Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB05431

Introduced
2/25/16  

Caption

An Act Concerning Automatic External Defibrillators And Health Clubs.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5431 will amend the existing statutes on liability for professionals providing emergency medical assistance. Previously, there were concerns around liability discouraging businesses from having AEDs on site, as they could be held accountable in cases of ordinary negligence. This bill aims to alleviate those fears, potentially leading to an increase in the availability of AEDs in health clubs and thus more opportunities to save lives through timely interventions during cardiac events.

Summary

House Bill 5431 addresses the legal liabilities associated with the use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in health clubs. The bill proposes specific protections for licensed health clubs that provide or maintain AEDs on their premises, stipulating that they will not be held liable for civil damages associated with the nonuse of these devices during an emergency. This legislation is grounded in the intent to encourage health clubs to be equipped with AEDs, ultimately enhancing public safety by improving the response capabilities during cardiac emergencies.

Contention

While the bill is positioned positively as a public health measure, it may also spark discussions regarding the adequacy of training and preparedness of health club staff. Opponents might raise concerns about the implications of reduced liability leading to less rigorous training of personnel in CPR and AED usage. Additionally, questions about the effectiveness of public health interventions may arise if the perceived safety nets lead to complacency in emergency preparedness at health facilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05348

An Act Concerning Paraeducators.

CT HB05160

An Act Concerning The Maintenance Of Liability Insurance Coverage By Child Care Centers, Group Child Care Homes And Family Child Care Homes.

CT SB00363

An Act Concerning Assorted Revisions To The Education Statutes.

CT HB05236

An Act Concerning Recommendations By The Department Of Consumer Protection.

CT SB00001

An Act Concerning The Health And Safety Of Connecticut Residents.

CT HB05488

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

CT HB05328

An Act Concerning Automated Traffic Safety Enforcement In Work Zones And Municipalities.

CT HB05290

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

CT HB05436

An Act Concerning Educator Certification, Teachers, Paraeducators And Mandated Reporter Requirements.

CT SB00427

An Act Concerning Police Animals And Dogs In Volunteer Canine Search And Rescue Teams.

Similar Bills

NJ A2845

Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

PA HB1203

In grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement, inspection, maintenance and plan; in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA SB512

In grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement, inspection, maintenance and plan; in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA SB620

In grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement, inspection, maintenance and plan; in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

NJ S883

Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

NJ A274

Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

NJ S3808

Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

HI HB2604

Relating To School Safety.