Healthcare Access
AED Requirements by State 2025
Physician Requirement
Yes
No
State | Physician Requirement↓ | Registration Requirement | Training Requirement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Arizona | Yes | Yes | No |
 | Colorado | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | District of Columbia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Georgia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Kentucky | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Louisiana | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Mississippi | Yes | No | Yes |
 | Montana | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | New Jersey | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | New Mexico | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | New York | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | South Carolina | Yes | No | Yes |
 | Tennessee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Washington | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | West Virginia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Alabama | No | No | No |
 | Alaska | No | No | No |
 | Arkansas | No | Yes | Yes |
 | California | No | Yes | No |
 | Connecticut | No | No | No |
 | Delaware | No | Yes | Yes |
 | Florida | No | No | Yes |
 | Hawaii | No | No | No |
 | Idaho | No | Yes | Yes |
 | Illinois | No | Yes | Yes |
 | Indiana | No | Yes | No |
 | Iowa | No | No | No |
 | Kansas | No | Yes | No |
 | Maine | No | No | No |
 | Maryland | No | Yes | Yes |
 | Michigan | No | No | No |
 | Minnesota | No | Yes | No |
 | Missouri | No | No | No |
 | Nebraska | No | Yes | No |
 | Nevada | No | Yes | Yes |
 | New Hampshire | No | Yes | Yes |
 | North Carolina | No | Yes | No |
 | North Dakota | No | No | No |
 | Ohio | No | No | No |
 | Oklahoma | No | Yes | No |
 | Oregon | No | No | No |
 | Pennsylvania | No | No | Yes |
 | Rhode Island | No | No | Yes |
 | South Dakota | No | No | No |
 | Texas | No | Yes | No |
 | Utah | No | Yes | No |
 | Vermont | No | Yes | No |
 | Virginia | No | No | No |
 | Wisconsin | No | No | No |
 | Wyoming | No | Yes | Yes |
- The acronym AED is the industry-accepted abbreviation for ‘automated external defibrillator’, a portable device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest.
- AED requirements fall into three general categories:
- Physician requirements - Indicate if AED units must be overseen by a licensed physician or medical director.
- Training requirements - Indicate if state requires specific training such as CPR or AED training.
- Registration requirements - Indicate if AED units must be registered with local facilities or state agencies.
- Listed required AED locations are examples only and should not be considered a comprehensive list.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are vital tools in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrests, but their accessibility and regulatory landscape vary across states in the United States. For instance, in California, health clubs and specific new construction projects are mandated to have AEDs, as outlined in legislation like SB 287. This requirement underscores the state’s commitment to public health and safety, especially in settings where the risk of sudden cardiac arrest may be higher due to physical exertion or other factors. However, while AEDs are required in certain locations, variations exist in physician oversight, training requirements, and registration protocols.
Conversely, in states like Colorado, dental offices where anesthesia is administered are mandated to have AEDs, with strict requirements for physician oversight, training, and registration. This reflects a recognition of the potential risks associated with medical procedures involving anesthesia and the importance of prompt access to life-saving interventions in such settings.
The regulations surrounding AED requirements are typically established through a combination of legislative processes, regulatory agencies, and healthcare standards bodies. State legislatures may enact laws mandating AEDs in specific settings based on recommendations from healthcare professionals, emergency medical services, and public health experts. Additionally, regulatory agencies and healthcare organizations may issue guidelines and standards to ensure the proper installation, maintenance, and use of AEDs.
These regulations are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they help ensure that AEDs are strategically placed in locations where they are most likely to be needed, such as high-traffic areas, workplaces, and facilities where medical procedures are performed. Secondly, they promote public awareness and education about sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of AEDs in saving lives. Lastly, by standardizing training requirements and registration protocols, these regulations aim to enhance the effectiveness of AED programs and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing cardiac emergencies.
In summary, AED regulations play a vital role in promoting public health and safety by ensuring the widespread availability and proper use of these life-saving devices. By understanding and complying with these regulations, individuals and organizations can contribute to creating safer environments and better outcomes for cardiac arrest victims.
