South Dakota AED requirements at a glance
Here is what South Dakota law asks of an AED program, row by row, with the statute behind each answer.
| Requirement | Required? | What the law says |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect and maintain AEDs | Limited | No general rule for AED owners. |
| Train expected users | No | No training rule for AED owners or users. Schools must teach students hands-only CPR and AED awareness using an AHA, Red Cross or similar program (SDCL §§ 13-3-91, 13-3-94). |
| Notify agencies of AEDs | No | Not in state law. |
| Register the program | No | Not in state law. |
| Report AED locations | No | Not in state law. |
| Physician medical direction | No | Not in state law. |
| Report each AED use | No | Not in state law. |
| Written plan or records | Limited | No general rule for AED owners. |
| Call 911 when an AED is used | No | Not in state law. |
| School cardiac emergency plan | No | Not in state law. |
| Other requirements | No | Not in state law. |
| AEDs required at specific sites | Yes | Some dental offices. See the list below. |
Compare nearby states: North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, or see every state on the AED laws by state table.
Is medical direction required in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota law doesn’t require a physician to oversee an AED program.
Some programs choose a medical director anyway, for example to write the response protocol or review each use. If you want one, AED Log’s Medical Direction add-on is $65 per AED per year.
Training requirements
No. South Dakota law doesn’t require AED training for AED owners in general.
No training rule for AED owners or users. Schools must teach students hands-only CPR and AED awareness using an AHA, Red Cross or similar program (SDCL §§ 13-3-91, 13-3-94).
Training still matters: an AED talks the rescuer through each step, but people who have practiced start CPR sooner and hesitate less. Keep each responder’s card current, since most CPR and AED cards last two years. See how long CPR and AED certification lasts.
Inspection and maintenance
Only in certain settings. South Dakota sets maintenance rules for some AED owners, not all.
No general rule for AED owners.
A dentist who gives or works under moderate sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia must keep an AED or full defibrillator at hand and document that emergency equipment is inspected and maintained on a regular schedule, per the maker's specifications (ARSD 20:43:09:13, 20:43:09:13.01).
Written plan and records: No general rule for AED owners. Dental offices doing moderate sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia: the permit holder must keep documentation showing that emergency drugs and equipment, which include the AED or defibrillator, are inspected and maintained (ARSD 20:43:09:13, 20:43:09:13.01).
Either way, the manufacturer’s instructions are the standard to follow: check the status indicator, the pads’ and battery’s expiration dates and the cabinet on a regular schedule, replace anything used or expired, and keep a dated record of each check. Our AED inspection requirements guide covers the routine, and the free AED inspection checklist is a printable version.
EMS notification, registration and placement reporting
No. South Dakota law doesn’t require AED owners to register their AEDs or report where they are.
Telling your local EMS agency about your AEDs is still worth doing: some 911 centers can direct a caller to the nearest one. AED Log’s document library keeps registrations, letters and notices with the AEDs they cover.
Notification after an AED is used
No. South Dakota law doesn’t require a report after an AED is used.
After any use, replace the pads, check the AED and its rescue kit, and write down what happened while it’s fresh. AED Log’s incident reports record whether a shock was advised, how many were delivered, whether CPR was given and when EMS arrived.
AEDs required at specific locations in South Dakota
Yes. South Dakota law requires AEDs at two kinds of sites.
- Dental offices that give moderate sedation (an AED or full defibrillator within reach) ARSD 20:43:09:13
- Dental offices that give deep sedation or general anesthesia (an AED or full defibrillator within reach) ARSD 20:43:09:13.01
Does South Dakota's Good Samaritan law protect AED users?
Yes. Under South Dakota law, anyone using an AED in good faith is protected, and so is the AED’s owner, with only the usual exceptions.
What the South Dakota (SD) Good Samaritan law covers: Peace officers, firefighters, rescue squad members, volunteers and any other person who gives emergency care in good faith can’t be held liable for civil damages. The protection does not cover willful, wanton or reckless acts. A separate section covers licensed doctors and nurses at the scene.
AED-specific protection: Anyone who in good faith obtains, uses, tries to use or decides against using an AED during an emergency is shielded from civil claims, unless grossly negligent or willful or wanton. Because the law covers whoever obtains the AED, owners are covered on the same terms, with no program duties attached.
