FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

-By Micah Bongberg Google+ | @annuvia

02/09/09

Washington State Department of Health Requires Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Dental Offices, Effective March 2, 2009

All dental offices that administer anesthetic agents for dental procedures are required to make available at least one AED unit and provide Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider training for all staff “providing direct patient care”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA. 02/09/09 – Effective March 2, 2009 all dental offices in the state of Washington using any form of anesthetic agent are required to have an Automate External Defibrillator (AED) onsite. Additionally, “the dentist and staff must be prepared to use this equipment in an emergency” and all “dental staff providing direct patient care…must hold current and valid health care provider basic life support (BLS) certification.” (WAC § 246-817-701) The provision allows for a grace period for all new staff to acquire such certification within 45 days from the date hired.

The affected statutes, WAC § 246-817-701 through WAC § 246-817-780, do not address various legal aspects of owning an AED in Washington State in addition to this mandate. Subsequently, those affected should be prepared to adhere to provisions established in Revised Code of Washington § 70.54.310, with specific emphasis on requirements contained in the following provisions:

(2) (a) Expected defibrillator users receive reasonable instruction in defibrillator and CPR by a course approved by the department of health

(b) The defibrillator is maintained and tested by the acquirer

(c) Upon acquiring a defibrillator, medical direction is enlisted by the acquirer from a licensed physician

(d) The person or entity who acquires a defibrillator shall notify the local EMS

“Washington State’s code specifies that ‘a person who uses a defibrillator at the scene of an emergency and all other persons and entities providing services…are immune from civil liability for any personal injury that results from any act or omission in the use of the defibrillator in an emergency setting’ so long as their actions or omissions are not grossly negligent or willful or constitute wanton misconduct, thus specifically including AED use in an emergency within the protections of Washington’s Good Samaritan Law” says Bob Taggart, an attorney and EMT for Annuvia, Inc. ( www.annuvia.com), a national safety training and consulting organization.

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Washington State Department of Health Requires…

In order to help Washington’s dentists meet the standards of this new requirement, Annuvia, a national organization and distributor of AED units for the leading AED manufacturers has built an affordable, turn-key strategy to help ensure full legal compliance. “We recognize that dentists, like many other small business owners, are being greatly affected by today’s economic environment. Moreover, the financial squeeze of a state-wide mandate requiring products and additional training services makes compliance with this ordinance particularly burdensome. With this in mind, Annuvia has built a turn-key solution for organizations to meet all legislative requirements while keeping an eye on the bottom line,” says Micah Bongberg, VP of Business Development for Annuvia. Annuvia’s package includes:

1. A high-quality Automated External Defibrillator with a five-year battery

2. Recommended AED accessories from Annuvia’s staff of Medical Professionals

3. One-year of Medical Direction and Oversight services including program management from a licensed physician

4. Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers CPR training for up to 8 individuals

“In addition to building a complete, turn-key package to streamline this important decision for our clients, Annuvia has the ability to offer our clients affordable financing packages, leasing options, and payment schedules. We want to do everything we can to help create healthier, safer, more prepared communities,” says Bongberg.

For additional information, or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Contact: Rebecca Spector
Company Name: Annuvia, Inc.
Telephone Number: (866) 364-7940
Fax Number: (866) 364-7940
Email Address: info@annuvia.com
Web site address: http://www.annuvia.com