House OKs Bill to Help Save Drug Overdose Victims

A bill that would provide immunity from criminal prosecution for ``good Samaritans'' who assist victims of drug overdoses has been overwhelmingly passed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

The House approved the measure 194-0 Thursday and sent it to the Senate, which is expected to concur next week. Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to sign the legislation.

The bill is designed to save lives by encouraging people who are with someone experiencing an overdose to seek medical help without fear of legal repercussions for certain crimes.

The bill also would legalize in Pennsylvania the federally approved drug Naloxone, which reverses the effects of heroin and other opioids. It would make it more available to relatives and friends of people with drug addictions, as well as first responders.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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