The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 472, aims to enhance emergency preparedness in nursing homes and assisted living facilities by mandating the installation of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill stipulates that these facilities must not only be equipped with AEDs but also develop a comprehensive plan for their use during emergencies. Additionally, it requires that staff receive training on how to operate the devices and that regular maintenance is conducted to ensure their functionality.
The intent of this legislation is to ensure that nursing homes and assisted living facilities are adequately prepared to provide life-saving care in critical situations, thereby improving the overall safety and health outcomes for residents. The bill introduces new legal requirements without any deletions from existing law, focusing solely on the addition of these essential emergency preparedness measures.