District of Columbia State Laws
Summary:
Owners of an AED are required to have a Medical Director licensed by the District of Columbia to oversee the program and include a response plan, EMS Notification, routine maintainance and testing, CPR/AED training for expected users and and High Scool Students, as well as AED use reporting for Good Samaritan protection. AEDs are required in all District parks. At least one AED is required in every school. Public/semi public pools are required to have an AED.
Requirements | Required | Reference | Description |
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State specific Rx required* | ![]() |
DC licensed physician to oversee all aspects of the defibrillation program, including training, coordination with the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (“Department”), protocol approval, AED deployment strategies, and equipment maintenance plan, and shall review each case in which the AED is used by the program. | |
Good Samaritan protection for UNTRAINED users | ![]() |
D.C. Code 44-233 | (a) Any person or entity who, in good faith and without compensation, uses an AED to provide emergency care or treatment shall be immune from civil liability for any personal injury resulting from the care or treatment, or resulting from any act or failure to act in providing or arranging further medical treatment, if the person acts as an ordinary, reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances. (b) The immunity from civil liability provided under subsection (a) of this section shall extend to the licensed physician or medical authority involved in automated external defibrillator site placement, the person who provides training in CPR and the use of the automated external defibrillator, and the person or entity responsible for the site where the automated external defibrillator is located. (e) A person who, in good faith and without compensation, uses a defibrillator at the scene of an emergency, and all other persons and entities providing services without compensation under this section, shall be immune from civil liability for any personal injury that results from any act or omission in the use of the defibrillator in an emergency situation. |
Good Samaritan protection for TRAINED users only | ![]() |
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Medical Direction requried | ![]() |
D.C. Code 44‐232(a)(3) | DC licensed physician to oversee all aspects of the defibrillation program, including training, coordination with the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (“Department”), protocol approval, AED deployment strategies, and equipment maintenance plan, and shall review each case in which the AED is used by the program. |
State Specific Medical Direction required | ![]() |
D.C. Code 44-232(a)(3) | DC licensed physician to oversee all aspects of the defibrillation program, including training, coordination with the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (“Department”), protocol approval, AED deployment strategies, and equipment maintenance plan, and shall review each case in which the AED is used by the program. |
AED routinely maintained and/or tested | ![]() |
D.C. Code 44-232(a)(2), 44-232.01(a)(3), 44-232.03(a)(3) | AED to be maintained and tested according to the manufacturer’s operational guidelines, and written records of the maintenance and testing are maintained. |
Training required for expected users | ![]() |
D.C. Code 44-232(a)(1), 44-232.01(a)(2), 44-232.03(a)(5), 25-C302 | The Facility AED Coordinator receives training from or is certified by the AHA, ARC or an equivalent state or nationally recognized course. Users to maintain their certification in CPR and AED use. Athletic coach, coaching assistant, athletic trainer, atheltic director, team/game physician, school nurse and every anticipated AED user employed at school to complete CPR/AED training within 60 days after hire date. At least one individual trained in CPR/AED program present during school hours of operation and any atheltic activity. CPR and AED trained employee present during recreation facility's hours of operations. HS students to receive at least one CPR training during health class with hands on practice. Lifeguards and swimming instructors shall maintain current certifications in lifeguarding or swimming instruction by The American Red Cross. |
Response Plan or Protocols | ![]() |
D.C. Code 44-232(a)(3) | DC licensed physician to oversee all aspects of the defibrillation program, including training, coordination with the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (“Department”), protocol approval, AED deployment strategies, and equipment maintenance plan, and shall review each case in which the AED is used by the program. |
Notification to local 911/Dispatch agency | ![]() |
D.C. Code 44-232(c) | Any person or entity who acquires an AED shall notify the Chief of Fire and EMS Dept., his/her designee and call center of Office of Unified Communications of the AED, location and type. Notify Chief of The Dept if AED is removed. |
Notification to local EMS agency | ![]() |
D.C. Code 44-232(c) | Any person or entity who acquires an AED shall notify the Chief of Fire and EMS Dept., his/her designee and call center of Office of Unified Communications of the AED, location and type. Notify Chief of The Dept if AED is removed. |
Registration or notification with State or other agency | ![]() |
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Provide Post Use data to EMS | ![]() |
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Facilities required to have AEDs | ![]() |
Schools - 44-232(a)(2), Department of Parks and Recreations Facilities - D.C. Code 44-232.01(a), Pools 505.2(a) | Department of Parks and Recreations Facilities. Schools (District of Columbia Public Schools system, a public charter school, an independent school, a private school, or a parochial school, Public & Semi Public Pools |
