AED laws by state › Rhode Island
AED Laws in Rhode Island (2026)
Short answer: Rhode Island requires AEDs in schools: all public and private high schools and middle schools. Gyms and health clubs must have an AED. Like every state, it gives Good Samaritan immunity to people who use an AED in good faith. Verified 1 Oct 2026 against the state code and the SCA Foundation review.
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Rhode Island AED requirements at a glance
| Setting | Status in Rhode Island | What we found | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 schools | Required | All public and private high schools and middle schools | R.I. Gen. Laws 16-21-33.1 |
| Gyms and health clubs | Required | R.I. Gen. Laws 5-50-12 | see sources |
| Government buildings | No statewide mandate verified | No state-building mandate verified | none found |
| Private workplaces | No general mandate found | No general private workplace mandate found | none found |
| Good Samaritan immunity | Yes | Protects people who use an AED in good faith | SCA Foundation review of state laws |
AEDs in Rhode Island schools
Rhode Island requires AEDs in schools. All public and private high schools and middle schools. The law is R.I. Gen. Laws 16-21-33.1.
AEDs in Rhode Island gyms and health clubs
Rhode Island requires AEDs in health clubs: R.I. Gen. Laws 5-50-12.
Workplaces and government buildings in Rhode Island
We found no general Rhode Island law that requires private employers to have an AED, and no verified mandate for state buildings. Federal OSHA does not require AEDs either, though it encourages employers to consider them. Local fire codes and building codes can add requirements, so check with your local authority.
Good Samaritan protection in Rhode Island
Every state protects people who use an AED in good faith from civil liability (SCA Foundation review of state AED laws). Most of these laws expect the AED to be maintained and, in some states, registered with local EMS. A unit with expired pads or a dead battery can weaken the protection.
Rhode Island AED law: questions buyers ask
Are AEDs required in Rhode Island schools?
Rhode Island requires AEDs in schools: all public and private high schools and middle schools.
Do gyms in Rhode Island need an AED?
Yes, gyms and health clubs must have one.
Is there Good Samaritan protection for AED use in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island protects people who use an AED in good faith from civil liability.
Do Rhode Island employers have to provide an AED?
No general Rhode Island law requires private employers to have one. OSHA encourages AEDs but does not require them.
Sources
Last verified 1 Oct 2026. This page summarises the law for buyers and is not legal advice. Read the statute or ask counsel before you rely on it.