Institute:Office of National Coordinator (ONC) Workforce Training Curriculum
Component:Introduction to Health Care and Public Health in the U.S.
Unit:Regulating Health Care
Lecture:Legal Aspects of Medicine
Slide content:Good Samaritan Laws Apply in emergencies Protect people who do not have an obligation to help Rescuer must use common sense Rescuer must not act beyond expertise and capabilities 16
Slide notes:Good Samaritan laws provide malpractice protection for certain people who provide emergency assistance. Like most other laws about medical negligence, Good Samaritan laws vary by state. However, all of them apply to people who do not have a duty to help under the circumstances, such as a driver who happens to come upon a car accident. It is expected that rescuers will use common sense and not act in ways that are beyond their expertise and capabilities. If the person is being paid or expects to be paid for the services, the Good Samaritan law does not apply. 16