Liability

    Could an officer who is part of a law enforcement overdose reversal program be held liable for failing to provide opioid overdose rescue?

    Generally, no. In most states, a legal concept called the Public Duty Doctrine blocks such lawsuits. This means that officers have no legal duty to assist others, even when they are in a position to do so. These protections do not apply to any administrative discipline for violating standard operating procedures.

    Legal Interventions to Reduce Overdose Mortality

    Contributor: 
    The Network for Public Health Law
    Resource Type: 
    Resource Document

    Discusses the ways in which access to naloxone and other emergency treatment is often limited by laws and regulations that pre-date the overdose epidemic and provides an overview of Good Samaritan laws by state.

    Changing Law from Barrier to Facilitator of Opiod Overdose Prevention

    Contributor: 
    Bureau of Justice Assistance
    Resource Type: 
    Resource Document

    Summarizes how encouraging the prescription and use of nalox­one and the transformation of bystanders into Good Samaritans may reduce opioid overdose deaths.