Education - Student Athletic Activities - Cardiovascular Prescreening

HB 837 requires all Maryland public and nonpublic schools with athletic programs to include a cardiovascular prescreening as part of the standard physical examination for students participating in interscholastic sports, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This prescreening - based on family history, personal symptoms, and evidence-based guidelines - must be conducted no earlier than 90 days before the school year begins. If a positive finding occurs, healthcare providers must refer students to a cardiologist for further evaluation. Schools must report annual data on screenings and referrals to county health departments, with the Maryland Department of Health publishing public reports analyzing outcomes. The bill directly affects student athletes, schools, and healthcare providers conducting sports physicals.