New Jersey Scholastic Student-Athlete Safety Act: Important Information for all NJ, PA, DE, NY Providers
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Pediatric PartnersIn March 2015, the New Jersey legislature mandated that all providers (MD/DO, NP, PA) caring for student-athletes who reside in New Jersey must complete a new educational module for enhanced education about the risk factors for sudden cardiac death prior to signing the revised annual sports clearance forms.
The “Student-Athlete Cardiac Assessment Professional Development Module” is a 43-minute video that can be found on the state website.
Providers are then asked to submit their NPI to verify completion of the module. After completion of the module, providers may sign the last section of the new form. This module applies to all providers, including those who practice in PA, DE, NY, who care for patients who reside in NJ.
This educational module was mandated by the New Jersey Legislature and developed by the local AAP/ACC/AFP/AHA chapters. The module is designed to enhance awareness of risk factors for sudden cardiac death identified by history and physical examination, and is not intended to replace provider judgment and experience. Any child that has significant risk factors should be referred to a pediatric cardiologist for additional evaluation.
On health forms, many parents may indicate they have a “family history of heart disease,” and this should stimulate a discussion to provide additional information.
Only those patients with close relatives with inheritable cardiac conditions or unexplained sudden cardiac arrest require formal cardiac evaluation.