Good samaritan and immunity

Good samaritan state laws exempt from negligence liability persons, such as physicians, who voluntarily render aid to another in imminent danger.  These laws become particularly important in times of disaster and other emergency.  Charitable care state laws exempt physicians from liability for negligent treatment of patients who lack health insurance.  Because protections vary by state, physicians are encouraged to become familiar with the extent of available immunity in their state of practice.  This survey (Word, 539KB) provides information on the laws of the 50 states and District of Columbia.