UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When a night out involving alcohol takes a turn toward the unexpected, students are reminded to always call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Both Pennsylvania’s medical amnesty law and Penn State’s Responsible Action Protocol may protect students from prosecution for consumption or possession of alcohol when they seek emergency help for a friend who is passed out, unconscious or unresponsive as the result of over-consumption.
Penn State’s Responsible Action Protocol specifically protects students under the age of 21 who have been drinking and seek emergency help for another. If a student contacts the appropriate authorities, stays with the victim until help arrives, and does not have any additional pending violations (vandalism, assault, etc.), they will not be subject to disciplinary action. However, these students will be required to attend Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), or a similar program; the fee will be waived.
In addition to Pennsylvania law, guidelines such as the Responsible Action Protocol (sometimes referred to by students as the “Good Samaritan” policy) are in place at Penn State to promote a culture of safety, action and accountability. While the University takes Pennsylvania drinking laws very seriously, it also recognizes that individual student health and conduct are among its key priorities.
To read the full Penn State Responsible Action Protocol or Pennsylvania’s medical amnesty law, visit the Healthy Penn State website.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Penn State Office of Student Conduct or the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.