Good Samaritan Laws and Naloxone: Your Legal Protections by State

When someone is experiencing an overdose, every second counts. Yet many people hesitate to call 911 because they’re afraid they could be arrested or face other legal consequences. Good Samaritan laws and naloxone laws were created to reduce those fears by encouraging people to seek emergency medical help and administer lifesaving treatment without unnecessary legal risk.

While these protections are available in most states, they vary widely and are not unlimited.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how Good Samaritan and naloxone access laws work, what they typically protect and what they do not, and how to find the laws that apply where you live. We’ll also look at a state-by-state overview of naloxone Good Samaritan law protections. You’ll also find answers here to common questions about calling 911, carrying naloxone, and responding to an overdose.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you need legal guidance for your specific situation, you should consult a qualified attorney and verify your state’s current laws through official state sources.

Can You Get in Trouble for Calling 911 During an Overdose?

If you’re worried that calling 911 during an overdose could get you or someone else in legal trouble, you’re not alone. Fear of arrest or prosecution is one of the most common reasons people delay or avoid seeking emergency medical help.

Fortunately, most states have overdose Good Samaritan laws that provide legal protection for people who call 911 in good faith during a suspected overdose. These protections typically apply to both the person seeking help and the person experiencing the overdose, although exactly what is covered varies.

These protections can vary from state to state, may change over time, and may not apply to every circumstance. That’s why it’s important to understand your state’s laws and rely on official information from your state about local Good Samaritan laws.

Despite these state-to-state differences, the message from public health experts across the nation is clear: If you think someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately. The legal risks associated with seeking emergency help are far smaller than the risks of not calling, which can include permanent brain damage and death.

Good Samaritan Laws vs. Naloxone Access Laws

Good Samaritan overdose laws and naloxone access laws are closely related but serve different purposes. Together, they help remove legal barriers that might discourage someone from responding to an overdose. This could mean calling 911, administering naloxone, or both.

Understanding the difference between these laws can help you better understand your rights and responsibilities during an overdose emergency.

Good Samaritan laws are designed to encourage people to seek emergency medical help by offering protection from certain drug-related criminal charges. In most states, these laws provide some level of immunity from arrest, prosecution, or both, for low-level offenses (such as drug possession or possession of drug paraphernalia) when someone calls 911 in good faith during a suspected overdose.

Naloxone access laws focus on the medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. These laws make it easier for healthcare providers to prescribe naloxone, allow pharmacists to dispense it without an individual prescription, and protect people who possess or administer naloxone in good faith. Depending on the state, these protections may include immunity from civil liability, criminal liability, professional disciplinary action, or a combination of these protections.

Since these laws address different aspects of overdose response, most states have both.

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What Good Samaritan Laws Protect You From

While the exact protections vary from state to state, most Good Samaritan overdose laws provide some level of immunity from arrest, criminal charges, or prosecution for certain drug-related offenses when someone seeks emergency medical assistance in good faith.

In many states, these protections apply to both the person who calls 911 and the person experiencing the overdose. The most common protections involve simple possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia, including syringes, and, in some states, fentanyl test strips and other drug-checking supplies.

Since the laws differ from one state to another, the specific offenses covered depend on where the overdose occurs.

Some states have broader Good Samaritan laws than others. In addition to protecting against drug possession charges, certain states also provide immunity for probation or parole violations related to the covered offenses, underage alcohol possession or consumption, or violations of certain restraining orders.

To qualify for protection under Good Samaritan laws, a person generally must seek emergency medical assistance in good faith. Many states also require the caller to remain at the scene until first responders arrive and cooperate with emergency personnel. Leaving before help arrives or attempting to conceal evidence may affect whether legal protections apply under state law.

Although no law can eliminate every legal risk, Good Samaritan laws are designed to encourage people to prioritize saving a life. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately, administer naloxone if it’s available, and follow the instructions of emergency responders.

What Good Samaritan Laws Do Not Protect You From

Although Good Samaritan laws can reduce the fear of calling 911 during an overdose, they do not provide blanket immunity protections. These laws generally apply only to specific drug-related offenses and situations defined by each state. They do not guarantee protection from every legal consequence that could arise at the scene of an overdose.

Common exclusions from Good Samaritan protections include:

• Outstanding warrants. Most Good Samaritan overdose laws do not prevent law enforcement from acting on existing warrants. This is one of the most common concerns among people who hesitate to call for help, particularly those who have had previous involvement with the criminal justice system.
• Drug manufacturing, distribution, or trafficking charges. Protections typically apply to low-level possession offenses but not to charges involving producing, selling, or distributing controlled substances.
• Controlled-substances homicide charges. Some states may still pursue charges related to providing drugs that contributed to another person’s fatal overdose.
• Other crimes discovered at the scene. Good Samaritan protections usually do not apply to unrelated offenses, such as weapons charges, driving under the influence, or other criminal activity identified by law enforcement.

