The bill would create a nationwide baseline of protection from civil liability for people who use an automated external defibrillator (AED) during a perceived medical emergency, and for many AED owners and property managers. The protections generally would apply even if the AED had no cautionary signs or registration, or the user had no training. They would not apply in cases such as gross negligence, reckless or criminal conduct, or certain uses by health care professionals and health care organizations. AED owners could also be liable when harm was caused by failure to maintain the device according to the manufacturer's guidelines. The bill would override state laws that allow liability where it provides immunity, but would not require anyone to place an AED at a location.
If enacted, the bill could protect members of the public who use an AED in a perceived emergency, as well as many people and organizations that own or manage the device or the premises where it is used. The protections have exceptions, including for certain serious misconduct. The bill does not require AED placement.
No publicly available information.
The bill's findings state that differing state liability rules may discourage AED deployment and that a nationwide baseline of protection could encourage wider deployment and help save lives. These are statements in the bill, not evidence of enacted effects.
No publicly available information.