Rhode Island State AED Law
| Summary of Requirements | ||
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Physician | Must have physician approval of the AED purchase. |
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CPR/AED Training | AED user must be trained in the use of an AED in accordance with standards promulgated by either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. |
| EMS Notification | No Current Legislation | |
| Maintenance Program | No Current Legislation | |
| Notification of Use | No Current Legislation | |
| Good Samaritan Protection | ||||
| Rescuer | Purchaser | Property Owner | Physician | Trainer |
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| No person, whether acting in an official capacity or as a private volunteer, who gratuitously renders emergency assistance in the nature of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or automated external defibrillation to a person in need thereof, shall be liable for civil damages for any personal injuries which result from acts or omissions by such persons rendering the emergency care, which may constitute ordinary negligence; provided, however, that this immunity applies only to persons who have been trained in accordance with standards promulgated by either the American heart association or the American national red cross. This immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, willful, or wanton negligence. This immunity shall also extend to persons providing approved training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of automated external defibrillation in accordance with standards promulgated by either the American heart association or the American national red cross and to physicians providing medical direction oversight for programs of automated external defibrillator use.
Property lessees and owners where the emergency assistance occurs as well as the owners of the actual life saving equipment shall enjoy immunity from liability. |
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| Laws / Legislation | ||
| Reference |
Date | Summary |
| HB 5376 | 2013 | Provides minimum guidelines for schools concerning CPR training and requires an overview of AED use. |
| HB 6470 | 2007 | Revises law so that any health club which operates a facility on a key pass basis is exempt from having employees certified on the use of an automated external defibrillator on the premises. |
| SB 2948 | 2004 | Revises law so that a health club AED will at all times be deployed in a manner in which best provides accessibility to staff, members and guests. At least one (1) employee, properly trained by the American Heart Association or comparable state recognized agency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED, must be on duty during hours of operation. |
| HB 7156 | 2004 | Requires that every health club, nursing home, assisted living facility, and public swimming pool have at least one automated external defibrillator. |
| HB 7336 | 2000 | Requires that AEDs be placed in every city, town, college campus and judicial office in the state. |
| SB 920 | 1999 | Provides for AED placement to the Rhode Island State Police |
| Statute 9-1-34 | 1999 | Provides for Good Samaritan protection. |
| SB 2239 | 1998 | Provides defibrillators for every city and town in the state. |
The information posted on our website is not intended as legal advice and may contain inaccurate or incomplete information. We encourage you to contact your state representative should you require more information.