All 50 US states and the District of Columbia have Good Samaritan laws, but protections vary significantly. Some cover only trained medical responders, others protect all bystanders. California (HSC 1799.102), New York (Article 30), Texas (§ 6701d), and Florida (§ 768.13) are among the broadest. Only Minnesota, Vermont, and Rhode Island impose a duty to help.
Good Samaritan laws differ state-by-state in who they protect, what actions they cover, and when immunity applies. Broad states like California and New York protect anyone acting in good faith. Restrictive states like Kentucky limit coverage to specific licensed professionals. Forty-eight states plus D.C. have additional overdose Good Samaritan laws — only Kansas and Wyoming lack them. Minnesota, Vermont, and Rhode Island go further by imposing a legal duty to render reasonable assistance during emergencies.
Every state in America has a Good Samaritan law — but that’s where the similarity ends. Some protect only doctors. Others protect any bystander. A few states actually require you to help. This guide breaks down the Good Samaritan law in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., with verified statute citations, who’s covered, what actions qualify, and overdose protection status. Whether you’re a healthcare professional crossing state lines, a concerned traveler, or just want to know your rights as a helper, you’ll find the specific law that applies to you. For the legal foundation behind these laws, see our companion guide: What Law Protects Against Civil Lawsuits When Helping a Victim in Medical Need.
How Good Samaritan Laws Vary Across States
Before diving into individual states, understand the key dimensions where states differ.
The Four Variables That Matter Most
- Who is protected — laypeople, trained responders, medical professionals, or all three
- What actions are covered — all emergency aid, only CPR, only AED use, etc.
- Gross negligence exception — nearly universal but defined differently
- Compensation rules — most states void protection if payment is expected
Broad vs. Narrow Coverage
- Broad states (CA, NY, TX, VA, PA): Protect anyone acting in good faith
- Moderate states (FL, IL, OH, NJ): Protect most situations but with limitations
- Narrow states (KY, OK, AL): Limit to licensed professionals or specific emergencies
Overdose Good Samaritan Laws
A separate category of laws specifically protects people calling 911 during drug overdoses from drug possession charges. 48 states plus D.C. have these — only Kansas and Wyoming lack them.
Good Samaritan Laws: All 50 States at a Glance
| State | Primary Statute | Overdose Law | Duty to Rescue? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | § 6-5-332 | Yes | No |
| Alaska | § 09.65.090 | Yes | No |
| Arizona | A.R.S. § 9-500.02 | No | No |
| Arkansas | A.C.A. § 17-95-101 | Yes | No |
| California | HSC 1799.102 | Yes | No |
| Colorado | § 13-21-108 | Yes | No |
| Connecticut | § 52-557b | Yes | No |
| Delaware | Title 16 § 6801 | Yes | No |
| Florida | § 768.13 | Yes | No |
| Georgia | § 31-11-8 | Yes (partial) | No |
| Hawaii | § 663-1.5 | Yes | No |
| Idaho | I.C. § 5-330 | No | No |
| Illinois | 210 ILCS 50/3.150 | Yes | No |
| Indiana | IC 16-31-6-1 | Yes | No |
| Iowa | ICA § 613.17 | No | No |
| Kansas | K.S.A. § 65-2891 | No | No |
| Kentucky | KRS § 411.148 | Yes | No |
| Louisiana | R.S. 9:2793 | Yes | Yes (partial) |
| Maine | 14 M.R.S. § 164 | No | No |
| Maryland | Courts & Jud. Proc. § 5-603 | Yes | No |
| Massachusetts | Ch. 112 § 12V | Yes | No |
| Michigan | § 691.1501 | Yes | No |
| Minnesota | § 604A.01 | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi | § 73-25-37 | Yes | No |
| Missouri | § 537.037 | No | No |
| Montana | § 27-1-714 | Yes | No |
| Nebraska | § 25-21,186 | Yes | No |
| Nevada | NRS 41.500 | Yes | No |
| New Hampshire | RSA 508:12 | Yes | No |
| New Jersey | § 2A:62A-1 | Yes | No |
| New Mexico | § 24-10-3 | Yes (first in US, 2007) | No |
