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Texas

Students in grades 7-12 are required to learn CPR in Texas, and schools throughout the state are encouraged to implement cardiac screening programs.  

Good Samaritan legislation protects all parties involved in the use of an AED. Find a full summary of Texas’ AED laws below.

Summary of Requirements

Physician
A licensed physician in Texas must provide medical authority over a person using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to ensure compliance for training, EMS notification, and maintenance.
CPR/AED Training
An owner of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and expects to be the user of the device must receive training from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent nationally recognized course in CPR and the use of an AED.
EMS Notification
Once a person acquires an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), they must notify the local EMS provider of the existence, location, and type of AED.
Maintenance Program
An owner of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must maintain and test the AED on a regular basis in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines.
Notification of Use
Any user of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during an emergency cardiac arrest must notify emergency medical services as soon as possible and report on any clinical data from the AED to the licensed physician.

Good Samaritan Protection

Rescuer
Purchaser
Property owner
Physician
Trainer

TX Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 74.151

Provides Good Samaritan protection for use of an AED and establishes guidelines for AED programs.

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Laws / Legislation

SB 199

Addresses the liability exemption of the physician, AED training entity, and AED owner.

TX Edu Code § 28.0023

The State Board of Education by rule shall require instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for students in grades 7 through 12.

TX Admin Code 25 TAC § 157.41

The purpose of this rule is to establish minimum standards and requirements for training of lay responders using automated external defibrillators.

TX Health & Safety Code § 242.159

Outlines AED requirements for nursing homes.

TX Edu Code § 38.018

Each school district and private school shall develop safety procedures for their district to respond to medical emergencies.

TX Edu Code § 38.018

Outlines the responsibilities of a school that is acquiring an AED.

HB 392

Requires that an AED be placed in nursing homes and related institutions.

TX Edu Code § 22.902

A school district shall annually make available to district employees and volunteers instruction in the principles and techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator, as defined by Section 779.001, Health and Safety Code.

TX Edu Code § 38.017

Outlines AED requirements for schools.

SB 82

Requires CPR certification in public schools for a coach, trainer, or
sponsor for an extracurricular athletic activity, a physician who is
employed by a school or school district or who volunteers to assist with an extracurricular athletic activity, and a director responsible for a school marching band.

SB 7

Requires CPR instruction at certain school campuses and athletic events, and the creation of a cardiovascular screening pilot program.

HB 2117

Revises immunity protection to include a person using an automated external defibrillator and a volunteer first responder.

HB 92

Requires that a licensed practitioner provide a prescription for purchase of an AED.

HB 4

Revises immunity protection.

TX Health & Safety Code § 779.007

Outlines the responsibilities of a person acquiring and AED.

TX Health & Safety Code § 779.006

Outlines the responsibilities of a physician who authorizes the acquisition of an automated external defibrillator.

TX Health & Safety Code § 779.005

When a person or entity acquires an automated external defibrillator, the person or entity shall notify the local emergency medical services provider of the existence, location, and type of automated external defibrillator.

TX Health & Safety Code § 779.004

A person or entity that provides emergency care to a person in cardiac arrest by using an automated external defibrillator shall promptly notify the local emergency medical services provider.

TX Health & Safety Code § 779.003

A person or entity that owns or leases an automated external defibrillator shall maintain and test the automated external defibrillator according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

TX Health & Safety Code § 779.002

Outlines instructions to ensure the public health and safety for a person that acquires an AED.

TX Health & Safety Code § 779.001

Defines Automated External Defibrillator.

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