What legal concept protects healthcare practitioners from being liable for actions performed in emergency situations?

The legal concept that protects healthcare practitioners from liability for actions taken in emergency situations is the Good Samaritan laws. These laws are designed to encourage individuals to assist those who are injured or in danger without the fear of being sued if something goes wrong while they are trying to help.

Good Samaritan laws typically apply to volunteers or professionals who provide care during emergencies, under the assumption that they are acting in good faith and without gross negligence. By offering legal protection, these laws aim to ensure that individuals feel empowered to help others in critical situations, facilitating quicker response in emergencies.

The other concepts mentioned, such as the emergency doctrine, may relate to how care is administered in urgent situations, but they do not provide the same level of protection from liability as Good Samaritan laws. Similarly, the compassionate use exemption pertains to the use of experimental drugs for patients in dire need but doesn't focus on emergency assistance. The duty to rescue generally refers to a moral or legal obligation to assist someone in peril, but it does not provide specific legal protections against liability.