AED State By State Laws FAQ

Do I need a prescription to buy an AED?

No. The FDA reclassified AEDs in 2004 to make them available without a prescription for public access deployments. AED Professionals can ship to any U.S. address without a physician’s prescription. Some state programs require physician medical direction once the AED is in service — that is a separate question from purchase.

Do I have to be CPR-certified to use an AED?

No. Modern AEDs are designed to guide an untrained bystander through a rescue using voice prompts and visual indicators. Every state’s Good Samaritan law extends to lay rescuers acting in good faith, regardless of certification status. That said, designated workplace or facility responders should be trained — both for confidence and to satisfy any state training mandates that apply to your facility.

Can I be sued for using an AED to help someone?

Civil immunity for good-faith AED use is one of the most consistent protections in U.S. law. Every state and the District of Columbia provide it. Protection is lost only in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct — which is a high legal bar. The much greater liability risk in most environments is failing to have an AED present and ready when one is needed.

How often does an AED need to be checked?

Manufacturer guidelines typically call for monthly visual checks (status indicator, pad and battery expiration dates, accessibility, no physical damage). The AED’s internal self-test runs automatically — usually daily or weekly depending on the model. California requires testing at least every 30 days plus after each use. AED Professionals offers documented inspection programs that satisfy state recordkeeping requirements.

What happens when AED pads or batteries expire?

Expired pads and batteries must be replaced. Expired consumables are one of the most common compliance failures we see during AED program audits. AED Professionals offers automatic replacement programs that ship new pads and batteries before the old ones expire — eliminating the most common point of program failure.

Do I need to register my AED with EMS?

Roughly seventeen states and the District of Columbia require EMS notification. Even in states where it is not required, registration is best practice — it allows 911 dispatchers to direct callers to your AED during an emergency. AED Professionals can guide you through your state’s registration process.

We operate in multiple states. How do we manage compliance?

Build a compliance matrix that maps each location to its state’s specific requirements. The five-category framework gives you a consistent structure across states. Pick the most prescriptive state in your footprint as your operational baseline. Document everything. AED Professionals supports multi-state programs with consolidated maintenance, training, and medical direction services.

Does OSHA require AEDs in the workplace?

OSHA does not specifically mandate AEDs in private workplaces, but it includes them in its recommendations for comprehensive first-aid programs and has cited employers under the General Duty Clause in cases involving inadequate emergency response. For practical purposes, AED placement is best treated as a foundational element of a workplace safety program, not an optional enhancement.