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Lawmakers hear bipartisan support for requiring AEDs at nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Summary
Representative Tony Scott and witnesses told the committee that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) should be required at nursing homes and assisted living facilities; supporters said cost is minimal relative to lives saved and cited nearby states with similar requirements.
Representative Tony Scott testified in favor of a bill requiring nursing homes and assisted living facilities to maintain an on‑site automated external defibrillator (AED) and have staff trained to use it. He said the bill responds to constituent concerns about facilities lacking AEDs and cited neighboring states with similar laws.
Witnesses from the provider community said they broadly support life‑saving measures but asked for clarifying statutory language about which entity (the managed residential community vs. assisted‑living service agency) is responsible for supplying and maintaining an AED and which staff must be trained. LeadingAge Connecticut offered technical amendments to clarify definitions for assisted living and to address housing models (affordable/independent senior housing) where staffing models differ.
Nurse‑advocates and a speaker with long‑term care experience described AEDs as a straightforward public‑safety measure and urged passage. Committee members asked staff to work with stakeholders on drafting clarifications about who is responsible for training and equipment maintenance and whether congregate and affordable housing models should be treated differently.
No vote was taken; the committee will pursue technical language changes with stakeholders.
