Amends the definition of automated external defibrillators
Summary
This bill amends the Public Health Law definition of an “automated external defibrillator” (AED). Under current law, the definition contemplates a device that analyzes a patient’s heart rhythm, determines whether defibrillation is needed, charges, and then delivers an electrical impulse upon action by an operator. The bill removes the phrase requiring delivery of the impulse to occur “upon action by an operator,” so the statutory definition would describe a device that automatically delivers the shock after determining defibrillation is needed.
The practical effect is to update state law to better align with newer AED technology that may be more automated than the older definition reflects. The bill does not itself create a new mandate to install AEDs or change liability rules in the text provided; rather, it revises the legal description of what qualifies as an AED under New York law. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Impact
By changing the statutory definition in Public Health Law section 3000-b, the bill would broaden or modernize the category of devices recognized as automated external defibrillators in New York. This could affect how AED-related requirements, standards, procurement, training, and compliance provisions in state law are interpreted for schools, businesses, public facilities, emergency responders, and other entities subject to AED rules. The amendment is narrow in scope but may have downstream effects wherever state law references the defined term.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded votes, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill text, the measure appears technical and noncontroversial, aimed at updating statutory language to match current medical device functionality. The absence of recorded dissent or discussion suggests a generally neutral or favorable posture, though that cannot be confirmed from the provided context.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. If any concerns were to arise, they would likely center on whether the revised definition is sufficiently precise, whether it could unintentionally expand the scope of devices covered by AED-related laws, or whether other statutory references should be updated at the same time. However, none of those issues are reflected in the available committee or voting history.
Same As
Amends the definition of automated external defibrillator to remove the requirement that an action be taken by an operator before delivering an appropriate electrical impulse to the patient's heart to perform defibrillation.
Amends the definition of automated external defibrillator to remove the requirement that an action be taken by an operator before delivering an appropriate electrical impulse to the patient's heart to perform defibrillation.