| New York | Article 30 | Yes | No |
| North Carolina | § 90-21.14 | Yes | No |
| North Dakota | § 32-03.1-02 | Yes | No |
| Ohio | § 2305.23 | Yes | No |
| Oklahoma | Title 76 § 5 | No | No |
| Oregon | ORS 30.800 | Yes | No |
| Pennsylvania | 42 Pa.C.S. § 8331 | Yes | No |
| Rhode Island | § 9-1-4.1 | Yes | Yes |
| South Carolina | § 15-1-310 | No | No |
| South Dakota | § 20-9-4.1 | Yes | No |
| Tennessee | § 63-6-218 | Yes | No |
| Texas | Civ. Prac. & Rem. § 74.151 | No | No |
| Utah | § 78B-4-501 | Yes | No |
| Vermont | 12 V.S.A. § 519 | Yes | Yes |
| Virginia | § 8.01-225 | Yes | No |
| Washington | § 4.24.300 | Yes | No |
| West Virginia | § 55-7-15 | Yes | No |
| Wisconsin | § 895.48 | Yes | No |
| Wyoming | § 1-1-120 | No | No |
| Washington D.C. | D.C. Code § 7-401 | Yes | No |
Statutes and citations verified against 2026 state legal databases. Laws are amended regularly — always verify current language directly with your state legislature.
State-by-State Breakdown: Notable Details
The full table covers every state. Below are the details that matter most — broad protections, unusual rules, and commonly-searched states.
Alabama (§ 6-5-332)
- Primarily protects trained rescuers and public education employees
- Any person is protected when responding to cardiac arrest (AED use)
- Gross negligence not protected
- Among the more restrictive state laws for general bystanders
Alaska (§ 09.65.090)
- Protects anyone rendering emergency care without compensation
- Ordinary negligence fully covered
- Good faith requirement
- Covers both on-scene and en-route care
Arizona (A.R.S. § 9-500.02)
- Broad protection for emergency responders and laypeople
- Covers CPR, AED, and standard emergency aid
- No overdose Good Samaritan law as of 2026
- Good faith and non-compensation required
California (Health & Safety Code 1799.102)
- Covers both medical and non-medical emergency care (amended 2009 after Van Horn v. Watson)
- “No person who, in good faith, and not for compensation, renders emergency medical or nonmedical care at the scene of an emergency shall be liable for any civil damages”
- Excludes hospitals and usual-care locations
- Strong overdose protection
- One of the broadest state laws
Colorado (§ 13-21-108)
- Broad protection for any person rendering emergency assistance
- Covers paramedics acting outside official duties
- Strong overdose Good Samaritan law
Connecticut (§ 52-557b)
- Protects trained first aid responders and certified individuals
- Covers CPR, first aid, and AED use
- Gross negligence excluded
Delaware (Title 16 § 6801)
- Broad layperson protection
- Covers voluntary emergency services
- Overdose immunity included
Florida (§ 768.13)
- Covers both laypeople and healthcare providers
- Actions must be within reasonable care standards
- Gross negligence not protected
- Strong overdose protections added in 2019
Georgia (§ 31-11-8)
- Protects bystanders rendering emergency care
- Covers specific drugs and paraphernalia under 2022 amnesty law
- Good faith requirement
Hawaii (§ 663-1.5)
- “Any person who in good faith renders emergency care, without renumeration or expectation of renumeration, at the scene of an accident or emergency to the victim of the accident or emergency shall not be liable for any civil damages”
- Protects at the scene of accident/emergency
- Excludes gross negligence and wanton acts
Idaho (I.C. § 5-330)
- Broad protection for voluntary emergency care
- No overdose Good Samaritan law
- Covers CPR and first aid
Illinois (210 ILCS 50/3.150)
- Good Samaritan protection for emergency medical services
- Strong opioid overdose immunity (added 2010)
- Covers paramedics and volunteer responders
Indiana (IC 16-31-6-1)
- Broad Good Samaritan protection
- 2023 law expanded overdose immunity to include immigration/protective services protection
- Covers voluntary emergency care
Iowa (ICA § 613.17)
- Protects voluntary emergency aid providers
- No overdose Good Samaritan law
- Gross negligence excluded
