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SB 5592

Requiring semiautomatic external defibrillator at fitness centers.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Cleveland and 7 co-sponsors

Requires fitness centers to have at least one semiautomatic AED, follow existing AED/CPR rules, train staff, notify EMS, and grant civil immunity for AED use.

Effective date 6/6/2024.
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Bill Summary · SB 5592

SB 5592 — Requiring semiautomatic external defibrillators at fitness centers

Status: Enacted (Chapter 186, 2024 Laws). Governor signed March 19, 2024. Effective date: June 6, 2024.

Purpose

The law requires fitness centers to have at least one semiautomatic external defibrillator (AED) on site and to follow existing statutory requirements for AED acquisition, maintenance, training, and notification. The intent is to improve survival after sudden cardiac arrest events that can occur in exercise and athletic settings.

Key provisions

  • Facility requirement: Owners of “fitness centers” must acquire and maintain at least one semiautomatic external defibrillator on the premises.
  • Compliance with existing AED law: Fitness centers must follow the requirements of RCW 70.54.310, which include:
    • Providing reasonable instruction in AED use and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to expected users via a Department of Health–approved course;
    • Maintaining and testing the AED per the manufacturer’s operational guidelines;
    • Enlisting medical direction from a licensed physician when acquiring an AED;
    • Notifying the local emergency medical services (EMS) organization of the AED’s existence and location;
    • Ensuring the AED user calls 911 promptly after use and provides appropriate follow-up data to EMS or health care providers upon request.
  • Emergency care by trained employees: Employees who complete the required instruction may render emergency care or treatment using the AED on site.
  • Civil liability protection: A person who uses an AED in an emergency is immune from civil liability under RCW 70.54.310, except where acts/omissions rise to gross negligence or willful/wanton misconduct.

Definitions and exemptions

  • “Fitness center” is defined broadly as premises offering membership access for recreation, instruction, training, physical exercise, bodybuilding, weight loss, figure development, martial arts, or similar activities.
  • The statute excludes from the definition: public common schools, approved private schools, public and private institutions of higher education, facilities operated out of a home that do not offer memberships, and (as enacted) facilities operated by bona fide nonprofit organizations whose fitness functions are only incidental to overall functions (per the final enacted language).

Implementation, costs, and grants

  • The bill as enrolled does not include a new state appropriation. Earlier committee versions proposed a Commerce Department grant program to help centers acquire AEDs and training; that grant requirement was removed prior to final passage.
  • Fiscal note available (no appropriation in the final measure).

Who is affected

  • Primary: owners/operators of membership-based fitness centers in the state.
  • Secondary: fitness center employees (training obligations), patrons (improved emergency readiness), local EMS (notification and follow-up), and physicians providing medical direction.

Legislative history (highlights)

  • Introduced in the Senate (2023 session); passed both chambers (House concurrence in amendments Mar 4, 2024); Governor signed Mar 19, 2024; effective June 6, 2024.

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

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