Definitions. (a) When used in this chapter, the terms EMT, Advanced EMT, and paramedic are to be interpreted as those terms are defined by the Federal Department of Transportation in regard to national standard criteria for such positions. (b) When used in this chapter, the term “nurse” means a registered nurse (RN), as the term registered nurse is defined in the CNMI Nurse Practice Act [3 CMC §§ 2301 et seq.], as that act may be amended after the effective date of this chapter in relation to the definition of a registered nurse. (c) When used in this chapter, the term “physician” or the term “surgeon” means a medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathy (DO) that is U.S. licensed in such capacity. (d) When used in this chapter, the term “gross negligence” shall mean the performing or failing to perform a manifest duty in reckless disregard of the consequences as affecting the life or property of another. (e) A person is considered to act in “good faith”, when that term is used in this chapter, unless they act or fail to act with regard to a manifest duty, with malice, or, with wanton or willful disregard of the consequences as affecting the life or property of another. (f) When used in this chapter, the term “opioid overdose reversal medication” shall mean any drug used to reverse an opioid overdose that binds to opioid receptors and blocks or inhibits the effects of opioids acting on those receptors. It does not include intentional administration via the intravenous route. (g) When used in this chapter, the term “opioid-related overdose” means a condition including, but not limited to, decreased level of consciousness, non-responsiveness, respiratory depression, coma, or death that: (i) Results from the consumption or use of an opioid or another substance with which an opioid was combined; or (ii) a lay person would reasonably believe to be an opioid-related overdose requiring medical assistance. Source: PL 10-52, § 3; subsection (a) amended by global amendment by PL 18-73 § 7(a) (Jan. 25, 2015), modified; amended by PL 24-25, § 2 (Mar. 12, 2026). Commission Comment: The Commission corrected the capitalization of the word “paramedic” in subsection (a) pursuant to 1 CMC § 3806(f). PL 10-52, “The Commonwealth Good Samaritan Act,” took effect March 19, 1997. According to PL 10-52, §§ 1 and 2: Section 1. Title. This Act may be cited as “The Commonwealth Good Samaritan Act.” Section 2. Findings and Purpose. The Legislature finds and declares that a threat to the public health and safety exists whenever there is a need for emergency services and that public entities, emergency rescue personnel
and professionals, and private citizens should be encouraged to provide emergency services. To that end, a qualified immunity from liability is hereby provided by law for public entities, emergency rescue personnel and professionals, and private citizens providing emergency services.