AED Requirements in Maryland
Maryland requires larger restaurants and grocery stores to have an AED (Health-General § 21-330.3, since January 1, 2025) and requires each county board of education to run an AED program for every public high school and middle school (Education § 7-425).
Maryland AED Law Overview
Maryland requires larger restaurants and grocery stores to have an AED (Health-General § 21-330.3, since January 1, 2025) and requires each county board of education to run an AED program for every public high school and middle school (Education § 7-425).
Every year, over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by 7-10%. Having an AED on-site and trained staff ready to use it can mean the difference between life and death.
Whether Maryland mandates AED placement for your organization or not, the investment in an AED program protects your employees, customers, and community — and can significantly reduce liability exposure.
Specific Requirements
- Restaurants and grocery stores above the law's income, seating and size thresholds: an AED in a prominent area that employees and customers can reach (Health-General § 21-330.3)
- Since October 1, 2026, those restaurants and grocery stores also register with the state Public Access AED Program, maintain each AED to manufacturer and FDA standards and report each use to MIEMSS (Education § 13-517)
- Public high schools and middle schools: each county board of education develops and carries out an AED program (Education § 7-425)
Sources
- 2023 Laws of Maryland, Chapter 304 (House Bill 288): created Health-General § 21-330.3
- 2026 Laws of Maryland, Chapter 92 (Senate Bill 24): amended Education § 13-517 and Health-General § 21-330.3(c)
- Maryland Education § 7-425
- MIEMSS Public Access AED Program
These summaries were last checked against the official sources above in October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Other state or local rules may also apply; check the current law or ask an attorney about your organization.
Who Needs an AED in Maryland?
Offices & Workplaces
Corporate offices, coworking spaces, and business parks
The American Heart Association reports that 10,000 cardiac arrests occur in the workplace each year. Having an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%.
Schools & Universities
K-12 schools, colleges, and educational institutions
Student athletes and staff are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Many states now mandate AEDs in schools.
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Health clubs, yoga studios, CrossFit boxes, and recreation centers
Intense physical activity can trigger cardiac events. Most states require AEDs in fitness facilities.
Churches & Places of Worship
Churches, synagogues, mosques, and community halls
Large gatherings of all ages, often with elderly congregants, make AEDs essential for community safety.
Restaurants & Hotels
Restaurants, hotels, resorts, and hospitality venues
High foot traffic and diverse demographics make AEDs critical for guest safety and liability protection.
Construction & Industrial Sites
Construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing plants
Physical labor, heat stress, and remote locations make rapid cardiac response critical.
Sports Facilities
Stadiums, arenas, sports complexes, and athletic fields
Athletes of all ages face cardiac risks during high-intensity activity.
Medical & Dental Offices
Doctor offices, dental practices, outpatient clinics
Even in medical settings, an AED provides immediate response before advanced care arrives.
Maryland AED Compliance Checklist
Recommended AEDs for Maryland Compliance
Defibtech Lifeline
Budget-friendly reliability. Clear audio/visual prompts and rugged design for any environment.
View Details →Maryland AED FAQs
Is an AED required in Maryland?
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Where should I place an AED in my building?
Protect Your Maryland Business Today
Every second counts during a cardiac emergency. Equip your facility with an FDA-approved AED, then register it with us to keep it rescue-ready.
Free AED program management for every AED you register. We track your pads and battery expiration dates automatically.