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A Microsoft Word version of this letter is available for download
and PRINTING. |
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To: The Administrator Addressed Date: August 30, 2007 Subject: Notice to School Districts Regarding New Requirements This notice is intended to help clarify some of the compliance issues related to the requirements of Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) concerning AEDs. We recognize there are a number of questions regarding some provisions of SB 7, particularly the requirement that, “each school district shall make available at each campus in the district at least one automated external defibrillator, as defined by Section 779.001, Health and Safety Code”, TEC §38.017 (a) . Because the provisions of SB 7 become effective September 1, 2007, many districts are facing decisions concerning the purchase of AEDs prior to the date SB7 takes effect and seek clarification regarding the potential reimbursement from the state for such purchases. The legislature appropriated a total of $9 million to offset some of the costs of purchasing these devices. We want you to know that TEA is working with all parties to promulgate definitive rules outlining the scope and methods for the reimbursement process. It is the intent of TEA to develop rules that provide for some reimbursement to districts for costs of AEDs purchased after the conclusion of the legislative session (on or after June 1, 2007) in response to requirements in SB 7. We anticipate having proposed rules by October 1, 2007 with implementation as early as January 1, 2008. Please be aware that we are also planning to conduct a survey of districts to ascertain which entities currently have AEDs and to collect other information that will provide for implementation of this very important and expansive program. As updated information becomes available, it will be posted to TEA’s web site. If you need additional information, please contact Anne Vexler at 512/463-8398. Sincerely, Jeff Kloster  |
