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Extending Immunity For Drug Overdoses, Dixie R. Tabet, Maggie G. Spadaro, Kaylie E. Moss
Extending Immunity For Drug Overdoses, Dixie R. Tabet, Maggie G. Spadaro, Kaylie E. Moss
Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
The Tennessee Code 63-1-156 provides immunity to those who suffer from a drug overdose that seek medical assistance, only for the first overdose. After the first overdose, individuals who seek medical assistance do not receive immunity and are subject to criminal charges. Over the past 5 years, drug overdose deaths have increased significantly and in 2021 3,814 Tennesseans died from a drug overdose. In addition, individuals incarcerated for drug-related offenses make up about 20% of the state’s prison population. The state of Tennessee has had a significant increase in drug abuse rates, leading to a rise in overdose deaths and …