AED laws by state › Virginia
AED Laws in Virginia (2026)
Short answer: Virginia requires schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan that places AEDs: CERP/athletic EAP must place AEDs in the school building and at each athletic venue. The SCA Foundation lists it among states that require AEDs in health clubs. 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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Virginia AED requirements at a glance
| Setting | Status in Virginia | What we found | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 schools | Required through a cardiac emergency response plan | CERP/athletic EAP must place AEDs in the school building and at each athletic venue | Va. Code 22.1-271.9 |
| Gyms and health clubs | Required (per the SCA Foundation 2022 state review) | Listed in the SCA Foundation 2022 review of state laws; statute text not checked by us | 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 Virginia schools
Virginia reaches schools through a required cardiac emergency response plan (CERP). CERP/athletic EAP must place AEDs in the school building and at each athletic venue. The law is Va. Code 22.1-271.9. A CERP that places AEDs means the school has to buy them.
AEDs in Virginia gyms and health clubs
Virginia is on the SCA Foundation’s 2022 list of states that require AEDs in health clubs. We have not opened the statute text ourselves yet, so read the club rule in your state code before you rely on it.
Workplaces and government buildings in Virginia
We found no general Virginia 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 Virginia
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.
Virginia AED law: questions buyers ask
Are AEDs required in Virginia schools?
Virginia requires schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan that places AEDs: CERP/athletic EAP must place AEDs in the school building and at each athletic venue.
Do gyms in Virginia need an AED?
The SCA Foundation lists Virginia among states that require AEDs in health clubs. Check the club rule in the state code before you rely on it.
Is there Good Samaritan protection for AED use in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia protects people who use an AED in good faith from civil liability.
Do Virginia employers have to provide an AED?
No general Virginia 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.