Madden Bill to Require Assisted Living Facilities to Have Defibrillators is Now Law

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden which requires assisted living facilities to have both a defibrillator and a staff member trained in its use on site has been signed into law.

            “Through the signing of this legislation, we are providing increased protection for nursing home residents around the State,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester.  “More often than not, assisted living facilities are home to older residents and those with serious health issues.  This measure codifies existing Department of Health and Senior Service regulations and brings these facilities in closer in line with nursing homes and other health-related institutions, by ensuring that employees have the training necessary to use a defibrillator to help save a life in an emergency situation.”

            Senator Madden’s measure, S-2146, gives assisted living facilities one year from the bill’s enactment to acquire at least one defibrillator and to have employees trained to use the machine.

            The measure requires the defibrillator to be maintained in a central location within the facility.  Assisted living facilities will be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and defibrillator use for facility employees.

            Defibrillation is a process in which an electronic device is used to provide an electric shock to the heart, in hopes of reestablishing a normal heart beat and activity after an arrhythmia or a heart attack.

            This measure was approved by the full Senate on February 23. #