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Iowa's Good Samaritan Law

Good Samaritan BannerIowa's Good Samaritan Law encourages those who witness a drug overdose to stay and call 911, rather than running out of fear of prosecution. Generally, overdose witnesses, defined as “overdose reporters” under the law, will not be arrested, charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance or possession of drug paraphernalia, and if the person makes a good faith effort to seek medical assistance for an overdose patient.

The Good Samaritan Law protects overdose reporters if they:

  • are the first person to seek medical assistance for the overdose victim
  • provide their contact information to emergency personnel
  • remain on the scene until assistance is provided
  • cooperate with emergency personnel

The Good Samaritan Law does not protect against arrest for open warrants and other crimes. Details regarding Iowa’s Good Samaritan Law can be found under Iowa Code Section 124.418.

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