Prioritizing Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention
ORLANDO, Fla., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Florida has made history as the first state in the nation to require electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings for high school student athletes, following the signing of landmark legislation—The Second Chance Act—into law by Governor Ron DeSantis.
This groundbreaking policy is designed to identify the 1 in 300 youth with an undiagnosed heart condition that puts them at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)—the leading cause of death among student athletes and on school campuses. With this action, Florida positions itself as a national trailblazer in youth cardiac safety.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, students in grades 9–12 will be required to complete at least one ECG screening the first time they participate in interscholastic athletic competition or try out for a school sports team.
ECGs can detect 80% of conditions associated with sudden cardiac arrest. Traditional sports physicals and family history identify only 10–20%, but adding an ECG can boost detection to 94%, making it a powerful tool for protecting young athletes.
“Family and friends affected by sudden cardiac arrest have championed heart screenings for decades. Through collaboration with Florida-based Parent Heart Watch member foundations and dedicated medical champions, we’ve achieved a long-sought milestone in the pursuit of a stronger standard of care,” said Martha Lopez-Anderson, Executive Director of Parent Heart Watch.
The law also directs school districts to develop public and private partnerships to provide low or no-cost ECG screenings, ensuring equitable access for all families and schools statewide.
While other states—such as Texas (“Cody’s Law”), Pennsylvania (“Peyton’s Law”), and Tennessee (“Safe Stars Act”)—have passed legislation requiring that students and families receive information about ECG screenings, Florida is the first to require the screening itself. Thanks to Who We Play For several school districts, including Brevard, Flagler, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Orange and Suwanee counties, had already taken local action; now, the entire state follows suit with a unified, life-saving requirement.
Parent Heart Watch applauds the leadership of the Florida Legislature—especially Senator Corey Simon, Representative Jason Shoaf, and Governor Ron DeSantis—for making youth heart health a legislative priority through the passage of The Second Chance Act. We remain committed to supporting its successful implementation and helping other states follow Florida’s lead.
About Parent Heart Watch
Parent Heart Watch is the national voice solely dedicated to protecting children and young adults from sudden cardiac arrest and preventable sudden cardiac death by educating and advocating for change. Our vision is to eliminate preventable deaths and disabilities from sudden cardiac arrest in children and young adults. Learn more at parentheartwatch.org.
