The bill amends Chapter 23-6.5 of the General Laws, expanding the requirement for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to include not only public places but also health care facilities. The title of the chapter is changed to reflect this inclusion. The legislative findings emphasize the importance of AEDs in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrest events, noting the increased likelihood of survival if defibrillation occurs within five to seven minutes. The bill also highlights that AEDs are user-friendly and can be obtained through grants or government agencies.

The bill specifies that owners or operators of public places or health care facilities must provide and maintain adequate AEDs as determined by the director of health and ensure that at least one person is properly trained in their operation and use. The definition of "public place" remains largely the same, capable of holding 300 people or more, while "health care facility" is defined broadly to include a wide range of healthcare service providers. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2024, and underscores the requirement for health care facilities to have functional AEDs and trained personnel.