Good Samaritan Law

Sections 537.037, RSMo, (1988) of the Missouri Statutes is commonly referred to as the “Good Samaritan Law.”

This legislation applies to physicians, surgeons, registered professional nurses, licensed practical nurses, and licensed mobile emergency medical technicians in situations when aid is given in an emergency or accident and occur outside of a health care setting.

When any of the above health care providers render, in good faith, emergency care or assistance at the scene of an emergency or accident, no liability may be imposed for any civil damages arising from acts or omissions in rendering such emergency care. There is no protection, however, for gross negligence or willful or wanton acts or omissions. Thus, it should be noted that this legislation is only applicable if the care is rendered without compensation.

This law further protects the rendering of emergency care or assistance to any minor involved in any accident, injured in competitive sports, or affected by any other emergency at the scene of an accident without first obtaining the consent of a parent or guardian. Again, there is no protection from civil liability for gross negligence or willful or wanton acts or omissions.

Reference
Sheryl Feutz-Harter. (1993). Missouri Statutes Affecting Nursing Practice. Professional Education Systems, Inc.

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