Pennsylvania State Laws
Summary:
Good Samaritan protection is extended to any person who in good faith acquires and maintains an AED or uses an AED in an emergency unless acts or omissions intentionally designed to harm or any grossly negligent acts or omissions result in harm to the individual receiving the AED treatment. An AED acquirer must (1) ensure that expected AED users receive training; (2) maintain and test the AED according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines; (3) instruct AED users to immediately contact EMS in an emergency; and (4) provide EMS personnel with information as requested. AEDs are required at health clubs that offer services during nonstaffed hours (in lieu of an employee trained in CPR/AED who must otherwise be present). Coal mine operators are required to provide an AED on the surface in close proximity to the mine entry and in each working section. Mine personnel shall receive yearly training in the operation of the AED. The AED must be maintained and inspected according to manufacturer's operational guidelines. Good Samaritan protections apply to miners who render care with an AED.
Requirements | Required | Reference | Description |
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State specific Rx required* | ![]() |
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Good Samaritan protection for UNTRAINED users | ![]() |
8331.2(a) | General rule. — Except as otherwise provided in this section, any individual who is trained to use an automated external defibrillator in accordance with subsection (c) and who in good faith uses an AED in an emergency shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions by such individual in using the AED, except any acts or omissions intentionally designed to harm or any grossly negligent acts or omissions which result in harm to the individual receiving the AED treatment. |
Good Samaritan protection for TRAINED users only | ![]() |
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Medical Direction requried | ![]() |
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State Specific Medical Direction required | ![]() |
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AED routinely maintained and/or tested | ![]() |
8331.2(b)(2) | Maintains and tests the AED according to the manufacturer’s operational guidelines. |
Training required for expected users | ![]() |
8331.2(c) | Expected AED users shall complete training in the use of an AED provided by the American National Red Cross or the American Heart Association or through an equivalent course of instruction approved by the Department of Health in consultation with a technical committee of the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council. Health Club: every health club shall employ and have on the health club’s premises during the club’s hours of operation a person who is trained and certified to administer CPR. If a health club is open for more than eight hours a day and more than five days a week, it shall employ more than one person who is trained and certified to administer CPR. |
Response Plan or Protocols | ![]() |
8331.2(b)(3) | Provides instruction requiring the user of the AED to utilize available means to immediately contact and activate the emergency medical services system. |
Notification to local 911/Dispatch agency | ![]() |
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Notification to local EMS agency | ![]() |
8331.2(4) | (4) Assure that any appropriate data or information is made available to emergency medical services personnel or other health care providers as requested. |
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 | ![]() |
Health Clubs § 2174(c)(1)(ii), Assisted Living Facilities § 2800.96(a), Coal Mines § 208.70, Dentists Administering Sedation/Anesthesia § 33.340(a)(2)(xvi) & 33.340a(a)(2)(xvi) | *Health Clubs § 2174(c)(1)(ii), Assisted Living Facilities § 2800.96(a), Coal Mines § 208.70, Dentists Administering Sedation/Anesthesia § 33.340(a)(2)(xvi) & 33.340a(a)(2)(xvi) |