Kansas (K.S.A. § 65-2891)
- Protects rendering emergency care in good faith
- No civilian drug intervention Good Samaritan laws
- One of only two states without overdose protection
Kentucky (KRS § 411.148)
- Most restrictive in scope — protects only physicians licensed in Kentucky
- Out-of-state physicians generally not covered
- Ordinary citizens have limited specific protections
Louisiana (R.S. 9:2793)
- Good Samaritan immunity for emergency care
- Has a duty to assist — anyone at the scene of an emergency who knows another person has suffered serious bodily injury must give reasonable assistance
- “Reasonable assistance” includes seeking or reporting the need for medical help
Maine (14 M.R.S. § 164)
- Covers emergency care at the scene of an accident
- No overdose Good Samaritan law
- Good faith requirement
Maryland (Courts & Jud. Proc. § 5-603)
- Protects laypeople and trained responders
- Overdose immunity included
- Good faith requirement
Massachusetts (Chapter 112 § 12V)
- Broad Good Samaritan protection
- Strong overdose Good Samaritan law
- Listed among states encouraging bystander aid
Michigan (§ 691.1501)
- Protects voluntary emergency aid
- Covers off-duty medical professionals
- Overdose immunity included
Minnesota (§ 604A.01)
- Duty to assist law — a person at the scene of an emergency who knows another person is exposed to or has suffered grave physical harm shall, to the extent they can do so without danger, give reasonable assistance
- Violation is a petty misdemeanor
- Good Samaritan immunity applies to voluntary helpers
Mississippi (§ 73-25-37)
- Protects medical professionals and laypeople
- Overdose immunity included
- Good faith requirement
Missouri (§ 537.037)
- Covers emergency care
- No overdose Good Samaritan law
- Gross negligence excluded
Montana (§ 27-1-714)
- Broad protection for voluntary aid
- Overdose immunity included
- Good faith requirement
Nebraska (§ 25-21,186)
- Covers emergency care at the scene
- Good faith requirement
- Overdose immunity included
Nevada (NRS 41.500)
- Broad Good Samaritan protection
- Covers non-medical emergency assistance
- Overdose immunity included
New Hampshire (RSA 508:12)
- Covers emergency services without charge
- Overdose Good Samaritan Law (RSA 318-B:28-b) — allows witnesses or victims of a drug overdose to request medical assistance without arrest
New Jersey (§ 2A:62A-1)
- Protects anyone rendering emergency care
- Good faith requirement
- Overdose immunity included
New Mexico (§ 24-10-3)
- Good Samaritan protection for emergency aid
- Passed the first Good Samaritan overdose law in the US (2007)
- Strong overdose immunity
New York (Public Health Law Article 30)
- Protects aid for both medical and non-medical emergencies
- Certain professionals have limited duty to assist
- Strong overdose immunity (amended to include multiple substances)
North Carolina (§ 90-21.14)
- Covers emergency care at the scene
- Protects volunteer emergency responders
- Overdose immunity included
North Dakota (§ 32-03.1-02)
- Broad protection for voluntary aid
- Good faith requirement
- Overdose immunity included
Ohio (§ 2305.23 and § 4765.49)
- Covers emergency care
- Multiple statutes for different situations
- Overdose immunity included
Oklahoma (Title 76 § 5)
- Limited to specific situations — covers CPR and bleeding control primarily
- No overdose Good Samaritan law
- Multiple case law interpretations
Oregon (ORS 30.800)
- Broad Good Samaritan protection
- Covers voluntary emergency care
- Strong overdose immunity
Pennsylvania (42 Pa.C.S. § 8331)
- Anyone who attempts to help in an emergency is covered
- Broad layperson protection
- Overdose immunity included
Rhode Island (§ 9-1-4.1)
- Good Samaritan immunity for emergency care
- Has a limited duty to rescue — bystanders must render reasonable assistance
- Overdose immunity included
South Carolina (§ 15-1-310)
- Covers emergency care at the scene
- No overdose Good Samaritan law
- Good faith requirement
South Dakota (§ 20-9-4.1)
