New York has ~19.5 million residents and one of the older AED legal frameworks in the country, with Public Health Law §3000-b dating back to 1998. The state requires AEDs in K-12 schools, health clubs, and many public-access settings — with comprehensive Good Samaritan protection.
New York requires AEDs in K-12 schools (Education Law §917), health clubs with 500+ members (GBL §627-a), and many state facilities. Public Health Law §3000-b establishes the public-access defibrillation program framework. Good Samaritan protection is broad — protecting rescuers, owners, and physicians providing medical oversight.
K-12 schools — Education Law §917
New York Education Law §917 requires every public K-12 school to have at least one functional AED on its premises during operational hours. Schools must also have staff trained in CPR + AED operation. AEDs must be present at all school-sponsored athletic events, both home and away.
Health clubs — GBL §627-a
New York General Business Law §627-a requires health clubs with 500+ members to have at least one AED on premises. Clubs must also employ at least one CPR + AED-trained staff member during operating hours. Compliance is enforced through the NY Attorney General’s office.
Public-access program — PHL §3000-b
Public Health Law §3000-b establishes the framework for public-access defibrillation programs in New York. Any non-medical entity placing an AED in a public area must register with the New York State Department of Health, designate an emergency healthcare provider for medical oversight, and ensure trained personnel are available.
Good Samaritan protection — PHL §3000-a
Public Health Law §3000-a provides Good Samaritan protection for: lay rescuers using an AED in good faith; AED owners providing the device; trainers offering CPR + AED instruction; and physicians providing medical oversight. Protection does not extend to gross negligence or paid medical personnel acting in their professional capacity.
New York compliance checklist
| Requirement | Applies to | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AED on premises | All K-12 public schools | Required |
| AED in health clubs | 500+ members | Required |
| Public-access program registration | All non-medical AED owners | Required |
| Medical oversight | Public-access programs | Required physician |
| CPR + AED trained staff | K-12 + 500+ health clubs + PAD programs | Required |
| Annual maintenance | All AED owners | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Do New York schools need AEDs?
Yes. Education Law §917 mandates AEDs in every public K-12 school during operational hours and at athletic events.
What gyms in NY need an AED?
Health clubs with 500+ members per GBL §627-a.
Do I need a physician overseeing my AED program in NY?
Yes, if it’s a public-access defibrillation program. PHL §3000-b requires designating an emergency healthcare provider.
Does New York have Good Samaritan AED protection?
Yes. PHL §3000-a provides broad protection for rescuers, owners, trainers, and overseeing physicians acting in good faith.
Do I need to register my AED in New York?
Yes. Register with the NY Department of Health for any public-access AED program.
Pediatric-first AED procurement
The free quiz routes daycare-profile buyers to the right pediatric-capable model.
Sources
- New York Public Health Law §3000-a — Good Samaritan
- New York Public Health Law §3000-b — Public-Access Defibrillation
- New York Education Law §917 — K-12 AED mandate
- New York General Business Law §627-a — Health-club AEDs
- New York State Department of Health
Educational content. Not legal advice. Verify current statute with the NY Department of Health or qualified counsel.
