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
| Model | New | Recertified | You save | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips HeartStart OnSite | $1,589 | $875 | $714, 45% | 1 to 45 or more |
| Philips HeartStart FRx | $2,099 | $875 | $1,224, 58% | 1 to 45 or more |
| ZOLL AED Plus | $2,082 | $875 | $1,207, 58% | 1 to 45 or more |
| ZOLL AED 3 | $2,399 | $1,150 | $1,249, 52% | 1 to 45 or more |
| HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P | $1,411 | $875 | $536, 38% | 1 to 45 or more |
| HeartSine Samaritan PAD 450P | $1,761 | $875 | $886, 50% | 1 to 45 or more |
| Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 | $2,157 | $1,225 | $932, 43% | 1 to 45 or more |
| 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.
