Michigan Senate Bill 647 was introduced on December 9 by Senator Tonya Schuitmaker. The bill would make learning CPR a graduation requirement for Michigan high school students. If passed it would go into effect this fall.

Should Michigan high school students be required to learn CPR in order to graduate?

The importance of learning CPR and understanding how to use a defibrillator is not in question, but should high school students be required to learn both in order to graduate?

Bill 647 would require students have "instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and awareness in use of automated external defibrillation (AED)" in order to graduate from high school.

CPR and defibrillator instruction would also be give to students in grades 7 and 8.

Who can provide the instruction?

The instruction is required to follow guidelines given by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or another nationally recognized organization. Instructors are "not required to be an authorized CPR/AED instructor to facilitate, provide or oversee instruction."

Any educator or student may provide the instruction.

How much time is involved?

If you are adding more instruction to the school year, the time required for the additional instruction needs to be a consideration.

How hard is the test?

There is no test.

The bill would "require the pupil to be physically present for the instruction and to participate in all aspects of the training included in the instruction unless the pupil is physically unable to participate in the training due to a disability."

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