2017 -- S 0777

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LC002505

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS

REQUIRED

     Introduced By: Senator Maryellen Goodwin

     Date Introduced: April 12, 2017

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 23 of the General Laws entitled "HEALTH AND SAFETY" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 6.5

AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS REQUIRED AT PUBLIC PLACES

     23-6.5-1. Legislative findings.

     (1) Approximately three hundred twenty-five thousand (325,000) Americans suffer

sudden cardiac arrest ("SCA") each year and more than ninety-five percent (95%) of them die

before reaching the hospital;

     (2) In the population of Rhode Island, an estimated one thousand (1,000) residents will

die of cardiac arrest every year;

     (3) Facilities that host large numbers of visitors are more likely to experience an event

which requires an automated external defibrillator ("AED");

     (4) If defibrillation is performed within five (5) to seven (7) minutes, chances of survival

are increased by forty-nine percent (49%). Every minute that goes by without defibrillation

reduces the chance of survival by seven percent (7%) to ten percent (10%);

     (5) Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are extremely accurate computerized

devices that can be operated by the average person; and

     (6) Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be acquired through grants from

various organizations or through government agencies.

     23-6.5-2. Automated external defibrillators requirements.

     (a) As used in this chapter, "public place" means an enclosed area capable of holding

three hundred (300) people or more and to which the public is invited or in which the public is

permitted, including, but not limited to, banks, bars, educational facilities, health care facilities,

laundromats, public transportation facilities, reception areas, restaurants, retail food production

and marketing establishments, retail service establishments, retail stores, shopping malls, sports

arenas, government offices, theaters, and waiting rooms. A private residence is not a "public

place" unless it is used as a child care, adult day care, or health care facility.

     (b) Notwithstanding the provisions contained in §§5-50-12 or 16-21-33.1 relating to

automated external defibrillators in health clubs and schools, any person who owns or operates a

public place as defined in subsection (a) of this section shall provide and maintain:

     (1) On-site functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in quantities and types,

deemed by the director of health, to be adequate to ensure ready and appropriate access for use

during emergencies; and

     (2) At least one person who is properly trained in the operation and use of an AED.

Training required by this chapter may be conducted by qualified personnel, including, but not

limited to, municipal fire and police department employees.

     23-6.5-3. Rules and regulations.

     The director of health is hereby authorized to adopt, modify, repeal, or promulgate rules

and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS

REQUIRED

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     This act would require an automated external defibrillator (AED) and qualified person to

administer an AED at all public places capable of holding three hundred (300) people or more.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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