BayCare is leading the region’s response to Florida’s new mandatory electrocardiogram (EKG) screening requirement for student athletes, building on the health system’s long‑standing pediatric cardiology expertise and EKG screening services already available across BayCare. Through proactive planning and continued collaboration with community partners like the national nonprofit Who We Play For, BayCare is expanding access and creating additional opportunities for families to meet the new Second Chance Act requirement with confidence and ease.
The state law requires student athletes who are participating in high school sports for the first time to complete an EKG screening prior to competition. The requirement is designed to help identify certain underlying heart conditions that may not be detected during a standard sports physical but can pose serious risks during intense physical activity.
A Proactive, Prevention‑Focused Approach
BayCare’s collaboration with Who We Play For reflects a shared commitment to preventing sudden cardiac death in young athletes through early detection and education. Through heart screenings and advocacy, Who We Play For has played a key role in raising awareness around these risks and the importance of early detection in youth sports. The partnership enhances BayCare’s ability to bring screenings directly into the communities it serves, while all testing, interpretation and follow‑up care remain anchored in BayCare’s pediatric cardiology expertise.
Preparing for Increased Demand
BayCare has been preparing for the Second Chance Act through its pediatric EKG screening initiative, a multidisciplinary effort involving pediatric cardiology, clinical operations and community partners. The initiative focuses on creating simple, clearly defined access points for families and helping parents understand what an EKG screening involves, what the results mean and what steps — if any — may follow.
“The pediatric EKG screening initiative strengthens this existing foundation by streamlining access, increasing community‑based screening opportunities and ensuring families have a clear, efficient path to comply with the new state requirement — while keeping the focus on safety, prevention and clinical excellence,” said Amy Haddon, director of BayCare Kids and Women’s Institutes.
Planning efforts prioritize coordinated, community‑based screening opportunities during peak sports seasons, while maintaining consistent standards of care across all BayCare locations. The goal is to offer families a process that fits into busy schedules and supports timely sports participation.
Why EKG Screenings Matter
An EKG is a quick, noninvasive test that records the heart’s electrical activity and can help identify cardiac conditions associated with sudden cardiac arrest. While sports physicals remain an important part of athletic participation, they may not detect certain abnormalities that can place young athletes at risk.
Under the guidance of the Florida High School Athletic Association, the EKG requirement applies to incoming ninth‑grade athletes and students in grades 10-12 who have not previously participated in high school sports. Returning athletes are encouraged, but not required, to obtain a screening.
Supporting Families and Schools
BayCare’s pediatric cardiology experts play a central role in reviewing results, answering questions and guiding families through next steps when additional evaluation or follow‑up care is recommended.
By focusing on access, efficiency and clear communication, BayCare removes uncertainty for parents while empowering families to make informed, proactive choices that support their children’s ability to play sports and lead healthy, active lives.
Leading with Purpose
BayCare’s pediatric EKG screening initiative reflects the health system’s broader commitment to prevention, community health and making high‑quality care easy to access. By leading the regional response to Florida’s new screening requirement and collaborating with organizations like Who We Play For, BayCare is helping ensure student athletes can participate in sports with greater confidence, safety and peace of mind.
More information about EKG screening requirements and upcoming screening opportunities can be found here.
