Advocates seek restoration of law offering OD protections
By News Staff
news@abc6.com
The Associated Press
Public health advocates are calling on lawmakers to reinstate a law that protects Rhode Islanders who call 911 to assist drug overdose victims.
The good Samaritan law offered limited immunity from drug charges for someone seeking medical assistance at the scene of an overdose.
Advocates will gather at the State House on Wednesday, the day the law expires.
Protect Families First Executive Director Rebecca Nieves McGoldrick says the expiration of the law is a huge setback for public health.
The nonprofit organization says overdose survivors and people in recovery will attend the rally in support of reinstating the law.
The Senate and the House passed different versions of the bill.
The General Assembly adjourned last Thursday with both sides failing to approve one bill that would reauthorize the law.
(C) WLNE-TV 2015
