Assembly passes 911 medical immunity bill for underage drinking

[The Straight Story]

Assembly passes 911 medical immunity bill for underage drinking



SACRAMENTO, CA - A bill that would allow limited immunity from prosecution for youths who seek medical help for underage drinkers was approved in the Assembly on Monday.

Assembly Bill 1999, sponsored by Assem. Anthony Portantino, D-La Canada/Flintridge is aimed at making it easer for teens to call for help when they suspect alcohol poisoning.

AB 1999 would offer limited immunity for one or two young people who call '911' and stay with the underage drinker until help arrives.

Portantino said the intent is not that underage drinking is condoned, but to send "a message that if you do the right thing by helping a friend in distress you will not be punished."

Several other states have similar legislation. A study conducted at Cornell University found with a medical amnesty plan for drunken students in place, calls for emergency medical help went up 22 percent and 61 percent of students reported feeling less afraid to call for help for a friend in trouble.

http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=78761&catid=2

[tritsofme]

1. Sounds like common sense.