The state of Washington has a new “Good Samaritan” law, as reported in the Daily Evergreen. The article is at
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/31963
Just thought I'd post this news as an FYI for students, chapter advisors, alumni/ae, parents, etc. in the state of Washington. Naturally, since I'm not a lawyer, much less one admitted to the Washingon bar, I can't attempt to interpret the law.
Excerpt from article:
The Daily Evergreen
Published: 06/16/2010
A new Washington law went into effect last week that aims to save lives in situations involving drug overdoses.
The “911 Good Samaritan” law, which took effect on June 10, provides immunity from criminal drug charges to people who seek medical attention in the case of an overdose.
The law encourages people to call for help when it is needed by removing the fear of police involvement or criminal sanctions. Immunity is granted to both the overdose victim and the person calling for help.
According to a press release issued by the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, nearly 800 people died from a drug overdose in 2008 in Washington — more than two per day on average.
Lawmakers hope the new law will reduce the number of drug overdoses, which is the leading cause of accidental death in Washington. . . .
The bill, SB 5516, was sponsored by Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-South Tacoma, and passed during the 2010 legislative session.
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