Let our state legislators know how you feel about pending legislation that may affect the practice of cardiology and the state of health care in South Carolina. Use the convenient links at the bottom of this page.
Smart Heart Act passes to improve cardiac readiness in schools
Bill requires cardiac emergency plans and AED access in all South Carolina schools. After two years of advocacy by educators, healthcare professionals, families, and community leaders, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has signed the Smart Heart Act into law, establishing new cardiac emergency preparedness requirements for public schools statewide.
The legislation, which received unanimous support throughout the legislative process, passed without opposition in both chambers of the General Assembly. Supporters say the measure is designed to improve emergency response capabilities and help save lives during cardiac emergencies on school campuses and at athletic events.
Under the new law, all public schools in South Carolina will be required to implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) and ensure that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are readily accessible at school athletic venues, including off-site events. The law also extends key cardiac safety requirements to private schools that compete against public school teams.
Advocates for the legislation point to sudden cardiac arrest as a leading cause of death among student-athletes and a significant health concern on school campuses. Because survival rates increase dramatically when CPR and AEDs are administered quickly, supporters say the law addresses critical gaps in emergency preparedness that have existed at some schools.
Key provisions of the law include requiring schools to establish and maintain a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, designate and train emergency response teams, conduct regular response drills, and review emergency procedures annually. Schools also must ensure AEDs are clearly marked, unlocked, maintained, and readily accessible during school athletic activities and events. In addition, districts will be required to coordinate emergency response efforts with local emergency medical services.
Keith Price, superintendent of Lexington County School District One, said the legislation recognizes the importance of planning for cardiac emergencies in the same way schools prepare for other emergency situations.
"Our educators already prepare for fires, severe weather, and intruder scenarios," Price said. "Cardiac emergencies deserve the same level of planning and urgency."
The Smart Heart Act is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026. Full implementation will begin during the 2027–28 school year, providing school districts time to develop plans, train personnel, and meet the law's requirements.
SC Chapter supports Resolution on Bill H.3265
The SC Chapter has endorsed bill H.3265, a bill relating to comprehensive health educational programs, so as to provide that each student must received instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation at least once during the entire four years of grades nine through twelve.
Click here to read the resolution.
Legislative Practice Visits: Let Them See What the Cardiac Care Team Can Do
The ACC is urging members to join the advocacy effort by hosting a Legislator Practice Visit. These visits provide unique opportunities for federal and state government officials to witness first-hand how the cardiac care team provides patients with quality, cost-efficient care by employing state of the art technology, health care data and professional training through a team approach. These visits are also opportunities to establish and/or building upon personal relationships with policymakers at the state and/or federal level. Contact Elizabeth Shaw at eshaw@acc.org for more information or to set up a practice visit.
HeartPAC
HeartPAC, ACC's Political Action Committee (PAC), is the nonpartisan political voice of the College. Representing the Cardiology Party, HeartPAC invests in congressional champions, acts on cardiology issues and supports the future of cardiovascular care. This work provides an avenue for the College and you, its members, to build and maintain relationships with members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership and understanding of health policy.
HeartPAC's mission is to support federal candidates who can help us advance legislation and policies that:
Improve health care for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Ease the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective cardiovascular services.
Fund cardiovascular research and prevention.