Assigned to HEALTH FOR COMMITTEE

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2475
defibrillators; proper use; immunity

Purpose

Establishes training and use requirements for automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Background

Each year, more than 250,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest. The key to survival is timely initiation of a "chain of survival," including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation. Recent technological advances have made AEDs portable lifesaving devices that are easier to use and maintain, smaller, lightweight and lower in cost.

AEDs automatically analyze a cardiac arrest victim's heart rhythm and make a decision to defibrillate the patient. The device guides the user through the process by audible or visual prompts without requiring any discretion or judgment. The American Heart Association estimates that at least 20,000 lives could be saved annually by prompt use of AEDs.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 22 states authorize lay persons to use AEDs, 18 of which provide limited immunity for trained lay persons under state good samaritan laws. Additionally, 12 states have introduced AED legislation in 1999. House Bill 2475 allows limited use of AEDs by the general public, establishing a section of statute pertaining to the proper use and civil liabilities of AEDs.

There is no fiscal impact associated with this measure.

Provisions

1. Requires a person or entity that acquires an AED to:

a. obtain, through an agreement, physician oversight relating to the training and use of AEDs, including training, emergency medical services coordination, protocol approval and AED deployment strategies.

b. requires each trained responder to call 9-1-1 and report the use of the AED to the physician in writing within five working days.

2. Requires the physician to:

a. establish quality assurance guidelines.

b. be proficient in emergency medical services protocols, CPR and the use of AEDs.

c. receive training in CPR and complete a course relating to the use of AEDs.

d. maintain and test the AED.

3. FACT SHEET H.B. 2475 Page

Provides immunity from civil liability for any personal injury, except in cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence, to a:

a. physician who provides supervisory services.

b. person or entity that provides training in CPR or use of AEDs.

c. person or entity that acquires an AED.

d. owner of the property or facility where the AED is located.

e. trained responder.

4. Exempts from the AED requirements persons who obtain an AED for home use with a physician's prescription.

5. Contains definitions relating to AEDs.

6. Contains a general effective date.

House Action

HEALTH 1/27/99 DPA 9-0-0-0

3rd Read 3/16/99 54-1-5-0

Prepared by Senate Staff

March 19, 1999

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