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Preventing teenage prescription drug overdoses is the goal of a bill awaiting action in the full Senate.
The legislation will exempt those under 21 from criminal penalties when trying to get medical help for themselves or another person for a prescription drug overdose.
Kerri Teachout of the Berrien County Health Department says prescription drug overdose is a growing problem in Michigan.
She says the percentage of Michigan teens who have taken prescription drugs over the last thirty days is eight-percent.
Teachout says prescription drug abuse now ranks 2nd, behind marijuana, as the nation’s most prevalent illegal drug problem.
The legislation is similar to an existing law that provides immunity to minors who report an alcohol-related medical emergency.
The bill cleared a Senate committee last week.
