STATES WITH MEDICAL AMNESTY
Click on the shaded state below to read each state’s specific bill.
Medical Amnesty legislation saves lives.
Each year, thousands of young people tragically lose their lives to alcohol poisoning and other alcohol related unintentional injuries. In situations where a minor is in need of emergency medical attention, studies show the worry is more about getting in to trouble and receiving a Minor in Possession/Consumption of alcohol (MIP) ticket, instead of the well being of that person. As a result, lives are put at risk.
Medical Amnesty legislation (911 Good Samaritan, 911 Lifeline) can eliminate these common fears by guaranteeing a limited immunity to the underage and intoxicated individuals who seek help for themselves or another individual who is in need of immediate medical attention.
Alcohol related unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death among young people in the United States (Hingson et al., 2009).
Excessive alcohol use causes about 4,000 deaths among people under 21 each year (CDC, 2024).
A Cornell University study concluded that while 19% of college students reported that help probably should have been called for a highly intoxicated individual they were with, only 4% actually made the call (Lewis and Marchell, 2006).
College students say they are more willing to call for help when their campus has a medical amnesty policy (WITH US, 2024).
Good Samaritan laws have effectively reduced opioid overdose deaths (McClellan et al., 2018).
A 2006 study conducted at Cornell University revealed that one such medical amnesty policy along with a significant media campaign dramatically increased the number of alcohol-related calls for assistance to emergency services, yet drinking levels stayed the same (Lewis and Marchell, 2006).
