Posted: | February 8, 2018 01:13 PM |
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From: | Senator Thomas J. McGarrigle |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Good Samaritan Immunity |
Two legislative sessions ago, this General Assembly enacted a Good Samaritan Immunity for those who overdose on heroin and other dangerous drugs. This immunity has saved many lives by encouraging people to seek medical help for those suffering overdoses. All of us have no doubt heard from constituents, law enforcement, and first responders, about instances where first responders are repeatedly called back to the same locations to treat the same overdose victims with the “rescue drug” naloxone over and over again. Clearly these victims need more help -- and if they are not motivated to seek the help they desperately need by the risk to their own lives, then our Good Samaritan Immunity law must provide the motivation for them. To that end, I intend to introduce legislation that adds, as a condition to Good Samaritan Immunity, that the overdose victim must be taken to and receive evaluation by a certified recovery specialist. By including this important step in the rescue process, it is my hope that more lives will be saved. I hope you will join me in sponsoring this legislation. |