AED Laws & Requirements in Montana
Reviewed against Montana law on
Montana AED requirements at a glance
| AED checks and maintenance |
Required Maintain, test, and operate to manufacturer guidelines and keep written maintenance records (MCA 50-6-502). |
|---|---|
| CPR and AED training |
Recommended No general training mandate. School coaches need CPR, first aid, and AED certification each season (HB 869). |
| Medical direction (physician oversight) |
Not required No physician oversight required. |
| EMS registration of the AED |
Required Give written notice of the AED's location to the local 911 center. |
| School cardiac emergency response plan |
Required Schools with athletics need a venue cardiac emergency response plan from 2026-27 (HB 869). |
Montana sets three conditions for any entity that uses or allows use of an AED (MCA 50-6-502), and a 2025 law (HB 869) added cardiac emergency response plans and coach certification for school sports.
Requirements for AED Use:
- Give written notice of the AED's location to the public safety answering point (the 911 center) for its jurisdiction
- Maintain, test, and operate the AED to the manufacturer's guidelines, and keep written records of all maintenance and testing
- Make sure EMS is called as soon as possible every time the AED is used on someone in cardiac arrest
AED365 program management handles location notices and keeps maintenance records, and our pad and battery guide lists replacement intervals by model.
Medical Oversight:
Montana does not require physician oversight for AED owners.
Training:
Montana's AED statute does not set a training requirement for general owners, but school coaches must now be certified (below). See our CPR and AED certification classes.
Good Samaritan Protection:
Montana protects people who use an AED in good faith, along with those involved in placing it or providing training, except for gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
Schools (HB 869, signed May 2025):
Coaches: Since July 1, 2025, coaches must hold current CPR, first aid, and AED certification before each season.
Cardiac emergency response plans: Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, schools with athletic programs need a plan for each venue, with a response team, AEDs that are easy to reach at events, CPR, first aid, and AED training for staff, annual drills, coordination with EMS, and a yearly review. The rules cover school sports, cheerleading, club sports, and practices.
AED reimbursement: The Office of Public Instruction matches district AED purchases dollar for dollar, up to $700 per AED, from a $240,000 fund for the 2025-2027 biennium. Browse AEDs for schools.
Where does your Montana AED program stand?
Run the free readiness review. A specialist will walk you through what Montana 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 Montana agency.