H.R. 4517: Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act

This bill, titled the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act, aims to enhance the safety of student athletes in both higher education institutions and secondary schools by establishing requirements for the prevention and treatment of heat-related illnesses.

Key Provisions

The bill amends existing regulations under the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to set forth specific measures for developing heat-related illness emergency action plans.

Emergency Action Plans

• **Higher Education Institutions**: Colleges and universities that participate in federal programs and are members of athletic associations must create and implement venue-specific heat-related illness emergency action plans within one year of the bill's enactment. These plans must be developed in consultation with local emergency responders.
• **Secondary Schools**: Similarly, secondary schools with athletic programs are required to develop and implement their own heat-related illness emergency action plans within one year of the bill's enactment.

Contents of Action Plans

Both types of institutions must ensure their plans include:

• A symptom identification structure for recognizing heat-related illnesses.
• A coordination of care plan for athletes displaying symptoms.
• Posting of the plan in key locations such as locker rooms, athletic training facilities, weight rooms, and outdoor sports complexes.
• Public availability on the institution's athletic program or public website at the start of each academic year.
• Distribution to local emergency responders and applicable staff, with in-person practice of the plan for students, trainers, physicians, coaches, and safety personnel.

Recommendations for Implementation

When developing action plans, institutions are encouraged to consider:

• The use of the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature index, which measures environmental conditions and helps assess heat stress.
• Ensuring readily accessible and well-maintained automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) situated within three minutes of each sports venue.
• Including the specific locations of AEDs in the plans.

Reporting Requirements

Institutions must submit annual compliance reports to the Secretary of Education and relevant committees detailing their adherence to the emergency action plan requirements.

Promotion of Federal Grants

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Education inform schools and educational agencies about available federal funds to:

• Assist with heat-related illness prevention for students and staff.
• Develop and offer training related to heat-related illnesses.
• Acquire necessary equipment for treating heat-related illnesses.

Purpose of the Bill

The legislation seeks to prevent tragic incidents like the death of Jordan McNair, a student athlete who died from heatstroke during a workout. The bill's focus is on ensuring that both student athletes and staff are better prepared to recognize and address heat-related illnesses promptly.

Relevant Companies

None found.