Some organizations are concerned about their liability for acquiring and using AEDs. In the U.S., Good Samaritan laws, giving some immunity to lay people who help others in distress, have been passed in all 50 states. The Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2000 encourages placement of AEDs in federal buildings and ensures federal liability protection fo rthose who acquire or use an AED to help save a life.

Laws vary among states, and specific local regulations may apply in your area. Be sure to have your legal counsel and, if approprate, your risk management team reviews yyour program. Typically, AED laws and regulations require:

Training and operate an AED
Coordination with the emergency medical service in your community
Medical direction
Record-keeping for each use of an AED
For more information regarding state laws pertaining to AED use, please review the following PDF File:
Summary of State Legislation (PDF - 172)