October 4, 2012 | Comments Off on Possible Reorganization of New Jersey’s Emergency Medical Services System Ahead
Posted by Beth Christian
Earlier this week, legislation that would overhaul the current emergency medical services system in New Jersey was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriation Committee. The bill, S-1650, will now move to the full Senate for consideration. It would require EMTs, paramedics and emergency responders to be licensed by the Department of Health and to undergo a criminal history record background check as part of the licensure process. The Department of Health would be required to maintain a list of licensed paramedics and EMTs on its website. The bill would require that the Office of Emergency Medical Services serve as the lead state agency for oversight of emergency medical service delivery in New Jersey. If enacted into law, S-1650 is likely to increase costs for individuals serving as emergency responders due to the cost of proposed licensure and background check requirements which will be passed on to these individuals. It may also accelerate the pace of consolidation of volunteer ambulance squads that we have already been experiencing in New Jersey.