Connecticut House Bill HB05749

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/19
• Refer: 1/22/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Liability For The Emergency Medical Or Professional Use Of Automatic External Defibrillators.

Impact

Should HB 5749 be enacted, it will specifically impact the provisions outlined in section 52-557b of the general statutes. By providing liability protections, the bill may increase the willingness of healthcare providers to utilize AEDs in emergencies, thereby potentially saving more lives in critical situations. The removal of liability may lead to broader deployment of AEDs in public spaces, increasing the chances of prompt defibrillation for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.

Summary

House Bill 5749 proposes an act concerning liability for the use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) by licensed healthcare providers. The bill aims to amend existing laws to ensure that physicians and other medical professionals are protected from civil liability when an AED malfunctions during emergency medical situations. This legislative measure is intended to encourage the use of AEDs by reducing the fear of legal repercussions associated with potential equipment failure during life-saving interventions.

Contention

While the bill is designed with the intention of enhancing emergency response protocols, it may face scrutiny from groups concerned about accountability in medical practices. Critics may argue that removing liability could lead to a lack of incentive for regular maintenance or proper training for healthcare providers. There may be debates on striking a balance between encouraging the use of lifesaving devices and ensuring accountability for their proper functioning in emergency situations.