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H 2424

An Act requiring automatic external defibrillator devices in health clubs

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Donato and 2 co-sponsors

MA bill H 2424 requires health clubs to have an AED on site, trained staff, written emergency plans, accessible placement, and liability protections to save lives.

Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2424

Summary: H 2424 — An Act requiring automatic external defibrillator devices in health clubs

Overview

  • Bill Number: H 2424
  • Title: An Act requiring automatic external defibrillator devices in health clubs
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Current Status: Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing; hearing previously scheduled; related to House Petition HD 2070 (2023-2024).
  • Sponsors: Representatives Sean Garballey (Arlington) and Vanna Howard (Lowell), joined by Paul J. Donato.
  • Geographic/Legal Scope: Applies to “health clubs” as defined in the bill, expanding Massachusetts public health and safety requirements in fitness facilities.

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to improve emergency medical response capabilities at health clubs by mandating the presence and proper deployment of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), along with formal emergency response policies. It also provides liability protections to encourage prompt, on-site assistance during cardiac emergencies.

Key Provisions

AED Requirements (Section 78A)

  • Each health club must have on the premises at least one AED (as defined by §12V½ of Chapter 112).
  • During staffed business hours, the club must have at least one employee or authorized volunteer available as an AED provider (as defined by §12V½ of Chapter 112).

Emergency Response Policies (Section 78B)

  • Health clubs must maintain written emergency response policies and procedures.
  • Plans must be reviewed regularly, rehearsed, and publicly available to all members.

AED Location and Access (Section 78C)

  • AEDs must be securely placed, easily accessible, clearly marked and publicized, and known to trained staff.
  • AEDs should be located near a communications line (phone, radio, etc.) to contact backup, security, EMS, or 911.

Liability Protections (Section 86)

  • Absent a showing of gross negligence or willful/wanton misconduct, no cause of action may arise against a health club or its employees related to the use or non-use of an AED.

Good Samaritan/EMS Provisions (Section 12V)

  • People whose duties do not include emergency medical care are protected from liability for emergency aid (including CPR or defibrillation) rendered in good faith without compensation, except for gross negligence or willful/wanton misconduct.
  • This updates existing Good Samaritan protections in Chapter 112.

Transitional Exemptions (Section 5)

  • New requirements do not apply to health clubs with 5 or fewer full-time equivalent employees for two years after the act’s effective date.
  • For clubs with more than 5 FTE, exemptions apply for one year after the act’s effective date.
  • “Full-time equivalent” equals 40 hours per week.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Health clubs as defined by MA General Laws, and their staff or volunteers who may act as AED providers.
  • Secondary: Health club members and patrons who benefit from improved emergency readiness; emergency responders via clearer on-site procedures.

Implementation and Timeline

  • Initial hearing scheduled (as of filing): April 2, 2025.
  • Committee actions progressed: reported favorably and referred to Health Care Financing (as of July 3, 2025).
  • Effective date not specified in the text; transitional exemptions provide a phased implementation based on club size.

Notes

  • The bill explicitly references updates to MA General Laws (Chapter 93 and Chapter 112) to align AED requirements, provider definitions, and liability protections with the new mandates.
  • Provisions emphasize transparency (public availability of the emergency plan) and preparedness (placement and accessibility of AEDs).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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