Chapter 388

2017 -- S 0777 Enacted 10/05/2017

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS REQUIRED

Introduced By: Senator Maryellen Goodwin

Date Introduced: April 12, 2017

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Title 23 of the General Laws entitled "HEALTH AND SAFETY" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 6.5

AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS REQUIRED AT PUBLIC PLACES

23-6.5-1. Legislative findings.

(1) Approximately three hundred twenty-five thousand (325,000) Americans suffer

sudden cardiac arrest ("SCA") each year and more than ninety-five percent (95%) of them die

before reaching the hospital;

(2) In the population of Rhode Island, an estimated one thousand (1,000) residents will

die of cardiac arrest every year;

(3) Facilities that host large numbers of visitors are more likely to experience an event

which that requires an automated external defibrillator ("AED");

(4) If defibrillation is performed within five (5) to seven (7) minutes, chances of survival

are increased by forty-nine percent (49%). Every minute that goes by without defibrillation

reduces the chance of survival by seven percent (7%) to ten percent (10%);

(5) Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are extremely accurate computerized

devices that can be operated by the average person; and

(6) Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be acquired through grants from

various organizations or through government agencies.

23-6.5-2. Automated external defibrillators requirements.

(a) As used in this chapter, "public place" means an enclosed area capable of holding

three hundred (300) people or more and to which the public is invited or in which the public is

permitted, including, but not limited to,: banks,; bars,; educational facilities,; health care

facilities,; laundromats,; public transportation facilities,; reception areas,; restaurants,; retail food

production and marketing establishments,; retail service establishments,; retail stores,; shopping

malls,; sports arenas,; government offices,; theaters,; and waiting rooms. A private residence is

not a "public place" unless it is used as a child-care, adult day-care, or health-care facility.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions contained in §§5-50-12 or 16-21-33.1 relating to

automated external defibrillators in health clubs and schools, any person who owns or operates a

public place as defined in subsection (a) of this section shall provide and maintain:

(1) On-site, functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in quantities and types,

deemed by the director of health, to be adequate to ensure ready and appropriate access for use

during emergencies; and

(2) At least one person who is properly trained in the operation and use of an AED.

Training required by this chapter may be conducted by qualified personnel, including, but not

limited to, municipal fire and police department employees.

23-6.5-3. Rules and regulations.

The director of health is hereby authorized to adopt, modify, repeal, or promulgate rules

and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section chapter.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC002505

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