AED laws promote accessibility and use to combat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which affects ~400,000 Americans annually, with survival rates dropping 7–10% per minute without CPR or AED intervention. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted AED laws since Florida’s pioneering legislation in 1997, focusing on:

• Good Samaritan Protections: All states provide civil immunity for laypersons using AEDs in good faith, encouraging action without fear of liability. Federal support includes the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (2000) for limited immunity in public settings.
• CPR Training: Anyone that obtains an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is required to complete a course. Most states (e.g., Colorado, Florida) encourage or require AED training for anticipated users, though non-certification courses like this one suffice for layperson use in emergencies.
• AED Retrieval Timeframe Within 3 minutes to retrieve an AED (roundtrip, from the SCA location to the AED location and back)
• AED Requirement: Many states mandate AEDs in specific locations (e.g., schools, gyms, public buildings), with accessibility within 3 minutes emphasized.
• AED Placement: Mount AED cabinets 48”–54” high for easy access by wheelchair users and people of all heights
• Signage Rules: States like California require clear signage (e.g., 14-point font instructions) and visible placement (e.g., 3D signs, unobstructed views).
• Maintenance and Reporting: 42 states require regular AED maintenance and testing per manufacturer guidelines. Some mandate registration with local EMS or usage reporting.

Below is a summary of AED machine requirements across U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This includes mandates for AED placement in schools, gyms, public buildings, and training, maintenance, signage, or EMS registration where applicable. Laws evolve frequently, so always consult your local health department or EMS authority for the most current requirements.

Note: ✅ = Mandated or Required | 🟡 = Encouraged or Recommended | ❌ = No specific mandate (Good Samaritan protection still applies)

Select your state to see what AED laws and signage rules apply to your location

AED laws generally focus on increasing public access to AEDs, ensuring proper maintenance, and providing legal protections for users. Here are common elements and variations across states:

1. Good Samaritan Protections:
• All 50 states offer civil liability protection for individuals who use AEDs in good faith to save someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). These laws encourage bystanders to act without fear of lawsuits.avive.lifeaedsuperstore.com
• Protections often extend to AED owners and program managers if they comply with state requirements, such as maintenance and training.
2. Mandated AED Placement:

Some states require AEDs in specific locations, such as:

• Schools: At least 20 states, including Montana and the District of Columbia, mandate AEDs in schools.sca-aware.org
• Health Clubs: 14 states, including California, New York, and Massachusetts, require AEDs in fitness facilities.sca-aware.org
• Dental Offices: States like Colorado, Florida, and Washington mandate AEDs if anesthesia is used.aedsuperstore.com
• Public Pools: Six states require AEDs at swimming facilities.sca-aware.org
• Large Occupancy Venues: Rhode Island mandates AEDs in facilities with over 300 people.aedsuperstore.com
• Government Buildings: Three states require AEDs in certain public buildings.sca-aware.org

California, for example, requires AEDs in health studios, public swimming pools, and certain buildings constructed or renovated after January 1, 2017.emsa.ca.govoshareview.com

3. Maintenance and Testing:
• Most states mandate that AEDs be maintained and tested according to manufacturer guidelines. For instance, California requires biannual testing and inspections every 90 days.oshareview.com
• Records of maintenance and use must often be kept to ensure compliance.
4. Training Requirements:
• Many states, such as California, encourage or require CPR/AED training for potential users, particularly in public settings like schools or workplaces.aclsnow.comemccprtraining.com
• Some states, like Washington, require AED users to receive reasonable instruction in defibrillator use and CPR.kingcounty.gov
5. Registration and EMS Notification:
• States like California and Washington require AED owners to register devices with local emergency medical services (EMS) agencies to aid dispatchers in locating AEDs during emergencies.emsa.ca.govkingcounty.gov
• Some states mandate reporting AED locations to ensure accessibility.
6. Medical Oversight:
• Certain states, such as Washington, require a licensed physician to provide medical direction for AED programs.kingcounty.gov
• In California, a medical director may provide guidance to ensure proper AED program implementation.aclsnow.com
7. Specific State Examples:
• Florida: First state to enact AED laws in 1997, setting a precedent for others.aedbrands.com
• Washington: Requires AEDs in fitness centers (effective June 6, 2024) and for employers near high-voltage lines (effective January 1, 2025).kingcounty.gov
• New York: Mandates AEDs in schools and public access locations, with specific EMS coordination requirements.nysed.gov

• Mandates vs. Recommendations: Some states mandate AEDs in specific locations, while others only recommend them. For example, AEDs may not be required in a state but are strongly encouraged in workplaces or schools.aed.com
• Scope of Liability Protection: Good Samaritan laws vary in scope, with some states protecting only trained users and others extending to untrained bystanders.emccprtraining.com
• Compliance Requirements: States differ on whether registration, training, or medical oversight is mandatory or optional.aclsnow.com