87R3264 EAS-D By: Nelson S.B. No. 199 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to automated external defibrillators. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 779.003, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 779.003. ACQUISITION AND MAINTENANCE OF AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR. A person or entity that owns or leases an automated external defibrillator shall: (1) ensure a licensed physician is involved in the acquisition and installation of an automated external defibrillator at a designated location; (2) maintain and test the automated external defibrillator according to the manufacturer's guidelines; and (3) conduct a monthly inspection to verify the automated external defibrillator: (A) is placed at its designated location; (B) is ready for use after the most recent replacement of its batteries and pads; and (C) is not damaged in a manner that could prevent operation. SECTION 2. Section 779.006, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 779.006. LIABILITY EXEMPTION. (a) Any [The] prescribing physician who authorizes the acquisition of an automated external defibrillator in accordance with this chapter and any [, a] person or entity that provides [approved] training in the use of an automated external defibrillator [in accordance with this chapter, and the person or entity that acquires the automated external defibrillator and meets the requirements of this chapter] are not liable for civil damages for such prescription or [,] training [, or acquisition] unless the conduct is wilfully or wantonly negligent. (b) Any person or entity that acquires an automated external defibrillator and any person or entity that owns, occupies, manages, or is otherwise responsible for the designated location where the automated external defibrillator is placed are not liable for civil damages related to the use or attempted use of the automated external defibrillator unless: (1) the conduct is wilfully or wantonly negligent; or (2) the requirements established by this chapter are not satisfied [and negligently fails to comply with the requirements of this chapter is liable for civil damages caused by such negligence]. (c) The immunity described by this section applies regardless of whether the person who uses or attempts to use the automated external defibrillator received training on the use of an automated external defibrillator. SECTION 3. Section 21.0541, Education Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 21.0541. CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT FOR INSTRUCTION RELATED TO USE OF AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR. The board shall adopt rules allowing an educator to receive credit towards the educator's continuing education requirements for completion of an instructional course on the use of an automated external defibrillator that meets any [the] guidelines for automated external defibrillator training approved by the board [under Section 779.002, Health and Safety Code]. SECTION 4. The following provisions are repealed: (1) Section 22.902(b), Education Code; and (2) Section 779.002, Health and Safety Code. SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.