Massachusetts is one of the few remaining states that does not currently require CPR training for high school graduation. That may soon change.
During the current legislative session, lawmakers have introduced new bipartisan bills that would require Massachusetts public high school students to receive hands-only CPR and AED awareness training before graduating. If passed, these bills would bring Massachusetts in line with the majority of U.S. states that already have CPR-in-schools requirements.
Below is a summary of the active legislation.
House Bill: H.556
“An Act Relative to CPR and AED Education”
Summary: House Bill H.556 would require Massachusetts public high schools to provide students with instruction in hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) as part of the graduation requirements.
The bill is designed to ensure students receive practical, life-saving awareness and skills, without requiring formal certification. Training could be incorporated into existing health or physical education courses and would not require students to pass a skills test to graduate.
The bill emphasizes:
- Hands-only CPR instruction
- AED awareness and basic use
- Age-appropriate instruction prior to graduation
- Flexibility for schools in how the training is delivered
Current Status:
- Filed in the Massachusetts House
- Referred to the Joint Committee on Education
- Under active consideration during the current session
Official Bill Page:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H556
Senate Bill: S.2863
“An Act Relative to CPR and AED Education in Schools”
Summary: Senate Bill S.2863 is the Senate companion to H.556 and mirrors its core goals: requiring hands-only CPR and AED instruction for high school students prior to graduation.
The Senate version similarly focuses on:
- CPR and AED education for all students
- Use of nationally recognized training guidelines
- No certification requirement for students
- Allowing schools flexibility in implementation
The bill reflects growing concern that bystander CPR rates remain too low and that early education is one of the most effective ways to increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.
Current Status:
- Introduced in the Massachusetts Senate
- Reported favorably out of the Education Committee
- Referred to Senate Ways and Means for further consideration
Official Bill Page:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2863
Why This Matters
More than 40 states and Washington, D.C. already require CPR training for high school graduation. Studies consistently show that early CPR education increases bystander response rates and saves lives.
If passed, these Massachusetts bills would:
- Align the state with national best practices
- Equip thousands of students each year with life-saving knowledge
- Expand community readiness for cardiac emergencies
SchoolCPR.com will continue to track these bills and provide updates as the legislation moves forward.