AED State Laws
Requirements
Rhode Island State AED Law
Rhode Island provides extensive Good Samaritan protections to those involved in AED use, and AEDs are required in every Rhode Island city.
Below is a full list of additional AED requirements in the state. Check out which groups might be impacted and who in Rhode Island might be required to have an AED.
Summary of Requirements
| Physician | A physician must approve an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) purchase for acquisition. |
| CPR/AED Training | A user of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must be properly trained on the unit in accordance with the standards created by either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. |
| EMS Notification | No legislation is currently in place for Rhode Island |
| Maintenance Program | No legislation is currently in place for Rhode Island |
| Notification of Use | No legislation is currently in place for Rhode Island |
Good Samaritan Protection
| Reference | Summary |
|---|---|
Provides Good Samaritan protection for use of an AED and establishes guidelines for AED programs. |
Laws / Legislation
| Reference | Summary |
|---|---|
Dubbed the “911 Emergency Telephone Number Act,” this 2021 legislation requires 911 operators be trained in how to give CPR directions over the phone. All 911 telecommunicators in Rhode Island must be trained in telephone CPR by 2022. |
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Outlines instructions to ensure the public health and safety for a person that acquires an AED. |
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Outlines requirements of the Rhode Island municipal police academy, regarding AED distribution among every city in Rhode Island. |
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The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and prescribe a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training course for public school students in the state. The course shall be established in accordance with the requirements and criteria obtained from the Red Cross and/or the American Heart Association and the director of the department of health. |
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Outlines AED requirements for health clubs. |
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Provides for Good Samaritan protection. |
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Provides defibrillators for every city and town in the state. |
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Requires that all health care facilities have a functioning automated external defibrillator and a person trained in its use. |
All AED State Laws
This information is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice. While we make every attempt to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, AED laws and requirements change frequently. We encourage you to refer to your legal counsel or state agencies with questions about your state's AED laws or AED Good Samaritan requirements.