General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Woman dies as nurse refuses to perform CPR [View all]SunSeeker
(58,292 posts)The law varies from state-to-state with regard to the specific scope of immunity protection granted for administrators of CPR. Federally, under the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (11/2000), Congress granted immunity from civil damages for administering CPR and using an AED with some restrictions (i.e. immunity does not apply in cases of gross negligence and/or willful misconduct).
In California, for example, Good Samaritan immunity is granted to those trained in CPR and "who in good faith, renders emergency CPR at the scene of an emergency," those who provide such training ("local agencies and other organizations"
, and those who provide instruction.
Nationally, bystanders do not have a duty to respond, however, common carriers and businesses have a duty to call 911 and to provide medical aid until professional services arrive.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_the_law_say_about_administrating_CPR
The responsibility to the patient was not discharged when paramedics were called.