States News Service
WASHINGTON — The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee unanimously passed today legislation created by Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset) to encourage Good Samaritan acts.
“People need to know they are fully protected if they try to rescue another person during an emergency or crime,” Bateman said. “They should not pay for risking their lives and health to try to save others.”
Senator Bateman introduced Senate bill 2314 in November so that people eligible for immunity under New Jersey’s “Good Samaritan Act” will not have to pay the cost of ambulance services as a result of their own injuries while rendering or attempting to render good faith emergency care.
New Jersey’s “Good Samaritan Act” provides civil immunity to any individual, including a health care professional or rescue volunteer, who in good faith renders care during an emergency.
“Nothing should hold back people from trying to save a life,” Bateman concluded. “We owe that to each other.”
Copyright 2013 States News Service