{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/22.1-271.9.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/22.1-271.9.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/22.1-271.9.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/22.1-271.9.html"}],"law_id":61392,"edition_id":1,"section_id":61392,"structure_id":13512,"section_number":"22.1-271.9","catch_line":"Cardiac emergency response or emergency action plans required","history":"2025, cc. 372, 382.","full_text":"A\n\nAs used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Athletic emergency action plan” or “athletic EAP” means an emergency action plan that establishes and details emergency management and response preparations, strategies, and guidelines specifically for emergencies that occur in an athletic setting, including sports-related health emergencies and physical injuries that occur in the course of participating in athletic practices, games, competition, or other events.\n\t\t\t“Automated External Defibrillator” or “AED” means a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart for the purpose of potentially stopping an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia and allowing a normal heartbeat rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest.\n\t\t\t“Cardiac emergency response plan” or “CERP” means a written document that establishes the specific steps to reduce death from sudden cardiac arrest that occurs on school grounds.\n\t\t\t“CPR” means cardiopulmonary resuscitation.\n\t\t\t“High-need school” means any public elementary or secondary school (i) at which at least 50 percent of children are eligible to receive free and reduced-price meals; (ii) that participates in the federal Community Eligibility Provision or any federal, state, or local universal free meals program; or (iii) that is classified as a Title I school pursuant to Title I, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, P.L. 89-10, as amended.\n\t\t\t“Sudden cardiac arrest” means a condition whereby the heart unexpectedly malfunctions and stops beating and that is likely to lead to death if not treated within minutes.B\n\nEach public elementary or secondary school shall develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan or an athletic emergency action plan that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency (i) while on school grounds and (ii) in the event that such school has an athletic department or organized athletic program, while attending or participating in an athletic practice or event sponsored by such school or conducted as a part of such school’s athletic department or organized athletic program. Any public elementary or secondary school that has an athletic department or organized athletic program shall at all times have either a CERP or athletic EAP in place. Each such CERP or athletic EAP shall integrate nationally recognized evidence-based core elements and nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines and shall integrate provisions and guidelines, consistent with relevant law, relating to:1\n\nEstablishing a cardiac emergency response team;2\n\nActivating such team in response to a sudden cardiac event;3\n\nIntegrating the CERP or athletic EAP into the local community’s emergency medical services response protocols in accordance with subsection C;4\n\nPracticing at least annually responses to sudden cardiac arrest on school grounds through the use of drills;5\n\nPlacing and routinely maintaining AEDs in the school building in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines;6\n\nPlacing clearly marked and easily accessible AEDs at each venue where school-sponsored athletic practices or competitions are held;7\n\nDetermining, in accordance with guidelines set by the American Heart Association or other organization focused on emergency cardiovascular care, the placement of any AED in a school building or venue pursuant to subdivisions 5 and 6 and ensuring that any such AED is identified with appropriate signage and is on-site or made available in an unlocked location on school property in a manner such that the AED can be accessed and placed on an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency within three minutes;8\n\nEnsuring training in first aid, CPR, and the use of AEDs by appropriate staff, including school nurses, athletic trainers, and coaches, that follows evidence-based guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association or nationally recognized guidelines focused on emergency cardiovascular care;9\n\nDisseminating the CERP or athletic EAP to appropriate individuals throughout the school community; and10\n\nReviewing, evaluating, and, as necessary, amending the CERP or athletic EAP on an ongoing and annual basis.C\n\nPublic elementary or secondary school officials shall work directly with local emergency service providers to integrate the CERP or athletic EAP into the local community’s emergency medical services response protocols.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":224269,"text":"As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Athletic emergency action plan” or “athletic EAP” means an emergency action plan that establishes and details emergency management and response preparations, strategies, and guidelines specifically for emergencies that occur in an athletic setting, including sports-related health emergencies and physical injuries that occur in the course of participating in athletic practices, games, competition, or other events.\n\t\t\t“Automated External Defibrillator” or “AED” means a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart for the purpose of potentially stopping an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia and allowing a normal heartbeat rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest.\n\t\t\t“Cardiac emergency response plan” or “CERP” means a written document that establishes the specific steps to reduce death from sudden cardiac arrest that occurs on school grounds.