District Of Columbia § 44-232 - Access by the public to defibrillation.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 44-232 — Access by the public to defibrillation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-232. Access by the public to defibrillation.
44-232A person who or entity that acquires an AED shall ensure that:
Expected AED users receive training from and be certified by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or an equivalent state or nationally recognized course, in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (“CPR”) and in the use of an AED, and that the users maintain their certification in CPR and AED use;
The defibrillator is maintained and tested according to the manufacturer’s operational guidelines, and written records of the maintenance and testing are maintained;
A physician licensed in the District of Columbia shall oversee all aspects of the defibrillation program, including training, coordination with the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (“Department”), protocol approval, AED deployment strategies, and equipment maintenance plan, and shall review each case in which the AED is used by the program; and
Any person who uses an AED to provide emergency care or treatment on a person in cardiac arrest shall activate the Department’s emergency medical service system as soon as possible, and shall report any clinical use of the AED to the licensed physician or medical authority. Data on AED use shall be submitted to the Department and reviewed by the Department.
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, upon meeting the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, the defibrillation program shall be registered with the Department and the Department shall issue to the defibrillation program a certificate of registration. There shall be a registration fee of $25. The certificate of registration shall expire after 4 years. To renew a certificate of registration, the person or entity shall be required to repeat the application process. If protocol is not followed, the Department may issue a citation, suspend certification, or revoke the certificate of registration.
The Mayor shall issue, and reissue every 6 months, a recreation facility certificate to a recreation facility that meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section and .
Any person or entity who acquires an AED shall notify an agent of the Fire Chief, the EMS Medical Director, and the emergency communications or vehicle dispatch center of the existence of the AED and the Department of the existence, location, and type of AED. If an AED is removed, the Department shall be notified.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 44-232
What does D.C. Code § 44-232 cover?
Section 44-232 ("Access by the public to defibrillation.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 44-232?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 44-232" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 44-232 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.