Arkansas Workplace Safety & AED Compliance

Your quick guide to AED, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness laws in Arkansas.

Arkansas has comprehensive AED statutes that mandate devices in schools, health clubs, and criminal detention facilities, and impose detailed program requirements—maintenance, training, EMS activation, placement reporting, and post‑use reporting—for anyone who acquires an AED. Strong Good Samaritan protections support bystander use, while general workplaces remain under federal OSHA for broader safety and emergency planning.

AED Required?

Industry-Specific

Emergency Plan?

Yes, for AED programs and certain facilities.

State OSHA Plan?

Federal OSHA (no separate state plan)

Good Samaritan?

Yes (with conditions)

Regulated Industries

Last Updated

April 2023

*This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws change regularly, and requirements may vary by industry or circumstance. Always consult official state statutes or a qualified attorney before making compliance decisions.This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws change regularly, and requirements may vary by industry or circumstance. Always consult official state statutes or a qualified attorney before making compliance decisions.

Schools:
- Standardize AED placement (near gyms, cafeterias, main corridors, athletic fields).
- Maintain a school‑wide cardiac emergency response plan with drills, CPR/AED training for staff, and student CPR programs for grades 9–12.
Health clubs / health spas:
- Implement formal AED program management—maintenance logs, staff CPR/AED certification, clear EMS activation procedures, and incident reporting workflows.
Detention facilities:
- Integrate AEDs into broader emergency and medical response plans, ensure staff are trained, and document post‑use reporting to the Bureau of EMS & Trauma Systems.
General workplaces:
- Even without mandates, adopt voluntary AED programs with CPR/AED training and written emergency action plans to align with Arkansas’s public‑access defibrillation intent and federal OSHA best practice.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas

Understanding Arkansas's specific safety mandates is the first step toward total workplace readiness. Here is a high-level summary of the critical requirements for employers in the state.

Arkansas requires AEDs in schools, health clubs, and criminal detention centers, and sets program rules for all AED owners: maintenance per manufacturer specs, user training, EMS activation, placement reporting, and post‑use reporting within five days.
Students in grades 9–12 must receive CPR instruction, and AEDs must be strategically placed on public university and community college campuses, with AEDs available at school‑sponsored sports events for grades 7–12.
Good Samaritan protections apply broadly to individuals assisting someone in sudden cardiac arrest, and immunity is not contingent on strict administrative compliance with program rules.

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Industry-Specific Requirements in Arkansas

Explore the specific safety and AED mandates tailored to Arkansas's diverse industries, ensuring local compliance and enhanced emergency preparedness.

Criminal Detention Facilties

Requirement: Arkansas Code of Regulations 006.26.14
AED: Mandatory (State Law)
Plan: Mandatory Written EAP
Training: Mandatory Staff CPR

Arkansas mandates AEDs and emergency medical response procedures in criminal detention facilities to ensure timely intervention for sudden cardiac arrest among inmates and staff.

Review Facility Laws

All Schools

Requirement: Public Mandatory
AED: Must be functional & on-site
Plan: AED & CPR Program
Training: Mandatory Staff CPR

Arkansas mandates AEDs and CPR/AED training across its public school system, including higher‑education campuses and school sports, creating a robust cardiac emergency preparedness framework.

View Education Mandates

Health Clubs/Spas

Requirement: Arkansas Code 20‑13‑1306
AED: Mandatory (State Law)
Plan: Posted EAP
Training: Key Personnel CPR

Arkansas health clubs must maintain AEDs and operate them under a structured program with trained staff, maintenance, EMS coordination, and reporting, supporting rapid response to cardiac events.

View Fitness Laws