\n\t\t\t“CPR” means cardiopulmonary resuscitation.\n\t\t\t“High-need school” means any public elementary or secondary school (i) at which at least 50 percent of children are eligible to receive free and reduced-price meals; (ii) that participates in the federal Community Eligibility Provision or any federal, state, or local universal free meals program; or (iii) that is classified as a Title I school pursuant to Title I, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, P.L. 89-10, as amended.\n\t\t\t“Sudden cardiac arrest” means a condition whereby the heart unexpectedly malfunctions and stops beating and that is likely to lead to death if not treated within minutes.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":224270,"text":"Each public elementary or secondary school shall develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan or an athletic emergency action plan that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency (i) while on school grounds and (ii) in the event that such school has an athletic department or organized athletic program, while attending or participating in an athletic practice or event sponsored by such school or conducted as a part of such school’s athletic department or organized athletic program. Any public elementary or secondary school that has an athletic department or organized athletic program shall at all times have either a CERP or athletic EAP in place. Each such CERP or athletic EAP shall integrate nationally recognized evidence-based core elements and nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines and shall integrate provisions and guidelines, consistent with relevant law, relating to:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":224271,"text":"Establishing a cardiac emergency response team;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":224272,"text":"Activating such team in response to a sudden cardiac event;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":224273,"text":"Integrating the CERP or athletic EAP into the local community’s emergency medical services response protocols in accordance with subsection C;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":224274,"text":"Practicing at least annually responses to sudden cardiac arrest on school grounds through the use of drills;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":224275,"text":"Placing and routinely maintaining AEDs in the school building in accordance with nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"7":{"id":224276,"text":"Placing clearly marked and easily accessible AEDs at each venue where school-sponsored athletic practices or competitions are held;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"8":{"id":224277,"text":"Determining, in accordance with guidelines set by the American Heart Association or other organization focused on emergency cardiovascular care, the placement of any AED in a school building or venue pursuant to subdivisions 5 and 6 and ensuring that any such AED is identified with appropriate signage and is on-site or made available in an unlocked location on school property in a manner such that the AED can be accessed and placed on an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency within three minutes;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"B8"},"9":{"id":224278,"text":"Ensuring training in first aid, CPR, and the use of AEDs by appropriate staff, including school nurses, athletic trainers, and coaches, that follows evidence-based guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association or nationally recognized guidelines focused on emergency cardiovascular care;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"B8","prefix_anchor":"B8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B7","next_prefix":"B9"},"10":{"id":224279,"text":"Disseminating the CERP or athletic EAP to appropriate individuals throughout the school community; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"B9","prefix_anchor":"B9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B8","next_prefix":"B10"},"11":{"id":224280,"text":"Reviewing, evaluating, and, as necessary, amending the CERP or athletic EAP on an ongoing and annual basis.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"B10","prefix_anchor":"B10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B9","next_prefix":"C"},"12":{"id":224281,"text":"Public elementary or secondary school officials shall work directly with local emergency service providers to integrate the CERP or athletic EAP into the local community’s emergency medical services response protocols.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B10"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13512,"edition_id":1,"name":"Health Provisions","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12850,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:06","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:06","permalink":{"id":182221,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13512,"identifier":"2","token":"22.1\/14\/2","url":"\/22.1\/14\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12850,"edition_id":1,"name":"Pupils","identifier":"14","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12823,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:56","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:56","permalink":{"id":182133,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12850,"identifier":"14","token":"22.1\/14","url":"\/22.1\/14\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12823,"edition_id":1,"name":"Education","identifier":"22.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":180949,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12823,"identifier":"22.1","token":"22.1","url":"\/22.