AED Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires at least one AED and a CPR- and AED-trained employee on duty each shift in every registered health club (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-50-12), AEDs and a trained person in public places that hold 300 or more people and in licensed healthcare facilities (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-6.5-2) and AEDs in public and private middle and high schools (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-33.1). Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, those schools must also have cardiac emergency response plans.
Rhode Island AED Law Overview
Rhode Island requires at least one AED and a CPR- and AED-trained employee on duty each shift in every registered health club (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-50-12), AEDs and a trained person in public places that hold 300 or more people and in licensed healthcare facilities (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-6.5-2) and AEDs in public and private middle and high schools (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-33.1). Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, those schools must also have cardiac emergency response plans.
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 Rhode Island 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
- Registered health clubs: at least one AED on the premises and at least one employee trained in CPR and AED use on duty each shift; unstaffed key-pass clubs are exempt from the staffing rule (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-50-12)
- Public places (enclosed areas that hold 300 or more people and are open to the public) and licensed healthcare facilities: AEDs in the numbers set by the director of health and at least one trained person (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-6.5-2, 23-6.5-4)
- Public and private middle and high schools: on-site AEDs under American Heart Association guidelines, and a person trained in CPR and AED use at school-sponsored activities and athletic contests (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-33.1)
- Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, middle and high schools: a cardiac emergency response plan; schools with athletic programs also need an athletic emergency action plan, an AED at each athletic venue during practices and events, and coaches trained in first aid, CPR and AED use (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-33.1, as amended in 2026)
Sources
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-50-12
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-6.5-2
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-6.5-4
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-33.1
- 2026 R.I. Pub. Laws ch. 36 (H 7027)
- 2026 R.I. Pub. Laws ch. 37 (S 2079)
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 Rhode Island?
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.
Rhode Island AED Compliance Checklist
Recommended AEDs for Rhode Island Compliance
Defibtech Lifeline
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View Details →Rhode Island AED FAQs
Is an AED required in Rhode Island?
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Where should I place an AED in my building?
Protect Your Rhode Island Business Today
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