The Good Samaritan Law in CT
In Connecticut, there are Good Samaritan Laws that are designed to protect and encourage all individuals - professionals and persons within the general community - to help others during an emergency. These laws offer certain protections to individuals involved in emergency situations.
Situations where the Good Samaritan Law Applies:
There are different situations in which the Good Samaritan Law is important. Not all of the situations involve substance use.
- Providing emergency assistance
- Providing first aid
- Administering Epinephrine Cartridges (EpiPens)
- Prescribing or administering an opioid antagonist/naloxone (Narcan®)
- Seeking care for a drug overdose
- Rescuing a child or animal from a motor vehicle
Prescribing or Administering Opioid Antagonists - Naloxone
- In most situations, Connecticut law protects all individuals, if acting with reasonable care, to administer naloxone to someone if they believe, in good faith, that the person is experiencing an opioid-related overdose. The law typically gives civil and criminal immunity to such a person regarding the administration of the naloxone or opioid antagonist.
Source: CT Department of Public Health