergency response team in response to an incident of cardiac arrest;
         3. (iii) Appropriately locating AEDs and performing routine maintenance, as required by subsection (a)(2) and (3) of this section;
         4. (iv) Maintaining ongoing staff training in CPR and AED use in accordance with subsection (a)(5) of this section;
         5. (v) Practicing CERP protocols through the use of drills;
         6. (vi) Protocols for communicating with the Department and other emergency medical services in response to an incident of cardiac arrest; and
         7. (vii) Regular annual review and evaluation of the CERP.

3. (b)

   1. (1) The Mayor shall:

      1. (A) Establish baseline requirements and guidelines for a CPR and AED program;
      2. (B) Approve each existing CPR and AED program that the Mayor determines meets or exceeds the baseline requirements and guidelines for a CPR and AED program, and any new CPR and AED programs established pursuant to this subchapter; provided, that the Mayor shall approve the existing programs listed in § 7-2371.02(a)(1) and the program offered by the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department pursuant to § 5-401(b-1), as meeting the requirements of this section;
      3. (C) Require each school to maintain a written record of the periodic testing, inspection, and maintenance of each AED; and
      4. (D) Require the successful completion of a CPR and AED program by each employee in a position listed in subsection (a)(5) of this section.
   2. (1A) The Mayor shall establish a procedure for monitoring school adherence to the requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
   3. (2) A CPR and AED program may be conducted by a private or public entity.

Prior Codifications

2001 Ed., § 44-232.03

History

Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-278, § 3c

Oct. 8, 2016, D.C. Law 21-160, § 3144(c)

Dec. 17, 2024, D.C. Law 25-254, § 2(b)