It is imperative that someone calls for medical assistance when an individual experiences severe intoxication or a serious injury after consuming alcohol or other substances. People may be reluctant to seek help in such alcohol or other substance related emergencies because of potential judicial consequences for themselves or the person in need of assistance. Since these emergencies are potentially life threatening, the Medical Amnesty Policy reduces or eliminates disciplinary consequences for students who obtain medical help for an intoxicated student or guest or even for themselves.

This policy is part of Washington College’s comprehensive approach to reducing harmful consequences caused by the consumption of alcohol or other drugs. The Medical Amnesty Policy represents the College’s commitment to increasing the likelihood that community members will call for medical assistance when faced with an alcohol or substance-related emergency. The Medical Amnesty Policy also provides education for individuals who receive emergency medical attention to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.

How does the Medical Amnesty Policy work?

The Medical Amnesty Policy reduces or eliminates disciplinary consequences when medical help is obtained for an intoxicated student as follows:

Person in need of medical attention

If an individual who receives emergency medical attention related to his or her consumption of alcohol or other substances completes a required educational follow-up at Health Services and/or with the Director of Student Development he or she will not be subject to judicial action for the following policy violations should they occur at the time of the emergency:

• underage consumption and/or possession of alcohol and illegal drugs
• disorderly conduct

A person in need of medical attention is eligible for medical amnesty on more than one occasion.

Calling on behalf of someone else

An individual who calls for emergency assistance on behalf of a person experiencing an alcohol-or other substance related emergency would not be subject to judicial action for the following policy violations should they occur at the time of the emergency:

• underage consumption and/or possession of alcohol
• provision of alcohol to an underage person

For more information, contact Rachel Boyle, Prevention, Education, Advocacy Center Director, at 410-778-7277 or rboyle2@washcoll.edu.