Every state and the District of Columbia have so-called “Good Samaritan” laws. Although their provisions vary, all provide some degree of protection from civil liability to persons who voluntarily render aid in an emergency, even if the outcome is tragic. California’s version, found in the Health and Safety Code, generally protects persons who, without compensation, attempt to render emergency assistance, unless their actions are grossly negligent, willful or wanton. Instances of such conduct are rare, and few persons who act in good faith need to be concerned about them.
Protection From Criminal Responsibility
Why are we discussing “Good Samaritan” laws in a criminal law blog? The answer lies in both a February 2017 tragedy at a Pennsylvania university and the nation’s ongoing opioid crisis.
During a night of binge drinking at a Pennsylvania State University fraternity, freshman Timothy Piazza was so intoxicated that he fell on at least two occasions, suffering what turned out to be fatal head injuries. While nobody can say for sure that prompt medical attention could have saved Timothy’s life, there’s no question it wasn’t forthcoming. Only the fraternity members who saw him in distress but failed to call 911 until the next day know why they didn’t, but the fear of possible criminal liability for allowing underage drinking in the frat house may well have played a part.
According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control statistics, in 2015 more than 4,600 Californians died from drug overdoses. While the CDC does not track deaths attributable to specific drugs, a large percentage of the victims overdosed on a substance in the so-called “opioid” family. These are drugs that, while free of opium, produce the same effects and are equally addictive. Death from an opioid overdose can often be prevented, but only if assistance is rendered quickly.
Naturally, possession of opioids without a valid prescription is a violation of California’s criminal laws. While precise numbers are not available, anecdotal evidence indicates that an at least some overdose deaths occurred because either the victim or persons with him or he feared arrest if they called the authorities.
In an effort to save more overdose victims, in 2012 the California legislature joined a number of states that have passed so-called “911 Good Samaritan Laws”. California’s version states that no criminal charges related to possession or use of illegal drugs may be brought if the user or a third person in good faith seek medical attention in the event of an overdose. The statute provides no immunity against prosecution for sale, provision or forcible administration of drugs or for any other crimes (for example, an assault or burglary) committed by the overdose victim or his or her companions.
Do 911 Good Samaritan Laws Work?
The jury, as they say, is still out. Research into the effectiveness of 911 Good Samaritan laws remains limited. However, Washington State adopted a 911 law in 2010, and a preliminary study by the University of Washington found that while actual incidents of bystander arrest are uncommon, many addicts nevertheless fear prosecution if found at the scene of an overdose. As such, the researchers found that most drug users interviewed agreed the 911 law makes them more likely to summon help.
Kerry L. Armstrong
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