California State AED Law

In California, AED (Automated External Defibrillator) owners must follow rules for maintaining the devices, reporting where they are placed, and complying with regulations. Building owners, school principals, and those who make or sell AEDs must let tenants know where the AEDs are located and provide information on CPR/AED training.

Good Samaritan law protections apply only if AED regulations are followed. California requires AEDs in places like gyms, large buildings that are newly built or renovated, public pools, schools with sports programs, and certain commuter trains. High schools must also provide CPR training.

Summary

Physician

No current laws require physician oversight for AEDs.

CPR/AED Training

There are no specific legal requirements for CPR or AED training.

EMS Notification

Anyone who provides an AED must inform the local EMS agency about the device, including its type, location, and availability.

Maintenance Program

AEDs must be regularly checked and maintained following the guidelines provided by the manufacturer, the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and any relevant state or federal rules, including FDA regulations. Inspections should occur at least once every 30 days if the AED hasn’t been used during that time, and records of these checks must be kept. After each use, the device must also be checked for readiness.

Building owners are required to:

Have a written emergency plan for AED use, which includes notifying 911 and trained staff immediately when an AED is needed.
Provide tenants annually with a brochure approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross on AED usage.
Post clear instructions near each AED and inform tenants yearly about the AED’s location.

Notification of Use

Anyone who uses an AED to help someone in cardiac arrest must call 911 as soon as possible and report the incident to both a licensed physician and the local EMS agency.

Good Samaritan Law

Anyone who uses an AED to provide emergency care in good faith and without expecting payment is protected from being sued for any mistakes or issues that happen while giving that care.

AED Laws And Legislation

Laws / Legislation
Reference	Date	Summary
CA AB 1467	2023	Requires AEDs at youth sports events; not everyone is allowed to use them however.
CA SB 1397	2018	Outlines AED requirements for buildings constructed on or after January 1, 2017
CA SB 502	2018	Outlines AED requirements for commuter rail systems.
CA AB 2009	2018	Requires CA schools to:Ensure there is a written emergency action planAcquire an AED for each school within a school district before July 1, 2019Encourage that AEDs be available for emergency careEnsure that an AED is available to athletic trainers and coachesEnsure that AEDs are maintained and tested regularly
CA AB 1766	2018	Requires public swimming pools to have an AED.
CA Ed Code § 51225.6	2016	Outlines AED requirements for schools.
CA Ed Code § 49417	2015	Outlines fund receiving policies for schools with the intent on acquiring and maintaining an AED.
CA Health and Safety Code § 19300	2015	Outlines the occupancy structures that are required to have an AED on the premises.
16 CCR § 1070.8	2011	Outlines AED requirements for dental offices.
CA Health and Safety Code § 104113	2007	Outlines AED requirements for health studios.
CA Civil Code § 1714.2	2006	Grants Good Samaritan protection for TRAINED users.
CA Civil Code § 1714.21	2006	Grants Good Samaritan protection for UNTRAINED users.