20-7-1315. First aid training in schools. (1) The office of public instruction shall, in consultation with school districts, the department of public health and human services, the American heart association, and the American red cross, provide guidance and technical support and make available a program of study to Montana schools on:

(a) basic first aid;

(b) basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and

(c) the use of automated external defibrillators.

(2) The guidance and program of study under subsection (1) must comply with current evidence-based guidance from the American heart association or another national science organization. The office of public instruction shall annually notify high school and K-12 school districts during the month of August in writing or electronically of the availability and any updating of the guidance and program of study under subsection (1).

(3) School districts are encouraged to incorporate the program of study under subsection (1) during health enhancement courses during high school as required in the accreditation standards and to include in the program of study hands-on practicing of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

(4) A school district and the office of public instruction may accept from any person, public entity, or other legal entity in-kind donations of materials, equipment, or services that may be used in the program of study under subsection (1).

(5) The office of public instruction, in consultation with the department of public health and human services, shall assist districts in carrying out a program under this section, including providing guidelines and advice for seeking grants for the purchase of automated external defibrillators or seeking donations of automated external defibrillators. The office of public instruction may coordinate with local health districts or other organizations in seeking grants and donations for this purpose.

(6) A school district may use any of the following persons to provide instruction and training pursuant to this section:

(a) emergency care providers;

(b) fire department personnel;

(c) police officers;

(d) representatives of the American heart association;

(e) representatives of the American red cross;

(f) teachers;

(g) other school employees; and

(h) other similarly qualified persons.