Samaritan Efforts to Ensure Key Health Emergency and Life-saving Protections Act; SEEK HELP Act
Summary
The SEEK HELP Act aims to provide legal protections for individuals who seek medical assistance during a drug overdose, either for themselves or others. It includes civil liability protections for administering opioid overdose reversal drugs and criminal liability protections for seeking medical help. The Act also mandates a public awareness campaign and allows states to use block grant funding for related initiatives.
Expected Effects
This act is likely to increase the willingness of individuals to report overdoses and administer life-saving treatments without fear of legal repercussions. It could lead to a reduction in overdose fatalities and improved public health outcomes. The GAO report will provide data on the effectiveness of these measures.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced fear of legal consequences for seeking help during an overdose.
- Increased likelihood of administering opioid overdose reversal drugs.
- Potential decrease in overdose-related fatalities.
- Enhanced public awareness regarding overdose prevention and response.
- Improved data collection and analysis on the effectiveness of Good Samaritan laws.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for unintended consequences, such as increased drug use due to perceived safety net.
- Possible challenges in determining 'good faith' in seeking medical assistance.
- Risk of overburdening emergency response systems.
- Limited impact if public awareness campaigns are not effectively implemented.
- Potential for misuse of JAG funds if not properly monitored.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution by promoting the general welfare (Preamble) through measures designed to save lives and improve public health. It does not infringe upon individual liberties or rights, as it provides protections rather than restrictions. The Act's provisions related to drug enforcement and public health fall under the purview of Congress's legislative powers (Article I, Section 8).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).