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California

California extends Good Samaritan protection to all trained and untrained users of an AED, encouraging bystanders to step up and act in emergency situations.

Below is a full list of AED laws in California. Check out which groups might be impacted and who in California might be required to have an AED on site.

Summary of Requirements

Physician
No legislation is currently in place for California.
CPR/AED Training
Any high school that mandates a health class as a graduation requirement must include CPR training as a part of the curriculum.
EMS Notification
The owner of an AED must notify a member of the local EMS agency of the location and type of AED acquired.
Maintenance Program
If an owner expects to be the direct user of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), they need to have completed training in the use of an AED that is provided by the American National Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or an equivalent training program. The AED must be properly maintained and regularly tested in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines at least once every 30 days if the AED has not been used. There must be clear records of each check and a written plan that describes the procedures to be followed in case of an emergency cardiac arrest. No less than once a year, building owners will notify their tenants as to the location of AED units in the building. The written plan shall include, but not be limited to, immediate notification of 911 and trained office personnel at the start of AED procedures. Building owners must ensure that tenants annually receive a brochure, approved as to content and style by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, which describes the proper use of an AED, and also ensure that similar information is posted next to any installed AED.
Notification of Use
Any user of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during an emergency situation of a sudden cardiac arrest must alert EMS as soon as possible and report of any medical data to the licensed physician.

Good Samaritan Protection

Rescuer
Purchaser
Property owner
Physician
Trainer

CA Health and Safety Code § 1797.196

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

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Laws / Legislation

CA AB2217

Extends the Good Samaritan Law umbrella to specifically cover and protect California school districts and their employees who operate an AED in good faith.

CA AB 1719

Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, all high schools must provide CPR instruction to their students as a graduation requirement.

CA SB 1397

Outlines AED requirements for buildings constructed on or after January 1. 2017

CA SB 502

Outlines AED requirements for commuter rail systems.

CA AB 2009

Requires CA schools to:
• Ensure there is a written emergency action plan
• Acquire an AED for each school within a school district before July 1, 2019
• Encourage that AEDs be available for emergency care
• Ensure that an AED is available to athletic trainers and coaches
• Ensure that AEDs are maintained and tested regularly

CA AB 1766

Requires public swimming pools to have an AED.

CA Ed Code § 51225.6

Outlines AED requirements for schools.

CA Ed Code § 49417

Outlines fund receiving policies for schools with the intent on acquiring and maintaining an AED.

CA Health and Safety Code

Outlines the occupancy structures that are required to have an AED on the premises.

16 CCR § 1070.8

Outlines AED requirements for dental offices.

CA Health and Safety Code

Outlines AED requirements for health studios.

CA Civil Code § 1714.2

Grants Good Samaritan protection for TRAINED users.

CA Civil Code § 1714.21

Grants Good Samaritan protection for UNTRAINED users.