law18184

Chapter 184

2018 -- H 8333 SUBSTITUTE A
Enacted 07/02/2018

A N A C T

RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE GOOD SAMARITAN OVERDOSE PREVENTION ACT OF 2016

Introduced By: Representatives Bennett, Canario, Vella-Wilkinson, Walsh, and

Date Introduced: June 20, 2018

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 21-28.9-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 21-28.9 entitled "The

Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act of 2016" is hereby amended to read as follows:

21-28.9-3. Authority to administer opioid antagonists -- Release from liability.

(a) A person may administer an opioid antagonist to another person if:

(1) They, in good faith, believe the other person is experiencing a drug overdose; and

(2) They act with reasonable care in administering the drug to the other person.

(b) A person who administers an opioid antagonist to another person pursuant to this

section shall not be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution as a result of the

administration of the drug.

include, but not limited to, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and fire

department personnel may provide and transfer an opioid antagonist to an individual or to their

his or her responsible family member, friend, of or other person, along with instructions on

administration and use of the opioid antagonist, to provide opioid overdose protection to the

individual, in the good-faith judgment of the law enforcement or emergency medical personnel,

who is at substantial risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose event. Law enforcement

and/or emergency medical personnel may exercise their good-faith judgment based on their

experience, training, knowledge, observations, and information provided by the individual at

substantial risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose event or from the individual's family,

friend, or others with knowledge of the individual's prior opioid use.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005937/SUB A/2

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