Pennsylvania has recently expanded its legislation regarding the deployment and maintenance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across both public and private sectors. With the passing of Act 17 and the introduction of Senate Bill 1328 in 2026, understanding these requirements is critical for ensuring compliance and, most importantly, saving lives during a sudden cardiac arrest emergency.

Act 17 of 2026 (Greg Moyer’s Law): School AED Requirements

Signed into law in May 2026, Act 17 mandates comprehensive AED coverage for all Pennsylvania schools. The law requires:

• An operational AED must be present in every school building.
• An operational AED must be present at all school-sponsored athletic events.
• At least one trained individual (certified in AED use and CPR) must be present in each school building during the school day and at all interscholastic athletic events.
• Schools must develop a cardiac emergency response plan and conduct annual drills.

Schools have until May 2029 to achieve full compliance. For a detailed breakdown of how to prepare your district, read our Complete Guide to Act 17 Compliance for PA Schools.

Senate Bill 1328: Utility and Electrical Worksite Requirements

Recognizing the extreme risk of sudden cardiac arrest among utility workers, Senate Bill 1328 (passed by the PA Senate in October 2026) mandates that every utility or electrical worksite in the state must have at least one operational AED on site. Learn more about selecting rugged devices for these environments in our SB 1328 Guide for PA Utility Worksites.

General Pennsylvania AED Deployment Rules

Whether you are outfitting a gym, a corporate office, or a church, any entity deploying an AED in Pennsylvania should adhere to these best practices and state guidelines:

• Physician Oversight: Entities purchasing an AED must obtain approval from a licensed physician.
• Maintenance: AEDs must be actively maintained, including tracking battery and pad expiration dates, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• EMS Notification: AED owners are strongly encouraged to notify their local 911 centers or EMS providers about the existence and location of their device.

Find the Right AED for Your PA Facility

Navigating compliance can be complex, but equipping your facility is simple. AEDLand provides factory-sealed, authentic OEM defibrillators from trusted brands like Philips, ZOLL, and Defibtech AED’s. Browse our complete catalog to find the right device for your specific needs.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. AEDLand makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the legislative summaries provided. Laws and regulations are subject to change. AEDLand is not liable for any actions taken in reliance upon this information. Facility managers and business owners should consult with qualified legal counsel or the Pennsylvania Department of Health to ensure full compliance with all state and local laws regarding AED deployment, maintenance, and training.