Probation and parole protections also vary significantly by state. Some states specifically protect people from certain supervision violations related to seeking emergency help, while many do not. Additionally, federal and out-of-state warrants are generally not covered by state Good Samaritan laws.¹

Note: This information is intended for general education and is not legal advice. Since protections can differ so widely, it is important to confirm the laws that apply where the overdose occurs.

Even with these limitations, the most important takeaway remains the same: Call 911 if you think someone may be experiencing an overdose. In many situations, the worst legal outcome someone might face is being served an existing warrant — but the person overdosing lives.

The alternative of delaying emergency care could mean losing a life. Good Samaritan laws exist because getting help quickly changes lives.

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Good Samaritan Laws by State

Nearly every state and the District of Columbia have enacted some form of overdose Good Samaritan law, naloxone access law, or both. However, details such as who is protected, which offenses are covered, and what conditions must be met vary significantly.

The table below provides a general overview of naloxone access and the naloxone Good Samaritan law by state. It’s intended to serve as a starting point, not a substitute for reviewing official state resources or seeking legal guidance. Note that laws can change, and a protection that applies in one state may not apply in another.¹

*See official state law for specific eligibility requirements and limitations.

† Historically identified by the U.S. Government Accountability Office as lacking an overdose Good Samaritan law while having a naloxone access law.

Table current as of July 2026. State laws change regularly. Before relying on any legal protection, confirm your state’s current Good Samaritan and naloxone access laws through the Network for Public Health Law’s 50-state survey and official state resources.

According to a 2021 review from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), 47 states and the District of Columbia had both overdose Good Samaritan laws and naloxone access laws at that time. Kansas, Texas, and Wyoming had naloxone access laws but did not have overdose Good Samaritan laws in the GAO review.¹ Since states continue to update their overdose response policies, readers should confirm current protections through the most recent state law resources.

Some states have taken different approaches to defining the scope of their protections. For example, some states limit how often a person can receive immunity or require additional steps after seeking emergency help.

Wyoming provides immunity in certain overdose situations but limits protections to specific circumstances, including a treatment-related condition for some repeat protections. Texas and Ohio also include limits on repeated use of protections, with additional requirements that may apply.

Other states have expanded protections over time. Maine changed its approach in 2022 by making immunity the default in certain overdose-related situations, reflecting a broader effort to remove barriers to emergency calls.

Since these laws are living policies, always check your state’s current rules before relying on a specific protection. The most important action during a suspected overdose remains the same in every state: Call 911, administer naloxone if available, and follow instructions from emergency responders.

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Is There a Federal Good Samaritan Law?

There is currently no federal Good Samaritan law for Narcan that provides nationwide legal protection for people who call 911 during a suspected overdose. Instead, overdose Good Samaritan protections are created and enforced at the state level, which is why the laws vary so much across the country. Whether you are protected depends on the law in the state where the overdose occurs.

Federal lawmakers have proposed legislation to establish a nationwide Good Samaritan standard for overdoses. For example, the bipartisan SEEK HELP Act has been introduced to encourage states to strengthen Good Samaritan protections and improve public awareness of existing laws. However, as of this writing, it has not been enacted into federal law.

Until a federal Good Samaritan law is passed, your legal protections will continue to depend on your state’s laws. Since legislation can change over time, verify the current rules through official state resources or the Network for Public Health Law’s 50-state survey.

What If You’re on Probation or Parole?

If you’re on probation or parole, you may worry that calling 911 during an overdose could result in a supervision violation (even if Good Samaritan laws protect you from certain drug-related charges). This concern is understandable, and it is one reason some people hesitate to seek emergency help.

The fact is, some states explicitly protect people from probation or parole violations that arise from conduct covered by their Good Samaritan laws, but others do not. In states that don’t offer these protections, a person could still face consequences for violating the terms of their supervision even if they are immune from certain possession charges.

Since these laws vary from one state to the next, there is no single answer that applies nationwide.¹ If you’re on probation or parole, review your state’s current Good Samaritan law for Narcan, and, if possible, make sure you understand the conditions of your supervision.

Even with this uncertainty, the most important priority during a suspected overdose is saving a life. Many states provide protections for people who seek emergency medical assistance in good faith, and delaying or avoiding a 911 call can have fatal consequences.

If you believe someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately, administer naloxone if it is available, and follow the instructions of emergency responders.

This article provides general educational information and should not be considered legal advice or a substitute for guidance from a qualified attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Help for Substance Use Disorder

Good Samaritan and naloxone access laws are designed to remove legal barriers to saving a life during an overdose, but they are not a substitute for treatment. If you or someone you love has experienced an overdose or needed naloxone, it may be a sign that professional help is needed.

Recovery is possible, and treatment is available for people at every stage of substance use disorder. Whether you’re looking for detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient care, medication-assisted treatment, or ongoing recovery support, finding the right level of care can make a meaningful difference.

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol use, we can help you explore treatment options and connect with programs that fit your needs. Reaching out today could be the first step toward a safer, healthier future.

References:

1. United States Government Accountability Office. Drug Misuse: Most States Have Good Samaritan Laws and Research Indicates They May Have Positive Effects. GAO-21-248. Published March 29, 2021. Accessed July 7, 2026. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-248