If you live in Texas, you have undoubtedly heard news of Cody’s Law passing the Texas legislature in 2019. Let’s face it: new laws can be hard to understand—and even harder to read! What does this law mean for kids and their participation in sports? Living for Zachary (L4Z) is here to break down everything you need to know:
Background
Cody’s Law is named after Cody Stephens, a teenager from Crosby, Texas who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in 2012. The Cody Stephens Go Big or Go Home Foundation was created in his honor. Scott Stephens, Cody’s father, introduced this bill numerous times in the past seven years and it was signed into law on June 14, 2019. Congratulations to all at the Cody Stephens Foundation for this incredible achievement, and thank you for your hard work on this issue!
FACTS—What Does the Law Actually Do?
Cody’s Law requires that school districts provide information on sudden cardiac arrest and electrocardiograms (ECGs) to student athletes who receive a pre-participation examination as part of University Interscholastic League (UIL) rules. Students MUST be notified that they can obtain an ECG as an addition to the pre-participation examination, and there are many ways in which this can happen, depending on the choice of the school district.
FICTION—Things You May Have Heard That Aren’t True
1. ECGs are now mandatory for student athletes under this law
FALSE. There is absolutely NO mandate for student athletes to receive an ECG as a part of the UIL pre-participation examination. The law simply mandates that students (and their parents) must be informed of the option to obtain one.
2. Schools will now have to perform ECGs should a student athlete request one
FALSE. There are a variety of options for how this will be handled, and school districts may decide which route they would like to take. According to the Cody Stephens Foundation, “School districts will be required to ensure that students participating in UIL have the option to receive an ECG, with various options on how funding can be structured. Districts may elect to partner with a nonprofit entity, pay for ECGs with district funding, or pass the cost on to parents.”[1] In other words, schools do NOT have to pay for or administer ECGs should a student wish to obtain one.
3. This law affects all students, even if they do not play sports.
FALSE. Cody’s Law only involves student athletes who are required to undergo a UIL pre-participation examination. If you have a child who is not required to have the examination, the law does not apply.
So, what does this all mean for you and your family? Take a look at Living for Zachary’s recommendations, no matter which category you fall into:
A. Your child is a student athlete and affected by this new law.
L4Z recommendations:
- Carefully read the information on sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) provided during the UIL pre-participation exam. Take this information seriously. SCA is the #1 killer of student athletes.[2] Seemingly healthy teens fall victim to SCA far too often; just because a child looks healthy, doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is. Having your child screened for a potential heart issues is a wise step in taking change of their health and future.
- Recognize that your child’s school may not offer an ECG. That’s where Living for Zachary comes in with our unique, 5-step screening package. Register for one of our upcoming Free Screening Events, or make an appointment at any time convenient to you for a $55 screening at one of two locations.
B. Your child is not a student athlete.
L4Z recommendations:
- Recognize that SCA is NOT just a student athlete’s problem and can affect anyone at any time. Living for Zachary recommends that teens be screened despite their athletic involvement. Register for one of our upcoming Free Screening Events, or make an appointment at any time convenient to you for a $55 screening at one of two locations.
Note: Living for Zachary’s screening package includes more than an ECG. Our painless, 20-minute package includes a 5-step process to address numerous aspects of a child’s heart health. Screenings are offered for ages 12-22. Read more about what makes an L4Z screening special.
Cody’s Law is here, and Living for Zachary stands ready to ensure that our youth receive quality heart screenings so they can go on living active, happy lives. Register for a heart screening today!