Kentucky lawmakers are revisiting a 24-year-old law concerning automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) with the aim of making these life-saving devices more accessible. The proposed House Bill 22, introduced by Rep. Phillip Pratt, R-Georgetown, seeks to amend part of the existing AED law that deals with the required medical oversight of an AED by a licensed physician.

The current law provides immunity protection for AED users, known as a Good Samaritan Law. However, the portion targeted by HB22 has been identified as a barrier for small businesses and the public in Kentucky to easily obtain the devices for the last 24 years.

The original AED law, proposed in 2000 by then-Rep. Jack Coleman, D-Harrodsburg, was primarily focused on AEDs as medical devices used in hospitals and ambulances. Due to the high regulatory burden under federal requirements for Class-3 medical devices, the law was put in place with physician oversight. However, the language regarding physician oversight is now considered antiquated, according to legislators and sports medicine experts.

In a separate 2023 bill, the Kentucky legislature mandated AEDs in schools, with funding becoming available. However, compliance with this law has posed financial challenges for schools. Scott County athletic director DT Wells testified that a quote for an AED included a $3,000 charge just for physician oversight, which could otherwise be invested in acquiring another AED. Several schools have reported compliance with the law by having their school nurse or athletic trainer, who reports to a physician, oversee maintenance.

The proposed changes in House Bill 22 could potentially alleviate the financial burden on schools and small businesses, making AEDs more accessible to the public. While the bill is still under consideration, it has garnered support from some AED companies, signaling a positive outlook for the potential impact of the proposed amendments.