Statutes and sources
Every answer on this page comes from these laws, read on South Dakota’s official legislature or code website.
- SDCL §§ 20-9-4.3, 20-9-4.4, 20-9-4.6, 20-9-4.8, 20-9-4.9: AED civil immunity (definitions, users, trainers, exceptions, over-the-counter AEDs)
- SDCL § 20-9-4.1 (with § 20-9-3 for licensed practitioners): Immunity from liability for emergency care
- SDCL §§ 13-3-91 to 13-3-94: CPR and AED instruction in school curriculum
- ARSD 20:43:09:13: Equipment -- Moderate sedation (dental offices)
- ARSD 20:43:09:13.01: Equipment -- General anesthesia and deep sedation (dental offices)
Last reviewed against each statute on the state’s official website. This is a plain-language summary for general information, not legal advice. Laws change, so read the statute or ask a lawyer before you rely on it.
Managing a compliant AED program in South Dakota
AED Log keeps the records South Dakota law asks for, and reminds you before anything lapses.
- Monthly AED inspections on a phone, with a dated record of every check (inspection tracking)
- Pad and battery expiration dates, with a warning before each one (expiration tracking)
- Registrations, EMS notices and your written plan, filed with the AEDs they cover (document management)
Plans start at $114 a year for one AED, with unlimited users and locations. Start a free trial (no credit card) or talk to us.
South Dakota AED laws FAQ
Are businesses required to have an AED in South Dakota?
Only certain kinds. South Dakota law requires AEDs at some dental offices. Other businesses aren’t required to have one by South Dakota law, and federal OSHA has no AED standard.
Where does South Dakota law require an AED?
South Dakota law requires AEDs in some dental offices. See the full list, with each statute, on this page.
Do you need medical direction for an AED in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota law doesn’t require a physician to oversee an AED program. You can still choose one: AED Log’s Medical Direction add-on is $65 per AED per year.
Is AED training required in South Dakota?
Not for AED owners in general. Schools must teach students hands-only CPR and AED awareness using an AHA, Red Cross or similar program (SDCL §§ 13-3-91, 13-3-94).
Does South Dakota law require AED inspections?
Only for some AED owners. A dentist who gives or works under moderate sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia must keep an AED or full defibrillator at hand and document that emergency equipment is inspected and maintained on a regular schedule, per the maker's specifications.
Do you have to register an AED in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota law doesn’t require AED owners to register an AED or report where it is. Telling your local EMS agency is still worth doing: some 911 centers can direct a caller to the nearest AED.
What does South Dakota law require after an AED is used?
South Dakota law doesn’t require a report after an AED is used. Call 911 anyway, then replace the pads, check the AED and its rescue kit, and write down what happened while it’s fresh.
Are AEDs required in South Dakota schools?
No. South Dakota law doesn’t require AEDs in schools or at school sports.
Do gyms in South Dakota need an AED?
No. South Dakota law doesn’t require health clubs or gyms to have an AED.
Do dental offices in South Dakota need an AED?
South Dakota law requires AEDs at dental offices that give moderate sedation (an AED or full defibrillator within reach) and dental offices that give deep sedation or general anesthesia (an AED or full defibrillator within reach).
What does the South Dakota Good Samaritan law cover?
Peace officers, firefighters, rescue squad members, volunteers and any other person who gives emergency care in good faith can’t be held liable for civil damages. The protection does not cover willful, wanton or reckless acts. A separate section covers licensed doctors and nurses at the scene.
Does the South Dakota Good Samaritan law protect someone who uses an AED?
Yes. Anyone who in good faith obtains, uses or chooses not to use an AED is immune unless grossly negligent or willful or wanton, with no training or program conditions (SDCL §§ 20-9-4.4, 20-9-4.8, 20-9-4.9).
Which South Dakota laws cover AEDs?
South Dakota’s AED rules come from SDCL §§ 20-9-4.3, 20-9-4.4, 20-9-4.6, 20-9-4.8, 20-9-4.9; SDCL § 20-9-4.1 (with § 20-9-3 for licensed practitioners); SDCL §§ 13-3-91 to 13-3-94; ARSD 20:43:09:13; and ARSD 20:43:09:13.01, each linked to its official text on this page.