Maryland Workplace Safety & AED Compliance

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

Maryland requires AEDs in public schools and health clubs, and any AED owner must follow state registration, maintenance, and training rules. While general workplaces aren’t mandated, strong Good Samaritan protections and MIEMSS oversight make voluntary AED programs common and well‑supported across the state.

AED Required?

Yes, Industry Specific

Emergency Plan?

Yes, for schools

State OSHA Plan?

Federal OSHA (no separate state plan)

Good Samaritan?

Yes — Md. Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 5‑603.

Regulated Industries

Last Updated

2025

*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.

Recommendations

Schools:
- Place AEDs near gyms, cafeterias, main corridors, and athletic fields.
- Maintain a written Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) with staff CPR/AED training and documented maintenance.
Dental Offices:
- Maintain AEDs per manufacturer guidelines; ensure staff CPR/AED certification; post emergency procedures near the device.
General Workplaces:
- Adopt voluntary AED programs to reduce cardiac risk and align with OSHA best practices.
All AED Owners:
- Register AEDs with MIEMSS (required).
- Maintain AEDs and document inspections.
- Train anticipated responders in CPR/AED.

Key Takeaways for Maryland

Understanding Maryland'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.

Maryland requires AEDs in all public schools and mandates AED access during athletic events.
Maryland requires AEDs in dental offices, with staff training and maintenance obligations.
AED programs must follow state registration, maintenance, and training rules under the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS).
Good Samaritan protections cover AED users, owners, property owners, and trainers.

Industry-Specific Requirements in Maryland

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

Dental Facilities

Requirement: Maryland Code of Regulations - 10.44.12.01, .02, .11.
AED: Mandatory
Plan: Yes, Basic emergency plan
Training: All Staff

Dental facilities are required to have a defibrillator or an AED.

View Dental Rules

Schools (K-12 and Higher Education)

Requirement: Maryland Education Code § 7‑425
AED: Mandatory
Plan: Mandatory
Training: Key Personnel

Maryland mandates AEDs in all public schools and requires training, maintenance, and emergency planning.

View Code

Swimming Pools

Requirement: Maryland Code of Regulations - 10.17.02
AED: Mandatory
Plan: Mandatory
Training: Key Personnel

All swimming pools operated by the counties or municipalities must have a registered AED on the premises and an individual trained in AED use present at each swimming pool.

View Code