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":83399,"structure_id":13512,"section_number":"22.1-270","catch_line":"Preschool physical examinations","url":"\/22.1-270\/","token":"22.1\/14\/2\/22.1-270","metadata":false},{"id":57306,"structure_id":13512,"section_number":"22.1-271","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/22.1-271\/","token":"22.1\/14\/2\/22.1-271","metadata":false},{"id":68537,"structure_id":13512,"section_number":"22.1-271.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/22.1-271.1\/","token":"22.1\/14\/2\/22.1-271.1","metadata":false},{"id":54801,"structure_id":13512,"section_number":"22.1-271.10","catch_line":"Guidelines and policies on student-athlete extreme heat safety and protection","url":"\/22.1-271.10\/","token":"22.1\/14\/2\/22.1-271.10","metadata":false},{"id":68882,"structure_id":13512,"section_number":"22.1-271.2","catch_line":"Immunization requirements","url":"\/22.1-271.2\/","token":"22.1\/14\/2\/22.1-271.2","metadata":false},{"id":80851,"structure_id":13512,"section_number":"22.1-271.3","catch_line":"Guidelines for school attendance for children infected with human immunodeficiency virus; 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This law was first created in 2025. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 372<\/a> and 382<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":182267,"object_type":"law","relational_id":61392,"identifier":"22.1-271.9","token":"22.1\/14\/2\/22.1-271.9","url":"\/22.1-271.9\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/22.1-271.9\/","token":"22.1\/14\/2\/22.1-271.9","dublin_core":{"Title":"Cardiac emergency response or emergency action plans required","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 22.1-271.9","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Athletic emergency action plan<\/span>” or “athletic EAP<\/span>” means an emergency action plan that establishes and details emergency management and response preparations, strategies, and guidelines specifically for emergencies that occur in an athletic setting, including sports-related health emergencies and physical injuries that occur in the course of participating in athletic practices, games, competition, or other events.\n\t\t\t“Automated External Defibrillator<\/span>” or “AED<\/span>” means a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart for the purpose of potentially stopping an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia and allowing a normal heartbeat rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Cardiac emergency response plan<\/span>” or “CERP<\/span>” means a written document that establishes the specific steps to reduce death from sudden cardiac arrest<\/span> that occurs on school grounds.\n\t\t\t“CPR<\/span>” means cardiopulmonary resuscitation.\n\t\t\t“High-need school<\/span>” means any public elementary<\/span> or secondary school (i) at which at least 50 percent of children are eligible to receive free and reduced-price meals; (ii) that participates in the federal Community Eligibility Provision or any federal, state, or local universal free meals program; or (iii) that is classified as a Title I school pursuant to Title I, Part A of the federal Elementary<\/span> and Secondary Education Act of 1965, P.L. 89-10, as amended.\n\t\t\t“Sudden cardiac arrest<\/span>” means a condition whereby the heart unexpectedly malfunctions and stops beating and that is likely to lead to death if not treated within minutes. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Each public elementary<\/span> or secondary school shall develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan<\/span> or an athletic emergency action plan<\/span> that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest<\/span> or a similar life-threatening emergency (i) while on school grounds and (ii) in the event that such school has an athletic department<\/span> or organized athletic program, while attending or participating in an athletic practice or event sponsored by such school or conducted as a part of such school’s athletic department<\/span> or organized athletic program. Any public elementary<\/span> or secondary school that has an athletic department<\/span> or organized athletic program shall at all times have either a CERP<\/span> or athletic EAP<\/span> in place. Each such CERP<\/span> or athletic EAP<\/span> shall integrate nationally recognized evidence<\/span>-based core elements and nationally recognized evidence<\/span>-based guidelines and shall integrate provisions and guidelines, consistent with relevant law<\/span>, relating to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Establishing a cardiac emergency response team; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Activating such team in response to a sudden cardiac event; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Integrating the CERP<\/span> or athletic EAP<\/span> into the local community’s emergency medical services response protocols in accordance with subsection C; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Practicing at least annually responses to sudden cardiac arrest<\/span> on school grounds through the use of drills; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Placing and routinely maintaining AEDs<\/span> in the school building in accordance with nationally recognized evidence<\/span>-based guidelines; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Placing clearly marked and easily accessible AEDs<\/span> at each venue<\/span> where school-sponsored athletic practices or competitions are held; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Determining, in accordance with guidelines set by the American Heart Association or other organization focused on emergency cardiovascular care, the placement of any AED<\/span> in a school building or venue<\/span> pursuant to subdivisions 5 and 6 and ensuring that any such AED<\/span> is identified with appropriate signage and is on-site or made available in an unlocked location on school property in a manner such that the AED<\/span> can be accessed and placed on an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest<\/span> or a similar life-threatening emergency within three minutes; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Ensuring training in first aid, CPR<\/span>, and the use of AEDs<\/span> by appropriate staff, including school nurses, athletic trainers, and coaches, that follows evidence<\/span>-based guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association or nationally recognized guidelines focused on emergency cardiovascular care; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Disseminating the CERP<\/span> or athletic EAP<\/span> to appropriate individuals throughout the school community; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Reviewing, evaluating, and, as necessary, amending the CERP<\/span> or athletic EAP<\/span> on an ongoing and annual basis. