Blog

Maryland’s New AED Law for Restaurants and Grocery Stores: Essential Guide

In Maryland, around 7,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) each year. Swift bystander intervention through CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) deployment can drastically improve survival rates by more than 4x. Recognizing the critical importance of quick response, Maryland has enacted new legislation mandating AED availability in certain businesses, including restaurants and grocery stores. This guide explains the new requirements, provides actionable steps for compliance, and outlines how your facility can obtain and manage your AEDs cost-effectively.

Source: §21–330.3. of the Maryland General Assembly: Health-General Article

Why AEDs Are Crucial for Your Business

An AED is a life-saving device designed for immediate response to sudden cardiac arrests, (not heart attacks) delivering a shock to restore normal heart rhythms. While certain public spaces are now required to have AEDs, compliance is more than a legal mandate—it’s imperative to protect your patrons and staff. Restaurants and grocery stores experience high foot traffic, increasing the likelihood of medical emergencies on-site. Providing immediate assistance significantly increases survival rates.

Maryland’s Public Access AED Program

Maryland’s Public Access AED Program aims to improve survival outcomes for cardiac arrest victims by positioning AEDs in high-traffic businesses, making them accessible and properly maintained.

AED Registration Requirement

Maryland §13-517 mandates all AEDs (excluding healthcare settings and public safety officials) be registered with the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). Registration helps:

Enable 911 dispatchers to direct emergency callers to the nearest AED.
Facilitate important updates and notifications.
Track AED usage and effectiveness.
Extend civil liability immunity for AED use.

How to Register Your AED

Step 1: Register Your Facility

Visit Maryland’s AED Registry and select “New AED Facilities Registration.”
Enter your primary business location.
Designate an AED coordinator (restaurants and grocery stores are exempt from coordinator CPR/AED training requirements).
Await approval (usually within two business days).

Step 2: Register Individual AED Units

Log in to the Registry with your provided credentials.
Register each AED. If you’re ordering an AED from an organization like Master Medical Equipment, your Sales Rep will be able to provide all the necessary information including your AED’s Serial Number.
Add additional affiliated sites if applicable.
Download and retain registration certificates for compliance records.

New AED Requirements for Restaurants

Effective January 1, 2025, Maryland restaurants meeting specific criteria must maintain an AED accessible to both employees and customers, and designating an AED coordinator.

Criteria for Restaurants:

Annual gross income over $1,000,000 (excluding off-premises consumption sales).
Seating capacity exceeding 100 individuals.

AED Coordinator Responsibilities:

Administer the AED program.
Perform and log monthly safety inspections.
Ensure AED accessibility.
Maintain communication methods for alerting 911.
Report AED use to MIEMSS.

New AED Requirements for Grocery Stores

Also effective January 1, 2025, grocery stores meeting certain conditions must install accessible AEDs.

Criteria for Grocery Stores:

Presence of all major food departments (produce, meat, seafood, dairy, packaged goods), OR
At least one major food department with over 12,000 square feet of floor space.
Annual gross income over $10,000,000.

AED Coordinator Responsibilities:

Administer and manage the AED program.
Conduct monthly inspections ensuring AED functionality.
Ensure visibility and accessibility.
Facilitate communication for emergency alerts.
Report AED deployments and respond to MIEMSS information requests.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Regular inspection and maintenance are mandatory to ensure AED functionality:

Monthly battery checks. Many devices will perform a self-test functionality, meaning the operator only has to verify the device self-check returned no issues.
Confirm pad expiration dates.
Maintain detailed inspection logs.
Follow manufacturer specifications for annual service and regular maintenance.

Training and Employee Preparedness

Though not mandatory for coordinators in restaurants and grocery stores, CPR and AED training remains highly recommended. Adequate staff training increases confidence, efficiency, and the likelihood of successful interventions.

Training resources:

Liability and Legal Protection

Maryland’s AED legislation offers civil liability immunity when AEDs are used responsibly and registered appropriately. Compliance with registration and maintenance standards is essential to ensure protection under this law.

Choosing the Right AED for Your Business

When selecting an AED:

Prioritize ease of use, clear instructions, and durability.
Consider devices like the Defibtech Lifeline VIEW or Lifeline Automatic AED for user-friendly operation, reliability, and robust performance in busy commercial environments.
Evaluate options based on ease of maintenance, warranty coverage, and long-term cost-of-ownership.

Financial Considerations and Assistance

Purchasing AEDs represents an investment into the health, wellbeing, safety, and preparedness of your staff and guests. Learn more about our recertified options, or rental solutions. To speak to a representative familiar with your state, reach out to Nathan Schrupp, (nschrupp@mmemed.com), MME’s northeast representative. Nathan spent his career as a firefighter and a critical care paramedic, and now helps businesses place, use, and maintain life-saving medical equipment.

Next Steps: Becoming AED Compliant

Assess your business against the stated criteria.
Contact your MME representative to find the AED that fits your needs and budget
Complete facility and device registration with MIEMSS.
Schedule regular training and device maintenance checks.
Establish clear protocols for emergency responses.

Commitment to Community Safety

Maryland’s new AED law is more than compliance—it represents your business’s dedication to safeguarding your employees and customers. Immediate action in cardiac emergencies is vital, and installing AEDs is a proven method to save lives. Begin your compliance journey now, reinforcing your commitment to public safety and community care.

Ready to equip your facility with life-saving AEDs? Connect with Master Medical Equipment today for expert guidance, device selection, and comprehensive support. Together, we can ensure your establishment remains safe, compliant, and ready to respond effectively in life-critical situations.

For more information contact
Nathan Schrupp
Northeast Regional Sales Manager
nschrupp@mmemed.com