New ‘911 Good Samaritan’ law protects overdose callers… or does it?
Ohio Governor John Kasich signed a new “good samaritan” law yesterday that protects 911 callers who are seeking help for someone who is overdosing on drugs.
Under the new law, callers would not be punished for minor drug offenses if they are seeking help in a life-threatening situation.
The law is taking effect in mid-September, and legislators are saying it’s a concrete way to help address Ohio’s growing opioid epidemic.
However, critics of the law say there are several provisions that will actually prevent addicts from seeking help in deadly situations.
Most pressing is a clause that says medical professionals would be allowed to share the name and address of the person who overdosed with law enforcement officials for further investigation and follow-up. In addition, immunity for callers would only be granted two times.
The person who overdosed would also have to be referred to treatment within 30 days in order to receive immunity.
Some lawmakers say it’s a start to treating the opioid epidemic, while others say 911 callers should have no reason to hesitate in a life-threatening situation.
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