New Jersey Assembly Bill A5105

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/23/23

Caption

"Michael Anthony Fornicola's law"; requires hotels to have automated external defibrillators in certain areas.

Impact

If enacted, A5105 will significantly alter compliance requirements for hotels in New Jersey. Hotel operators will be required to implement protocols to ensure AEDs are correctly maintained, easily accessible, and that staff are trained in CPR and AED use. Additionally, hotels must notify emergency services about the AED's presence and location, further integrating response readiness into hotel operations. This legislative measure represents a proactive approach to improving emergency readiness in public accommodations, potentially saving lives.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5105, known as "Michael Anthony Fornicola's law," seeks to enhance public safety by mandating the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in hotels throughout New Jersey. The bill stipulates that all hotels, excluding bed and breakfasts, must provide an AED in prominent locations including lobbies, meeting rooms, and fitness centers, ensuring rapid access during a cardiac emergency. The aim is to ensure timely defibrillation, essential for increasing survival chances following a cardiac arrest, where immediate action can lead to survival rates as high as 90%.

Contention

While proponents of A5105 argue that increased access to AEDs will lead to higher survival rates during cardiac events, some concerns may arise regarding the financial burden on smaller hotel operators, particularly in training and compliance costs. Critics may also question the feasibility of enforcing such regulations and the potential penalties for non-compliance, which include escalating fines for repeated violations. The bill includes provisions for liability protection for hotel owners concerning the use and maintenance of AEDs, addressing some apprehensions around legal repercussions stemming from AED-related incidents.