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Public elementary<\/span> or secondary school officials shall work directly with local emergency service providers to integrate the CERP<\/span> or athletic EAP<\/span> into the local community’s emergency medical services response protocols. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE OR EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS REQUIRED (\u00a7 22.1-271.9)\n\nA. As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Athletic emergency action plan” or “athletic EAP”\nmeans an emergency action plan that establishes and details emergency management\nand response preparations, strategies, and guidelines specifically for\nemergencies that occur in an athletic setting, including sports-related health\nemergencies and physical injuries that occur in the course of participating in\nathletic practices, games, competition, or other events.\n\t\t\t“Automated External Defibrillator” or “AED” means a\nlightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest\nto the heart for the purpose of potentially stopping an irregular heartbeat or\narrhythmia and allowing a normal heartbeat rhythm to resume following sudden\ncardiac arrest.\n\t\t\t“Cardiac emergency response plan” or “CERP” means a\nwritten document that establishes the specific steps to reduce death from sudden\ncardiac arrest that occurs on school grounds.\n\t\t\t“CPR” means cardiopulmonary resuscitation.\n\t\t\t“High-need school” means any public elementary or secondary\nschool (i) at which at least 50 percent of children are eligible to receive free\nand reduced-price meals; (ii) that participates in the federal Community\nEligibility Provision or any federal, state, or local universal free meals\nprogram; or (iii) that is classified as a Title I school pursuant to Title I,\nPart A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, P.L.\n89-10, as amended.\n\t\t\t“Sudden cardiac arrest” means a condition whereby the heart\nunexpectedly malfunctions and stops beating and that is likely to lead to death\nif not treated within minutes.\n\nB. Each public elementary or secondary school shall develop and implement a\ncardiac emergency response plan or an athletic emergency action plan that\naddresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents\ninvolving an individual who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar\nlife-threatening emergency (i) while on school grounds and (ii) in the event\nthat such school has an athletic department or organized athletic program, while\nattending or participating in an athletic practice or event sponsored by such\nschool or conducted as a part of such school’s athletic department or\norganized athletic program. Any public elementary or secondary school that has\nan athletic department or organized athletic program shall at all times have\neither a CERP or athletic EAP in place. Each such CERP or athletic EAP shall\nintegrate nationally recognized evidence-based core elements and nationally\nrecognized evidence-based guidelines and shall integrate provisions and\nguidelines, consistent with relevant law, relating to:\n\n 1. Establishing a cardiac emergency response team;\n\n 2. Activating such team in response to a sudden cardiac event;\n\n 3. Integrating the CERP or athletic EAP into the local community’s\n emergency medical services response protocols in accordance with subsection C;\n\n 4. Practicing at least annually responses to sudden cardiac arrest on school\n grounds through the use of drills;\n\n 5. Placing and routinely maintaining AEDs in the school building in accordance\n with nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines;\n\n 6. Placing clearly marked and easily accessible AEDs at each venue where\n school-sponsored athletic practices or competitions are held;\n\n 7. Determining, in accordance with guidelines set by the American Heart\n Association or other organization focused on emergency cardiovascular care,\n the placement of any AED in a school building or venue pursuant to\n subdivisions 5 and 6 and ensuring that any such AED is identified with\n appropriate signage and is on-site or made available in an unlocked location\n on school property in a manner such that the AED can be accessed and placed on\n an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening\n emergency within three minutes;\n\n 8. Ensuring training in first aid, CPR, and the use of AEDs by appropriate\n staff, including school nurses, athletic trainers, and coaches, that follows\n evidence-based guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association or\n nationally recognized guidelines focused on emergency cardiovascular care;\n\n 9. Disseminating the CERP or athletic EAP to appropriate individuals\n throughout the school community; and\n\n 10. Reviewing, evaluating, and, as necessary, amending the CERP or athletic\n EAP on an ongoing and annual basis.\n\nC. Public elementary or secondary school officials shall work directly with\nlocal emergency service providers to integrate the CERP or athletic EAP into the\nlocal community’s emergency medical services response protocols.\n\nHISTORY: 2025, cc. 372, 382.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}