Connecticut House Bill HB06369

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/11
• Refer: 2/16/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Immunity For The Ownership Or Maintenance Of An Automatic External Defibrillator.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend existing laws to explicitly delineate the rights and protections afforded to those who own or maintain AEDs in public areas. This could lead to increased adoption of AEDs in various businesses and community spaces, thereby potentially saving lives in emergency situations involving cardiac arrest. The immunity offered by the bill would likely encourage more individuals and organizations to invest in AEDs, knowing that they will not face liability for unforeseen outcomes due to their use.

Summary

House Bill 06369 aims to provide legal immunity to individuals or entities that own or maintain an automatic external defibrillator (AED) in locations open to the public. The bill specifies that owners or maintainers will not be liable for acts or omissions, which could be perceived as ordinary negligence, provided they adhere to certain conditions. These include maintaining and servicing the AED in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, ensuring it is easily retrievable during operational hours, and clearly indicating its location within the premises. This legislation seeks to encourage more establishments to have AEDs readily available for emergency use by minimizing the fear of legal repercussions for owners and maintainers.

Contention

While the overall tone regarding HB 06369 appears supportive, there may be concerns about the adequacy of the training for individuals who handle these devices. Critics of similar bills often express apprehension over whether proper training in the use of AEDs is mandated, alongside the liability protections. Another area of contention could arise around the specific parameters defined in the bill regarding ordinary negligence; critics may argue that these definitions could neglect essential scenario considerations that could influence outcomes in a medical emergency.