Wisconsin Statutes, Section 50.36(5) Instructions and Proficiency in the Use of Automated External Defibrillators

PDF Version of DQA 09-016  (PDF, 38 KB)

Wisconsin Statutes, Section 50.36(5) Instructions and Proficiency in the Use of Automated External Defibrillators

As many of you may be aware, Governor Jim Doyle signed 2007 Wisconsin Act 104 into law on March 14, 2008, establishing requirements for certain individuals to complete instruction and have current proficiency in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). This new law created section 50.36(5) of the Wisconsin Statutes, effective September 1, 2008, establishing standards for the use of AEDs in hospitals.

The law requires that, before providing emergency services in a hospital, medical and nursing personnel shall have proficiency in the use of an AED achieved through instruction provided by an individual, organization or institution that is approved by the Department, under section 46.03(38) of the Wisconsin Statutes, to provide such instruction. Current proficiency in AED use applies at the time of initial application for, and renewal of, an occupational license or certificate.

The Emergency Medical Services Section/Department of Health Services/Division of Public Health has identified several Department-approved AED providers and courses. The list of approved providers/courses and additional resources are available on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website at the following link: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems/License_certification/CPR.htm

The Division of Quality Assurance is sending this information to all hospitals and requesting all hospital administrators to inform their staff of their responsibilities under the new law.

The complete text of sections 50.036(5) and 46.03(38) of the Wisconsin Statutes can be found at the following links: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0050.pdf and http://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0046.pdf

Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions about this information, please contact Marsha Musillami, Bureau of Health Services at (608) 266-0310 or at Marsha.Musillami@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

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