Medical Amnesty Provision

In 2012, the State of Michigan adopted a medical amnesty law to remove perceived barriers to minors who may be at medical risk as a result of alcohol intoxication calling for or seeking help

The 2012 law creates an exemption from prosecution for the following:

• A minor (under the age of 21) who, after consuming alcohol, voluntarily presents himself or herself to a health facility or agency for treatment or observation including, but not limited to medical examination and treatment for any condition as a result of sexual assault (as defined in Michigan law) committed against a minor.
• Any minor (under the age of 21) who accompanied a minor (under the age of 21) who, after consuming alcohol, voluntarily presented himself or herself to a health facility or agency for treatment or observation including, but not limited to, medical examination and treatment for any condition as a result of sexual assault (as defined in Michigan law) committed against a minor.
• Any minor (under the age of 21) who initiated contact with law enforcement or emergency medical services personnel for the purpose of obtaining medical assistance for a legitimate health care concern.
• Oakland University maintains the discretion to refer the individual for appropriate educational intervention(s).

Michigan law continues to prohibit a minor from purchasing, consuming, or possessing, or attempting to purchase, consume, or possess, alcoholic liquor and from having any bodily alcohol content.