Cal. HSC § 1797.196 — California Code / Code hsc / Division 2.5 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 1797.196
Section 1797.196
Status: in_force

(a) For purposes of this section, “AED” or “defibrillator” means an automated external defibrillator.

(b) (1) In order to ensure public safety, a person or entity that acquires an AED shall do all of the following:

(A) Comply with all regulations governing the placement of an AED.

(B) Notify an agent of the local EMS agency of the existence, location, and type of AED acquired.

(C) Ensure that the AED is maintained and tested according to the operation and maintenance guidelines set forth by the manufacturer.

(D) Ensure that the AED is tested at least biannually and after each use.

(E) Ensure that an inspection is made of all AEDs on the premises at least every 90 days for potential issues related to operability of the device, including a blinking light or other obvious defect that may suggest tampering or that another problem has arisen with the functionality of the AED.

(F) Ensure that records of the maintenance and testing required pursuant to this paragraph are maintained.

(2) When an AED is placed in a building, the building owner shall do all of the following:

(A) At least once a year, notify the tenants as to the location of the AED units and provide information to tenants about who they can contact if they want to voluntarily take AED or CPR training.

(B) At least once a year, offer a demonstration to at least one person associated with the building so that the person can be walked through how to use an AED properly in an emergency. The building owner may arrange for the demonstration or partner with a nonprofit organization to do so.

(C) Next to the AED, post instructions, in no less than 14-point type, on how to use the AED.

(3) A medical director or other physician and surgeon is not required to be involved in the acquisition or placement of an AED.

(c) (1) When an AED is placed in a public or private K–12 school, the principal shall ensure that the school administrators and staff annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the school’s emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED. The principal shall also ensure that instructions, in no less than 14-point type, on how to use the AED are posted next to every AED. The principal shall, at least annually, notify school employees as to the location of all AED units on the campus.

(2) When an AED is placed in a public or private school serving grades 6 to 12, inclusive, the principal shall, at least annually, notify pupils as to the location of all AED units on the campus.

(3) This section does not prohibit a school employee or other person from rendering aid with an AED.

(d) A manufacturer or retailer supplying an AED shall provide to the acquirer of the AED all information governing the use, installation, operation, training, and maintenance of the AED.

(e) A violation of this section is not subject to penalties pursuant to Section 1798.206.

(f) Nothing in this section or Section 1714.21 of the Civil Code may be construed to require a building owner or a building manager to acquire and have installed an AED in any building.

(g) For purposes of this section, “local EMS agency” means an agency established pursuant to Section 1797.200.

(h) This section does not apply to facilities licensed pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), (c), or (f) of Section 1250.