In Massachusetts, AED programs are mandated to integrate various components including maintenance, training, medical oversight, placement reporting, EMS activation, and post-event reporting. Under the Good Samaritan law in the state, protection extends to AED owners, users, and medical directors, while AED trainers are excluded from coverage. It's notable that compliance with specific administrative and operational requirements does not determine immunity under this law. Furthermore, Massachusetts imposes requirements for AED placement in various establishments including schools, assisted living facilities, health clubs, and dentist offices.
Massachusetts Law Key Takeaways
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Good Samaritan Law:
- The Good Samaritan law in Massachusetts provides immunity from liability to individuals who, not regularly involved in emergency medical care, attempt to provide emergency aid such as CPR or defibrillation in good faith and without compensation. Liability is exempted except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
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Health Clubs:
- Health clubs are mandated to have at least one AED onsite. Additionally, during staffed business hours, at least one employee or authorized volunteer trained as an AED provider must be present.
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Schools:
- Each school committee, charter school board, or educational institution's governing body is responsible for ensuring a written medical emergency response plan is in place to address life-threatening emergencies efficiently.
- All school facilities must maintain at least one AED onsite, with staff members certified as AED providers trained in CPR and AED usage as per standards set by reputable organizations like the American Heart Association or the American National Red Cross.
- AEDs and trained providers must be readily available at any school-sponsored athletic event.
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Dental Offices:
- Dentists administering anesthesia are obligated to have an AED onsite.
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Long Term Care Facilities:
- Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, are required to have AEDs onsite.
AED's save lives every day and you can make a difference! Besides the states requirements, we believe AED's should be readily available everywhere, within arms reach in case of an emergency.
Please call with any additional questions at 1-800-441-8378.
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