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Bill

HB 1522

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities; licensure, automated external defibrillators.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Helmer and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia bill requires nursing homes and assisted living facilities to maintain automated external defibrillators with staff training for emergency cardiac response.

Signed by Speaker
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1522

Legislative bill overview

HB 1522 establishes requirements for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Virginia, likely mandating their presence, maintenance, and staff training. The bill appears to address cardiac emergency response capabilities in residential care settings where vulnerable populations reside.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death, and immediate AED access significantly improves survival rates. Nursing home and assisted living residents are disproportionately at risk due to age and health conditions, making accessible defibrillators a potential lifesaving measure in facilities where professional medical response may take time to arrive.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Facilities would bear expenses for purchasing, maintaining, and regularly replacing AED equipment and batteries, potentially raising operational costs passed to residents or increasing licensing requirements
  • Staffing requirements: Mandating staff training on AED use requires time and ongoing certification, creating administrative burdens on already-stretched facility personnel
  • Liability clarification: The bill may need clear language protecting facilities from liability when AEDs are used in good faith, which could be contentious if liability exposure remains undefined

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

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