Arkansas State AED Law

SB 312 2009

“The Antony Hobbs III Act” requires automated external defibrillators in each school and that school personnel be adequately trained on their use on or before May 31, 2011. Also requires that AEDs be available for other school-related activities such as athletic events. Antony Hobbs III was a 17-year-old Little Rock, Arkansas basketball player who collapsed and died while playing in a basketball game in January 2008. He suffered sudden cardiac arrest from a condition known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. If an AED had been available on the premises, his chances for survival may have improved.

HB 2578 2007

The Arkansas Automatic External Defibrillator Act of 2007 - requires that AEDs be placed in all public and private schools and institutions of higher learning if funds are available.

HB 2786 2007

Amends law requiring automatic external defibrillators be placed in all health spas and that they be easily accessible by all staff, members and guests of the club. Furthermore, during the business hours of which the spa is staffed, it is required that at least one employee of the club has completed a course in how to operate an AED and knows how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). This law also requires that an AED sign showing the location of the automated external defibrillator is in plain view and that a sign with AED and CPR instructions is posted as well.

HB 1970 2005

Requires that automatic external defibrillators be placed in health spas.

HB 1231 2005

Expands public access to automatic external defibrillators.

HB 1006 1999

Establishes requirements for AED placement and immunity from civil liability.

Requirements

Physician

A licensed physician is required to ensure AED program compliance.

CPR/AED Training

Expected AED users must complete CPR and AED training at least once every two years.

EMS Notification

Any person or entity who acquires an automated external defibrillator shall notify an agent of the emergency communications, 911, or vehicle dispatch center of the existence, location, and type of automated external defibrillator.

Maintenance Program

The defibrillator must be maintained and tested according to the manufacturer's guidelines and instructions on a regularly scheduled basis.

Notification of Use

Any person who renders emergency care or treatment on a person in sudden cardiac arrest by using an automated external defibrillator must activate the emergency medical services system as soon as possible and report any clinical use of the automated external defibrillator to the medical provider responding to the emergency.

Good Samaritan Protection

Rescuer, Property Owner, Physician, Trainer

(a) Any person or entity who in good faith and without compensation renders emergency care or treatment by the use of an automated external defibrillator is immune from civil liability for any personal injury as a result of the care or treatment or as a result of any act or failure to act in providing or arranging further medical treatment, if the person acts as an ordinary, reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances.
(b) The immunity from civil liability for any personal injury under subsection (a) of this section includes:

A physician or medical facility that is involved with automated external defibrillator placement;
Any person or entity that provides CPR and automated external defibrillator training to the person or entity acquiring an automated external defibrillator; and
The person or entity responsible for the location where the automated external defibrillator is located or used.

(c) The immunity from civil liability under subsection (a) of this section does not apply if the personal injury results from the gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct of the person rendering the emergency care.
(d) The requirements of § 20-13-1304 do not apply to any individual using an automated external defibrillator in an emergency setting if that individual is acting as a "Good Samaritan" under the provisions of either §17-95-101 or § 17-95-106.

The information posted on our website is not intended as legal advice and may contain inaccurate or incomplete information. We encourage you to contact your state representative should you require more information.