Does Medical Amnesty Apply?
Example 1
Alex consumes a cannabis edible off campus. As they return to campus, they start experiencing adverse effects. Afraid they are perhaps having a medical emergency, Alex calls 911. The incident is reported by the Resident Assistant (RA), who is dispatched to Alex’s room ahead of emergency crews. Emergency personnel respond and determine that Alex is ok to stay in their room. This is the first time that Alex has been reported for an alcohol/drug policy violation.
Does Medical Amnesty Apply? YES
Alex is eligible for Medical Amnesty under the policy because Alex was actively seeking medical attention. Alex will be contacted to meet with the Community Director (CD) to talk about the incident and engage in a free educational opportunity, to help reduce the chance of Alex experiencing a similar situation again.
Example 2
Chris consumes LSD and begins to have a panic attack in the bathroom after locking themself out of their room. When Chris’ sober friends find Chris on the bathroom floor, they contact an RA. The RA calls 911 for medical response. Chris is taken to the hospital for assessment and monitoring.
Does Medical Amnesty Apply? YES
Chris is eligible for Medical Amnesty because although Chris was not actively seeking medical attention, their friends did so on their behalf. The Community Director will reach out to Chris to reflect on the incident and receive additional supports.
Example 3
Jay is in a campus apartment with a number of other students. Everyone present is underage and under the influence of some substance, either drugs and/or
alcohol. Jay becomes belligerent and punches a hole in the living room wall. Jay then loses consciousness. Another student present tries to help Jay and calls for medical assistance. Paramedics arrive to assess Jay and RAs respond to the scene, listing everyone present. RAs also note the hole in the living room wall and that the smoke detector is covered.
Does Medical Amnesty Apply? YES
Jay is eligible for Medical Amnesty related to alcohol use policies, but Jay is not eligible for amnesty for the other General Student Regulations violated when Jay punched a hole in the wall of a campus building. The Medical Amnesty policy may apply to Jay’s friends, depending on the circumstances. Although Jay’s friends sought medical attention for Jay, they may be held responsible for policy violations other than alcohol and drug violations because of the covered smoke detector, which places the entire community at risk. All students will be contacted by the Community Director to discuss the incident and may be referred to other support services.
Example 4
Joey and Skylar are at a campus party when Skylar begins to show signs of intoxication (slurred speech, unsteady on her feet). Joey decides to walk Skylar home to their residence hall. While walking, an RA sees Skylar walking unsteadily and stops Skylar and Joey. The RA contacts emergency services to get help for Skylar.
Does Medical Amnesty Apply? NO
MSU’s Medical Amnesty does not apply because Joey was not actively seeking medical attention for Skylar, and Joey did not seek out a qualified individual (such as Resident Assistant, Community Director, or police officer) to assess Skylar’s condition. Both students will be contacted by the Community Director or Conduct Officer to discuss the incident and may be referred to other support services or face discipline.
Example 5
An East Lansing Police officer observes a large group of people exiting Harpers late one night. The officer observes Jean being held up by two of their friends; Jean then punches one of the friends in the face. The East Lansing police officer calls for an ambulance.
Does Medical Amnesty Apply? NO
MSU’s Medical Amnesty does not apply to Jean because their friends were not seeking medical attention for Jean. Had the friends affirmatively called 911 or sought out the police officer, Jean and Jean’s friends would be eligible for Medical Amnesty related to alcohol and/or drug use. Additionally, Jean may have violated other universities policies by punching the friend. Jean will be contacted by Office of Student Support & Accountability to discuss the incident and may be referred to other support services.
Example 6
Casey is in Rome, Italy studying through MSU Education Abroad. Casey passes out in their room after a night out with friends consuming alcohol. Casey’s roommate finds Casey in the room, breathing irregularly and not able to be woken. Casey’s roommate calls their program director and asks for help. The program director contacts emergency services and Casey is transported to the hospital.
Does Medical Amnesty Apply? YES
Casey is eligible for Medical Amnesty under the policy because their roommate sought help from their Education Abroad Program Director (a University Official). Casey will be contacted by MSU staff to discuss the incident, but no formal student conduct charges will be applied. Casey may still need to connect with MSU Education Abroad and the Office of Global Health and Safety, as they may have additional expectations for program participants.
