Texas State AED Laws

In Texas, AED programs require the involvement of a licensed physician for compliance. Users must receive training in CPR and AED use approved by the Texas Department of Health. Notification of AED acquisition to local EMS providers is mandatory. The AED must be maintained and tested per the manufacturer's guidelines, and any emergency use should be promptly reported to the local EMS provider.

Summary of Requirements
	Physician	A licensed physician must be involved in the training program and placement to ensure compliance.
	CPR/AED Training	Each user of the automated external defibrillator must receive training given or approved by the Texas Department of Health in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of the automated external defibrillator.
	EMS Notification	When a person or entity acquires an automated external defibrillator, the person or entity shall notify the local emergency medical services provider of the existence, location, and type of automated external defibrillator.
	Maintenance Program	A person or entity that owns or leases an automated external defibrillator shall maintain and test the automated external defibrillator according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
	Notification of Use	A person or entity that provides emergency care to a person in cardiac arrest by using an automated external defibrillator shall promptly notify the local emergency medical services provider.

Good Samaritan Protection
Rescuer	Purchaser	Property Owner	Physician	Trainer
		No Current Legislation
TX Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 74.151 - 2013 Provides Good Samaritan protection for use of an AED and establishes guidelines for AED programs.

Laws / Legislation
Reference	Date	Summary
SB 199	2021	Addresses the liability exemption of the physician, AED training entity, and AED owner.
TX Edu Code § 28.0023	2013	The State Board of Education by rule shall require instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for students in grades 7 through 12.
TX Admin Code 25 TAC § 157.41	2011	The purpose of this rule is to establish minimum standards and requirements for training of lay responders using automated external defibrillators.
TX Health & Safety Code § 242.159	2011	Outlines AED requirements for nursing homes.
TX Edu Code § 38.018	2009	Each school district and private school shall develop safety procedures for their district to respond to medical emergencies.
TX Edu Code § 38.018	2009	Outlines the responsibilities of a school that is acquiring an AED.
HB 392	2009	Requires that an AED be placed in nursing homes and related institutions.
TX Edu Code § 22.902	2007	A school district shall annually make available to district employees and volunteers instruction in the principles and techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator, as defined by Section 779.001, Health and Safety Code.
TX Edu Code § 38.017	2007	Outlines AED requirements for schools.
SB 82	2007	Requires CPR certification in public schools for a coach, trainer, or sponsor for an extracurricular athletic activity, a physician who is employed by a school or school district or who volunteers to assist with an extracurricular athletic activity, and a director responsible for a school marching band.
SB 7	2007	Requires CPR instruction at certain school campuses and athletic events, and the creation of a cardiovascular screening pilot program.
HB 2117	2007	Revises immunity protection to include a person using an automated external defibrillator and a volunteer first responder.
HB 92	2007	Requires that a licensed practitioner provide a prescription for purchase of an AED.
HB 4	2003	Revises immunity protection.
TX Health & Safety Code § 779.007	1999	Outlines the responsibilities of a person acquiring and AED.
TX Health & Safety Code § 779.006	1999	Outlines the responsibilities of a physician who authorizes the acquisition of an automated external defibrillator.
TX Health & Safety Code § 779.005	1999	When a person or entity acquires an automated external defibrillator, the person or entity shall notify the local emergency medical services provider of the existence, location, and type of automated external defibrillator.
TX Health & Safety Code § 779.004	1999	A person or entity that provides emergency care to a person in cardiac arrest by using an automated external defibrillator shall promptly notify the local emergency medical services provider.
TX Health & Safety Code § 779.003	1999	A person or entity that owns or leases an automated external defibrillator shall maintain and test the automated external defibrillator according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
TX Health & Safety Code § 779.002	1999	Outlines instructions to ensure the public health and safety for a person that acquires an AED.
TX Health & Safety Code § 779.001	1999	Defines Automated External Defibrillator.
HB 580	1999	Establishes immunity protection and AED placement requirements.