About Missouri's "Good Samaritan" Law

Missouri’s “Good Samaritan” law protects people who call 911 in response to an overdose from arrest & prosecution for possession of drugs and other minor violations.  

Missouri’s 911 Good Samaritan Law (RSMO 195.205): Under this law, the person who actively seeks emergency medical help in the instance of an overdose (or other medical emergency) and the person experiencing the medical emergency will be protected from minor drug and alcohol violations.  

According to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Service, the law provides immunity from:  

• Possession of a controlled substance (RSMO 579.015). 
• Possession of drug paraphernalia (RSMO 579.074).  
• Possession of an imitation controlled substance (RSMO 579.078).  
• Keeping or maintaining a public nuisance (RSMO 579.105).  
• Sale of alcohol to a minor (RSMO 311.310).  
• Possession of an altered ID (RSMO 311.320).  
• Purchase or possession of alcohol by a minor (RSMO 311.325).  
• Violation of a restraining order.  
• Violation of probation or parole.  

This limited immunity does not offer protection from any other crimes (e.g., distribution of a controlled substance, manufacturing of drugs, active warrants)