2021 -- H 5832

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LC001799

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

     Introduced By: Representative Gregg Amore

     Date Introduced: February 24, 2021

     Referred To: House Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws entitled "Health and Safety of Pupils" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     16-21-37. Basic emergency and response skills for teachers.

     (a) At least eighty percent (80%) of Rhode Island teachers in each district shall have been

trained in the basic emergency and response skills ("BEARS") curriculum, including, hands-only

cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control, within the last three (3)

years.

     (b) In the school year 2021-2022, the BEARS curriculum will also include safety training

related to SARS-COV-2.

     (c) The BEARS training requirements shall phase into effect over a three (3) year

timeframe. One third (⅓) of all Rhode Island teachers shall be required to complete "BEARS"

teacher training every year, until at least eighty percent (80%) of teachers in each district have been

trained once during the school years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024.

     (d) Time spent by teachers receiving initial and refresher training in BEARS shall count

towards professional development requirements.

     (e) The Rhode Island department of education will verify that the required percentage of

teachers in each school district have been trained in the BEARS curriculum; however, each

individual school district shall have autonomy over how the curriculum is implemented within each

district.

     (f) A teacher or other school personnel, who has completed BEARS training, who renders

emergency care on school grounds, school buildings, or in school functions, shall not be liable to

the person assisted, for civil damages for any injuries which result from acts or omissions by the

person rendering the emergency care of administration of subjects covered by the BEARS

curriculum, which may constitute ordinary negligence. The immunity provided in this subsection

does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, willful or wanton negligence.

     (g) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to require any teacher or other

school personnel to render emergency first aid.

     (h) Each school district shall, from funds not otherwise allocated during the fiscal year,

provide funding for each faculty member trained, at a rate determined in the state budget.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

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     This act would require that one third (1/3) of all Rhode Island teachers, for the next three

(3) years trained in the basic emergency and response skills curriculum ("BEARS"), specifically in

hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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