AI Bill Version
Section 1: Amendments to AED Limited Immunity Law (C.R.S. 13-21-108.1)
Definition of AED
An AED is an automated external defibrillator approved by the FDA.
The device must detect ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia and automatically determine if defibrillation is necessary.
Revisions to AED Ownership Requirements
Entities acquiring an AED must have written plans covering placement, training, coordination with emergency services, maintenance, and reporting of AED use.
The requirement that a licensed physician must review and approve these plans is repealed.
Limited Immunity Revisions
Clarifies that immunity extends to individuals using AEDs in emergencies.
Removes explicit liability protection for physicians previously required to review AED placement plans.
Section 2: AED Requirements for High Schools (C.R.S. 22-1-129.7)
Definitions
Automated External Defibrillator (AED): An FDA-approved external defibrillator.
Local Education Provider: Includes public school districts, charter schools, BOCES, facility schools, and tribal organizations.
Public High School: A public high school with an athletic department or organized athletic program.
Nonpublic High School: A private high school with an athletic department or organized athletic program.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: The sudden cessation of cardiac mechanical activity.
AED Placement Requirements for Public and Nonpublic High Schools
By the 2026-27 School Year
Each public and private high school must acquire and place at least one AED in an easily accessible, clearly marked location following nationally recognized standards.
The AED must be placed:
At each venue owned and operated by the school where athletic practices or events take place, or
In an unlocked location accessible during school-sponsored athletic events or practices.
This requirement expires on October 1, 2027.
By the 2027-28 School Year
The AED placement requirement expands to all athletic venues where a school hosts or participates in practices or events.
Schools must comply with nationally recognized, evidence-based cardiovascular care standards.
Section 3: Safety Clause
Declares that this act is necessary for public health and safety and must take effect immediately.
Summary
Current law requires a person or entity that acquires an automated
external defibrillator (AED) to develop written plans for the placement, use, and maintenance of the AED (written plans). The bill eliminates the requirements that the written plans:
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Identify personnel authorized to use the AED; and
•
Are reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
The bill imposes requirements for cardiac emergency preparedness
for public and nonpublic high school athletics. Beginning on or before the start of the 2026-27 school year, a school district, charter school, board of cooperative services, approved facility school, or Indian tribe (local education provider) shall require each public high school that it operates (public high school) to acquire an AED. The governing authority of a nonpublic high school shall require the nonpublic high school to acquire an AED.
Beginning on or before the start of the 2026-27 school year, the
bill requires a public or nonpublic high school to place an AED at each venue that it owns or operates where athletic practices or events take place or in an unlocked location that is accessible during school-sponsored athletic practices or events in which the public or nonpublic high school is participating (accessible location). Beginning on or before the start of the 2027-28 school year, the bill requires AED placement at each venue where the public or nonpublic high school's athletic practices or events take place or in an accessible location.
