In an effort to simplify the Maryland Public Access AED regulations to make them as user-friendly as possible while still maintaining the necessary safeguards that are a key part of the Program, the Maryland Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Regulations (COMAR 30.06.01-05) have been revised. The revised regulations became effective January 7, 2013.

Maryland Public Access AED Programs are still required to register with MIEMSS and should be aware of the following changes to the Maryland Public Access AED Program:

• MIEMSS no longer approves AED Training Programs for the Maryland Public Access AED Program.  AED Program Coordinators and any expected operators shall complete a CPR and AED Training Course and refresher training that at a minimum teaches the curriculum in the most current American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Facilities should verify that the training program they are going to complete meets this requirement.
• AEDs must be placed in locations where they are clearly visible and available for use by anyone who is willing to respond. AEDs should never be kept locked or restricted from use by anyone, including untrained individuals. Facilities that currently have AEDs locked or labeled “For use by trained personnel only” must comply with the newly revised regulation requirement by making the AED visible and available for use by anyone who is willing and able to do so.
• MIEMSS required equipment inspections have been changed from weekly to monthly. Any manufacturer recommended maintenance must also be adhered to.

In addition to the regulatory changes to the Maryland Public Access AED Regulation summarized above, MIEMSS also strongly encourages facilities with frequent visitors under the age of 8 years old to include pediatric electrodes (chest pads) in their equipment kits along with adult electrodes.

The Maryland Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Program permits a business, organization, association, etc., which meets certain requirements, to make automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available for individuals suffering sudden cardiac arrest on the premises prior to the arrival of emergency medical services personnel. Examples include offices, government buildings, churches, schools, health clubs, pools, and golf courses, to name a few. These “entities” may establish an AED program at a single site or may include multiple sites under one program.

MIEMSS is the state agency that oversees the Maryland Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Program and as such, approves entities meeting the necessary requirements to participate in the Maryland Public Access AED Program. Specific requirements have been developed for entities that wish to set up an AED program, including registration with MIEMSS, training of expected AED operators by an approved AED training program, and the ability to access 9-1-1 immediately. A certificate issued by MIEMSS to a registered entity is effective for three years if compliance with the program requirements is maintained.

Entities exempt from registering in the Maryland Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Program include healthcare facilities, physician’s offices, dentist’s offices, federal government agencies, jurisdictional EMS operational programs, and commercial ambulance services. MIEMSS has developed a program packet (available at this website) in accordance with COMAR 30.06 that includes the requirements for participation in the Maryland Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Program.

For questions please contact:

AED-Support@miemss.org 
Phone: 410-822-1799

To view the Public Access AED Program regulations, please go directly to the COMAR website.