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Bill

Bill

HB 5622

AN ACT REQUIRING NURSING HOMES TO HAVE AN AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR ON SITE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Craig Fishbein and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut nursing homes must install automated external defibrillators on-site to improve cardiac emergency response and survival rates for elderly residents.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
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Bill Summary · HB 5622

Legislative bill overview

HB 5622 mandates that all nursing homes in Connecticut must maintain at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on their premises. The bill establishes a straightforward safety requirement for long-term care facilities to have this life-saving medical device readily available for cardiac emergencies.

Why is this important

Nursing home residents represent a high-risk population for sudden cardiac events due to advanced age and existing health conditions. Quick access to an AED during cardiac arrest can significantly improve survival rates—studies show defibrillation within the first few minutes can increase survival chances by 50-70%. This requirement addresses a potential gap in emergency preparedness at facilities responsible for vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Facilities may argue about who bears the expense of purchasing, maintaining, and training staff on AED equipment, potentially passing costs to residents or state funding
  • Adequacy of single device: One AED may be insufficient for large facilities; the bill's sufficiency for buildings with multiple floors or wings could be questioned
  • Training and liability requirements: Unclear whether the bill requires staff training on AED use or creates liability protections/requirements for facilities when devices are used

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

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