HEALTH CLUBS: MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
House Bill 4155
Sponsor: Rep. Chris Kolb
Committee: Judiciary
Complete to 2-14-03
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4155 AS INTRODUCED 2-5-03
The bill would create a new act to require a health club to have present at least one employee trained in basic first aid and basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) whenever the club is open, and to develop and implement an emergency plan to address emergency services. Specifically, the bill would require the owner or operator of a health club to do both of the following:
· have at least one employee present who has been trained in basic first aid and basic CPR taught by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or an equivalent organization approved by the Department of Community Health, whenever the health club is open to the public and its facilities and services are available for use; and
· develop and implement an emergency plan to address emergency services (when needed) during operational hours at the health club.
The bill's provisions would apply to any "health club"-i.e., any establishment that provides, as its primary purpose, services or facilities that purport to assist patrons in physical exercise, weight control, or figure development. "Health club" would include a fitness center, studio, salon or club, but would not include a hotel or motel that provides physical fitness equipment or activities, an organization solely offering training or facilities for an individual sport, or a weight reduction center.
A violation of the bill's provisions would be a civil infraction punishable by a civil fine not to exceed $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense, or $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.