What is the purpose of the Good Samaritan Act?

The purpose of the Good Samaritan Act is to protect healthcare professionals and laypersons from legal liability when they provide assistance in emergency situations. This legislation aims to encourage individuals to render aid without the fear of facing lawsuits if something goes wrong, as long as their actions are reasonable and intended to help. By removing the barriers that may deter someone from assisting those in need, the Good Samaritan Act fosters a more responsive and supportive environment during emergencies.

In many cases, people might hesitate to step in during an emergency due to concerns about potential legal repercussions or misunderstandings surrounding the care they provide. By offering protection under this act, individuals are more likely to help, knowing they won't be held liable for unintentional harm that may occur while trying to assist someone in distress.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary purpose of the Good Samaritan Act. Encouraging help in emergencies is part of the outcome but does not capture the essence of the protection provided. Penalizing healthcare professionals for negligence runs counter to the goals of promoting aid in emergencies, and providing insurance security for all medical practitioners is unrelated to the specific legal protections offered by the Act.