2014 District of Columbia Code
Division VIII. General Laws
Title 44. Charitable and Curative Institutions
Chapter 2A. Defibrillator Usage
§ 44–232. Access by the public to defibrillation.

(a) A person who or entity that acquires an AED shall ensure that:

(1) Expected AED users receive training from and be certified by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or an equivalent state or nationally recognized course, in cardiopulmonary resuscitation ("CPR") and in the use of an AED, and that the users maintain their certification in CPR and AED use;

(2) The defibrillator is maintained and tested according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines, and written records of the maintenance and testing are maintained;

(3) A physician licensed in the District of Columbia shall oversee all aspects of the defibrillation program, including training, coordination with the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department ("Department"), protocol approval, AED deployment strategies, and equipment maintenance plan, and shall review each case in which the AED is used by the program; and

(4) Any person who uses an AED to provide emergency care or treatment on a person in cardiac arrest shall activate the Department's emergency medical service system as soon as possible, and shall report any clinical use of the AED to the licensed physician or medical authority. Data on AED use shall be submitted to the Department and reviewed by the Department.

(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, upon meeting the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, the defibrillation program shall be registered with the Department and the Department shall issue to the defibrillation program a certificate of registration. There shall be a registration fee of $25. The certificate of registration shall expire after 4 years. To renew a certificate of registration, the person or entity shall be required to repeat the application process. If protocol is not followed, the Department may issue a citation, suspend certification, or revoke the certificate of registration.

(2) The Mayor shall issue, and reissue every 6 months, a recreation facility certificate to a recreation facility that meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section and § 44‑232.01.

(c) Any person or entity who acquires an AED shall notify an agent of the Fire Chief, the EMS Medical Director, and the emergency communications or vehicle dispatch center of the existence of the AED and the Department of the existence, location, and type of AED. If an AED is removed, the Department shall be notified.

History

(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-278, § 3, 48 DCR 1869; Mar. 25, 2009, D.C. Law 17-362, § 2(b), 56 DCR 1211.)

Section References

This section is referenced in § 44‑232.01 and § 44‑234.

Effect of Amendments

D.C. Law 17-362, in subsec. (b), designated the existing text as par. (1), inserted "Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection," and added par. (2).

Legislative History of Law 13-278

For D.C. Law 13-278, see notes following § 44‑231.

Legislative History of Law 17-362

For Law 17-362, see notes following § 44‑231.