Laws on AEDs in Maryland
Beginning in the 1990s, both the United States government and various state-level legislatures began drafting, passing, and enforcing laws related to the appropriate placement and use of Automated External Defibrillator devices (AED). In addition to establishing what facilities are legally required to have functioning AEDs, various state and local laws also define circumstances under which “Good Samaritan” protections may apply to people who use the devices to no avail.
Understanding laws on AEDs in Maryland is vital not just for businesses and organizations mandated to have AEDs on their property but also for individuals who suffer serious harm or lose a family member because of an AED error. In the latter scenario, guidance from a qualified heart attack attorney could significantly affect your ability to enforce your rights and secure a favorable resolution to any litigation you pursue.
Federal AED Mandates Applicable in Maryland
The federal government leaves AED regulations and enforcement up to individual states without imposing any significant rules that apply to certain types of facilities nationwide. However, 42 U.S. Code § 238q does mandate that all federal government buildings have AEDs put in place, that those devices be regularly maintained, and that maintenance and training procedures within these facilities adhere to specific federal standards.
These requirements apply not just to courthouses but also to post offices, federal office buildings, and even certain facilities maintained by the National Park Service. It is also worth noting that while federal law establishes certain Good Samaritan protections for AED use within federal buildings, those requirements do not preempt state-level rules regarding such protections. This means that laws regarding AEDs in Maryland may vary from business to business.
AED Requirements Specific to Maryland
According to Maryland Code, Education §§ 13-516 and 13-517, every public school in the state must ensure that a functional, accessible, and registered AED is present in every school facility. It also states that all high school students receive CPR/AED training before graduation and that at least one person trained in AED use is present at every athletic event with school-sponsored athletes or teams participating. Dental facilities and public pools are also required to have AEDs under Maryland law, and certain other facilities like theme parks, shopping malls, stadiums, museums, grocery stores, and restaurants may be subject to AED requirements as well, depending on their jurisdiction.
Any facility that wants to have an AED on site must first obtain certification from the EMS Board and afterward must follow all necessary procedures regarding the proper placement, maintenance, operation, and reporting of the device. Facilities that comply with all these requirements may be afforded Good Samaritan protections should the need to use an AED arise. On the other hand, failure to meet even a single regulation may open a registered facility up to civil litigation if an AED fails or is used incorrectly.
Get in Touch to Learn More About Maryland’s Laws Regarding AEDs
Adherence to state and federal laws regarding AED placement and usage is vital to saving lives when someone unexpectedly goes into cardiac arrest. Because these laws are so complex, pursuing civil litigation based on an organization or facility’s failure to follow them can likewise be a complicated endeavor.
Assistance from a knowledgeable attorney can be important to understanding and, if necessary, enforcing laws on AEDs in Maryland. Learn more by calling today.