- Covers voluntary emergency aid
- Good faith requirement
- Overdose immunity included
Tennessee (§ 63-6-218)
- Protects medical professionals rendering emergency care
- AED use covered under separate legislation
- Overdose immunity included
Texas (Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 74.151)
- Broad immunity for lay rescuers
- Specifically covers AED use in emergencies
- No overdose Good Samaritan law as of 2026
- One of the broader state laws for general protection
Utah (§ 78B-4-501)
- Broad Good Samaritan protection
- Covers voluntary emergency care
- Overdose immunity included
Vermont (12 V.S.A. § 519)
- Unique duty to rescue for all residents
- Bystanders must assist or report emergencies if feasible
- Good Samaritan immunity applies to those who help
- Violation is a fine of not more than $100
Virginia (§ 8.01-225)
- Covers anyone who attempts to help in an emergency
- Broad layperson protection
- Strong overdose immunity
Washington (§ 4.24.300)
- Covers emergency care at the scene
- Strong overdose Good Samaritan law
- Washington’s 2010 overdose law was a national model
West Virginia (§ 55-7-15)
- Covers voluntary emergency aid
- Good faith requirement
- Overdose immunity included
Wisconsin (§ 895.48)
- Broad Good Samaritan protection
- Covers voluntary emergency care
- Overdose immunity included
Wyoming (§ 1-1-120)
- Covers emergency care
- No overdose Good Samaritan law
- Good faith requirement
Washington D.C. (D.C. Code § 7-401)
- Broad Good Samaritan protection
- Overdose immunity included
- Covers laypeople and professionals
Duty to Rescue States: The Four Exceptions
Most states have no legal duty to help. These states go further.
Minnesota (§ 604A.01)
- Anyone at an emergency must give reasonable assistance if they can do so safely
- Violation: petty misdemeanor, up to $300 fine
- Good Samaritan immunity applies to those who help
Vermont (12 V.S.A. § 519)
- Broadest duty-to-rescue law in the US
- Must assist or report emergency if feasible
- Maximum fine: $100
- Good Samaritan immunity applies
Rhode Island (§ 9-1-4.1)
- Limited duty to render reasonable assistance
- Lighter enforcement than MN or VT
Louisiana (R.S. 14:518)
- Duty to provide reasonable assistance for serious bodily injury
- Includes immediately seeking or reporting medical help
- Enforcement occurs but is rare
What “Reasonable Assistance” Means
Across all duty-to-rescue states, “reasonable assistance” typically includes:
- Calling 911
- Flagging down help
- Providing basic aid if safe to do so
You are not required to:
- Enter burning buildings
- Attempt swift-water rescues
- Disarm attackers
- Perform medical procedures beyond your training
Overdose Good Samaritan Laws: The 48-State Standard
Drug overdose Good Samaritan laws protect people who call 911 during an overdose from drug possession charges.
States Without Overdose Good Samaritan Laws
As of 2026, only these states lack overdose protections:
- Kansas
- Wyoming
Additional states have narrower or partial overdose laws, including:
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Maine
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
First State to Enact One
New Mexico passed the first Good Samaritan fatal overdose prevention law in 2007. By 2021, 48 states and D.C. had followed.
Common Features
- Protection from drug possession charges when calling 911
- Often extended to the overdose victim
- Requires cooperation with emergency personnel
- Does not protect against warrants or unrelated crimes
Federal Good Samaritan Protections
Beyond state law, a few federal laws apply nationwide.
| Federal Law | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998 | Medical aid during US commercial flights |
| Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2000 | AED use in public places nationwide |
| Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 | Nonprofit and government volunteer activities |
These federal protections apply regardless of which state you’re in.
