Overdose Good Samaritan Laws
Laws that provide limited legal protection to people who call for help during an overdose.
SDG 16 Peace, Justice & Strong InstitutionsSDG 3 Good Health & Well-beingWhat is it?
Overdose Good Samaritan laws give limited immunity from certain drug-possession charges to people who seek emergency help during an overdose, and often to the person overdosing. In Washington, RCW 69.50.315 provides this protection to encourage calling 911.
Why does it matter?
Fear of arrest is a leading reason bystanders hesitate to call for help, and delay can be fatal. Removing part of that legal risk is intended to make the life-saving choice easier in the critical minutes of an overdose.
How does it work?
The laws typically shield people from prosecution for simple drug possession or paraphernalia when they call for or receive medical assistance in good faith, and many pair this with immunity for administering naloxone. Scope and exceptions vary by state.
Who benefits?
People experiencing or witnessing an overdose benefit from reduced legal jeopardy, and communities benefit from faster emergency response and more lives saved.
Who may be disadvantaged?
Protections are limited and do not cover charges like distribution or outstanding warrants, so awareness gaps and lingering distrust of police can still deter calls despite the law.
What evidence exists?
SAMHSA endorses Good Samaritan laws as part of overdose response, and studies associate them with greater willingness to call 911, though awareness of the protections among people who use drugs is often incomplete.
What tradeoffs exist?
Broad immunity encourages calls but raises enforcement concerns for some officials, while narrow immunity reassures law enforcement but may fail to overcome the fear the law was meant to address.
Common misconceptions
The laws do not grant blanket immunity for all crimes; they cover specific, limited offenses tied to seeking overdose help. Knowing the exact scope in your state matters.
What you can do next
Learn the specific protections in Washington’s RCW 69.50.315, and combine that knowledge with naloxone access so bystanders can act quickly and confidently.