ARS 13-3423: Medical assistance requests
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-3423 on medical assistance requests, and how this section is used in Arizona criminal cases. It defines terms and procedure rather than creating an offense.
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Full Text of A.R.S. § 13-3423
A.R.S. § 13-3423 is the Arizona statute on medical assistance requests. It sets out procedure and rules rather than defining an offense, so no offense class or sentence attaches to this section on its own.
(Rpld. 7/1/28)
A. A person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose may not be charged or prosecuted for the possession or use of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia or a preparatory offense if the evidence for the violation was gained as a result of the person’s seeking medical assistance.
B. A person who experiences a drug-related overdose, who is in need of medical assistance and for whom medical assistance is sought pursuant to subsection A of this section may not be charged or prosecuted for the possession or use of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia if the evidence for the violation was gained as a result of the person’s overdose and need for medical assistance.
C. The act of seeking medical assistance for someone who is experiencing a drug-related overdose may be used as a mitigating factor in a criminal prosecution for a violation of this chapter.
D. This section does not limit either:
1. The admissibility of any evidence in connection with the investigation or prosecution of a crime with regard to a defendant who does not qualify under subsection A or B of this section or with regard to any other crime.
2. The ability to seize contraband or make an arrest for any other offense.
E. This section does not prohibit a person specified in subsection A or B of this section from being offered a diversion program for an offense other than the possession or use of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia or a preparatory offense.
F. For the purposes of this section:
1. “Medical assistance” means aid provided by a health care professional who is licensed, registered or certified in this state, who is acting within the health care professional’s scope of practice and who provides a diagnosis, treatment or other medical service.
2. “Seeks medical assistance” means to call 911 or otherwise contact law enforcement, poison control or a hospital emergency department.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3423, Arizona Legislative Council revision of 09/19/25. Read the official text on azleg.gov. Statutes change; verify the current version before relying on it.
Related Statutes in Chapter 34 — Drug Offenses
- A.R.S. § 13-3424 — Sale of lethal fentanyl
- A.R.S. § 13-3421 — Using building for sale or manufacture of dangerous or narcotic drugs
- A.R.S. § 13-3417 — Use of wire communication or electronic communication in drug related transactions
- A.R.S. § 13-3415 — Possession, manufacture, delivery and advertisement of drug paraphernalia
- A.R.S. § 13-3411 — Possession, use, sale or transfer of marijuana, peyote, prescription drugs, dangerous drugs or narcotic drugs or manufacture of dangerous drugs in a drug free school zone
- A.R.S. § 13-3409 — Involving or using minors in drug offenses
- A.R.S. § 13-3408 — Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of narcotic drugs
- A.R.S. § 13-3407 — Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of dangerous drugs
How § 13-3423 Affects an Arizona Case
§ 13-3423 usually matters because of how it interacts with the charge someone is actually facing. We read it alongside the charging statute, because a definition or a procedural rule frequently decides what the State must prove, what a judge may impose, or what relief is available afterward.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is A.R.S. § 13-3423?
A.R.S. § 13-3423 is the Arizona statute on medical assistance requests. It sets out rules that apply across Arizona criminal cases rather than defining a single offense.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-3423?
The Arizona Legislature publishes it at azleg.gov, in the revision dated 09/19/25. The complete text is reproduced on this page, and every Arizona criminal statute is searchable on our Arizona Criminal Code index.
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