Key Differences Between Broad and Narrow States
Broad Protection States
Examples: California, New York, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania
- Anyone acting in good faith is protected
- Coverage extends to medical and non-medical aid
- AED use and CPR explicitly protected
- Off-duty professionals included
Narrow Protection States
Examples: Kentucky, Oklahoma, Alabama (for general aid)
- Protection limited to specific professionals or situations
- May only cover cardiac arrest, CPR, or specific procedures
- Out-of-state professionals may not qualify
- Laypeople may have limited coverage
Medium Protection States
Examples: Florida, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey
- Broader than narrow states but with explicit limits
- Gross negligence exclusions strictly enforced
- Specific professional categories prioritized
How to Check Your State’s Current Law
Laws change. Always verify current status through:
- Your state legislature’s website (search state name + “revised statutes”)
- Your state bar association — often publishes consumer guides
- Your state attorney general’s office — consumer protection resources
- Legal aid organizations — often have plain-language explanations
- An attorney consultation — for specific situation questions
Pro tip: Save a screenshot of your state’s current law if you volunteer in medical capacities. Laws are amended regularly and knowing the exact language protects you.
Common Pitfalls Across All States
These issues can void Good Samaritan protection in nearly every state.
Accepting Compensation
Most states void protection if you expect or demand payment. Small gifts after the fact are usually fine — demanding money upfront is not.
Acting While Impaired
All states exclude Good Samaritan protection if you’re intoxicated by drugs or alcohol when providing aid.
Gross Negligence
No state protects against reckless disregard for safety. Attempting procedures far beyond your training can cross this line.
Causing the Original Emergency
If you caused the accident or emergency in the first place, Good Samaritan laws typically don’t apply to your subsequent rescue efforts.
Continuing After Handover
Once professional emergency responders arrive and take over, your protection generally ends. Don’t interfere with their work.
FAQs
1. Do all 50 states have Good Samaritan laws?
Yes. All 50 US states plus the District of Columbia have Good Samaritan laws, though specifics vary significantly. The first was passed in California in 1959, and every state has since adopted some version. Coverage ranges from broad protection for anyone helping in good faith to narrow protection limited to specific professionals or situations.
2. Which states have the broadest Good Samaritan laws?
California (HSC 1799.102), New York (Article 30), Texas (§ 74.151), Virginia (§ 8.01-225), and Pennsylvania (42 Pa.C.S. § 8331) are among the broadest. They protect anyone acting in good faith during an emergency, covering both medical and non-medical aid. Most include explicit AED and CPR protections regardless of rescuer training.
3. Which state has the most restrictive Good Samaritan law?
Kentucky (KRS § 411.148) is widely considered the most restrictive — it primarily covers only physicians licensed in Kentucky. Alabama (§ 6-5-332) and Oklahoma (Title 76 § 5) are also narrow, protecting specific professionals or limiting coverage to cardiac arrest (AED use) or CPR and bleeding control situations.
4. Am I legally required to help in any US state?
Yes, in four states: Minnesota, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Louisiana impose a duty to render reasonable assistance in emergencies. “Reasonable assistance” usually means calling 911 — not putting yourself at risk. Fines for failing to help range from $100 (Vermont) to $300 (Minnesota). The other 46 states have no affirmative duty.
5. Which states don’t have overdose Good Samaritan laws?
As of 2026, Kansas and Wyoming have no overdose Good Samaritan laws. Several other states (Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas) have partial or narrower versions. New Mexico passed the first overdose Good Samaritan law in 2007, and 48 states plus D.C. now have some version of this protection.
6. Does my state’s Good Samaritan law cover me if I’m traveling?
Generally yes — the law of the state where the emergency occurs applies, not your home state. If you’re traveling in a state with broader protection, you benefit from that coverage. If you’re in a narrower state, you may have less protection than at home. Check the state’s law before volunteering in medical capacities.
7. Does Good Samaritan protection cover mental health emergencies?
Most state laws focus on physical medical emergencies, but many states have expanded protections to cover mental health crises — especially overdose-related ones. Calling 911 or providing immediate safety support during a mental health emergency is generally covered if the situation meets the “emergency” definition. State specifics vary.
Key Takeaways
- All 50 states plus D.C. have Good Samaritan laws, though specifics vary significantly
- California, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Pennsylvania have the broadest protections
- Kentucky, Alabama, and Oklahoma are among the most restrictive
- Minnesota, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Louisiana impose a duty to assist
- Only Kansas and Wyoming lack overdose Good Samaritan laws
- New Mexico passed the first overdose Good Samaritan law in 2007
- Federal laws like the Aviation Medical Assistance Act apply nationwide
