March 4, 2002—BOMA International reports that Congress has moved forward on several initiatives concerning Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Each of these initiatives provides monetary incentives to broaden implementation of Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) programs at the state and local levels.
Community AED Act of 2001 (S.1275/H.R. 3462) would authorize over $55 million annually for grants to communities for public access defibrillation programs and public access defibrillation demonstration projects in areas where cardiac arrests are likely to occur. The bills are designed to encourage private companies in the community to purchase automated external defibrillators and train employees in CPR and emergency defibrillation; provide for a national clearinghouse to provide information to promote public awareness; and promote public access to defibrillation in schools.
The Senate approved the legislation on February 6. On December 12, 2001, Energy and Commerce Committee members Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) introduced the House version of the bill, which has over 25 co-sponsors.
In December 2001, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration urged employers to consider making AEDs available in the workplace. This action was in response to a “prompt letter” sent to OSHA from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) last September, requesting that OSHA “consider making AEDs a priority.” As a result, OSHA issued a technical information bulletin on the use of AEDs, encouraging employers to take advantage of the lifesaving technology.
Last year, the Rural Access to Emergency Care Act (H.R. 3450) was signed into law authorizing the federal government to expand access to AEDs in rural areas. Grants would be made available to community partnerships consisting of local emergency responders, police, fire departments, hospitals and other community organizations to purchase AEDs and train potential responders in their use. This year, both Houses of Congress approved $12.5 million to fund this program.
