05/25/2020
I get calls every day asking about the American Heart Association guidelines and changes during the COVID-19. One of the biggest changes is that the American heart Association has extended expiration dates
HERE ARE THE EXTENSIONS—
 Beginning in early March, to provide additional flexibility for providers, AHA Instructors, and AHA Training Centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the AHA issued extensions for AHA Instructor and Provider cards beyond their recommended renewal date, initially for 60 days, then to 120 days. Over the last 3 months, to support you during this challenging time, the AHA has also released guidance on additional precautions, options for healthcare and Heartsaver courses, CPR guidelines, just-in-time ventilation modules for healthcare providers, and is temporarily allowing virtual training through guidance to our Training Center Coordinators.
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and Training Centers may be more able to return to training providers and Instructors using options provided by the AHA, we are issuing clarification and updates for card extensions as outlined below.
Those with AHA Provider and Instructor cards that expired in March and April, and those with cards expiring at the end of May and June can renew their card for up to 120 days from the recommended renewal date on their card. See below for specific recommended renewal and extension dates:
Recommended Renewal Date on Card (end of month) New Renewal Due Date with 120-day Extension (end of month)
March 2020 July 2020
April 2020 August 2020
May 2020 September 2020
June 2020 October 2020
Beginning in July, we will resume normal timelines for renewing cards. Those with cards expiring at the end of July should plan to renew their cards by the recommended renewal date on their card (July 2020).
However, for those who may be in affected areas with restrictions still in place into July, Training Centers, at their discretion, may consider extending July cards past their renewal date, for no more than 120 days.