AED Laws & Requirements in Illinois
Reviewed against Illinois law on
Illinois AED requirements at a glance
| AED checks and maintenance |
Required Maintain and test to manufacturer guidelines (410 ILCS 4/20). |
|---|---|
| CPR and AED training |
Required Expected users must complete a nationally recognized CPR and AED course. |
| Medical direction (physician oversight) |
Not required No physician oversight required by the AED Act. |
| EMS registration of the AED |
Required Notify the local emergency communications or dispatch center of AED existence, location, and type. |
| School cardiac emergency response plan |
Required Schools need cardiac emergency response plans with yearly drills from July 1, 2027 (P.A. 104-0759). |
Official sources:ilga.gov, my.ilga.gov
Illinois sets owner duties through the Automated External Defibrillator Act (410 ILCS 4), requires AEDs in a long list of settings, and has a new school cardiac emergency response plan law taking effect July 1, 2027.
Medical Oversight:
The AED Act does not require physician oversight. Physicians who authorize an AED purchase are covered by the state's immunity law.
Training:
Owners must make sure anyone expected to use the AED completes a CPR and AED course that meets American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other nationally recognized standards (410 ILCS 4/20). Our CPR and AED certification classes qualify.
EMS Notification:
Owners must notify the local emergency communications or vehicle dispatch center of the AED's existence, location, and type. AED365 program management keeps location records current.
Maintenance:
AEDs must be maintained and tested to the manufacturer's guidelines. Our pad and battery guide lists replacement intervals by model.
Use Protocol:
Anyone who uses an AED on a cardiac arrest patient outside a hospital must activate EMS as soon as possible and report the clinical use.
Good Samaritan Protection:
Illinois protects AED users, physicians who authorize a purchase, trainers, and whoever owns, occupies, or manages the premises, except for willful or wanton misconduct.
Required Placements:
Physical fitness facilities: Indoor and outdoor fitness facilities must have at least one working AED and a trained user present during staffed hours.
Police and sheriff's offices, dental offices that use sedation, and licensed horse racing facilities must also keep AEDs on site. Nursing homes must have and maintain AEDs by January 1, 2030.
Schools:
CPR and AED instruction has been part of the secondary school curriculum since 2014-2015.
Cardiac emergency response plans (Public Act 104-0759, effective July 1, 2027): Every school district and private school must adopt a plan covering cardiac emergencies on school grounds, a list of every AED on site with a maintenance schedule, AEDs clearly marked and easy to reach at athletic venues and events, and sudden cardiac arrest education for teachers, administrators, and coaches. CPR and AED training must be renewed every two years, and districts must hold a cardiac response drill every year. Head coaches and activity sponsors must complete CPR, first aid, and AED training. Browse AEDs for schools.
Where does your Illinois AED program stand?
Run the free readiness review. A specialist will walk you through what Illinois asks of your organization.
AED.US does not provide legal advice. AED laws change and vary by facility type. Confirm your requirements with your counsel or the appropriate Illinois agency.