District of Columbia

Public places with high occupancy limits are required to have AEDs in the District of Columbia. Good Samaritan protections are also granted for those who operate an AED in good faith.

Learn about D.C.'s limited AED legislation below.

Summary of Requirements

Physician

A physician that is licensed in the District of Columbia must oversee any and all aspects of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program which includes training, coordination with the local Fire and EMS departments, protocol approval, AED deployment strategies, and maintenance plan.

CPR/AED Training

Any person that means to own an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must receive training and be certified by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or an equivalent nationally recognized course, CPR and in AED use. This certification must be maintained.

EMS Notification

Any person who acquires an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must notify the Fire Chief, EMS Medical Director, and emergency communications center of the location, type, and existence of the AED.

Maintenance Program

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must be properly maintained and tested in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines and provide written records of each maintenance and test performed. The AED program must be registered with the Department of Health and issue a program to certify the registration of the AED with a fee of $25 and expires after 4 years. If this protocol is not followed, the Department may issue a citation, suspend certification, or revoke registration.

Notification of Use

Any person who uses an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the case of an emergency of a sudden cardiac arrest must notify the Department's EMS system as soon as possible and report any data gathered by the AED to the medical authority. This data will also be submitted to the Department and reviewed by the Department.

Good Samaritan Protection

Rescuer

Purchaser

Property owner

Physician

Trainer

DC ST § 44-233

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

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Laws / Legislation

DC ST § 44-232

Outlines instructions to ensure a comprehensive plan for training, certification, and credentialing of cardiac care providers in the use of AEDs.

B16-0043

Health clubs in D.C. must have at least one AED at on the premises at all times. They must make sure that at least one trained user (in CPR and AED) is present during business hours.

B15-0825

Installation of Automated External Defibrillators Amendment Act – AEDs shall be installed in each building accommodating more than 1,000 occupants, and in each building that is owned or occupied by the District or any agency of the District accommodating more than 100 persons.

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