ASAM Releases Public Policy Statement on Strengthening Good Samaritan Laws to Prevent Fatal Overdose

Nearly all states have Good Samaritan laws (GSLs) to encourage people to call emergency services during an overdose by granting limited criminal liability protections from low-level drug offenses. GSLs widely vary across states, however. States' implementation of GSLs are associated with lower rates of overdose deaths when the laws include protections against arrest, and are implemented with naloxone access laws. ASAM recently released a public policy statement that highlights ways policymakers can implement strong GSLs, which could save thousands of lives, by ensuring they:

• Protect those who lack criminal intent to cause death or serious bodily injury and who (i) in good faith, call 911 for an individual experiencing a suspected overdose, (ii) render aid at the location of the suspected overdose, or (iii) experience a suspected overdose,
• Protect against arrest and prosecution for a broad range of drug-related crimes, including drug possession for personal use, drug possession with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, underage alcohol consumption, and crimes related to drug-induced homicide or drug delivery resulting in death (DIH/DDRD), as well as violations of protective orders, probation, or parole.
• Are accompanied by adequate resources to increase their understanding among overdose witnesses, first responders, and law enforcement officers.

Read the statement here.