State Legislatures pass Good Samaritan laws to protect physicians from potential civil liability for alleged negligent acts or omissions that occur in attempts to render voluntary emergency medical aid to ill or injured persons. State Good Samaritan laws range from protection of every person who renders aid to protection only for health care professionals, such as physicians or nurses, and emergency medical services personnel.

Recently, Good Samaritan laws have expanded in scope. Cases from several jurisdictions in the last few years have extended immunity to physicians who voluntarily respond to emergencies in the hospital.

Good Samaritan statutes do not protect against the risk of litigation. However, they do provide protection from liability once a suit has been filed. The physician subject of the lawsuit must still retain an attorney and raise the Good Samaritan defense to avoid liability.