An Act relative to preventing death by drug overdose
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill seeks to authorize emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to use reasonable physical restraint on patients who pose an immediate or serious threat of harm to themselves or others. The legislation aims to provide EMTs with the legal authority to intervene in situations where a patient’s behavior necessitates restraint to ensure safety. It addresses concerns about EMTs’ ability to protect both themselves and the public during overdose situations.
Key provisions
- Authorizes EMTs to use reasonable physical restraint.
- Restraint is permitted when a patient presents an immediate or serious threat of harm.
- The restraint must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat.
- The bill focuses on preventing harm to the patient and EMTs.
- It clarifies the legal authority for EMTs in overdose situations.
Who is affected
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Patients experiencing drug overdoses
- Healthcare providers
- First responders
- The general public
Notable changes
- Provides EMTs with explicit legal authority for restraint.
- Addresses a potential gap in existing laws regarding EMT intervention.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
William C. Galvin
Cosponsor
William C. Galvin
Arguments
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