N.J. Stat. tit. 26, ch. 2K

N.J. Stat. tit. 26, ch. 2K
in effect

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-7 Definitions

1. As used in this act: a. "Advanced life support" means an advanced level of emergency medical care, including specialty care transport, which includes basic life support functions and the use of procedures, medications, and equipment established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National EMS Scope of Practice Model for paramedics, except for any provisions of the National EMS Scope of Practice Model expressly excluded by the commissioner in rules or regulations, and any other such procedures, medications, and equipment as set forth in section 6 of P.L.1984, c.146 (C.26:2K-12) or as otherwise authorized in rules or regulations promulgated by the commissioner; b. "Board of Medical Examiners" means the State Board of Medical Examiners; c. "Board of Nursing" means the New Jersey Board of Nursing; d. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Health; e. "Department" means the Department of Health; f. "Emergency department" means a program in a hospital staffed 24 hours a day by a licensed physician trained in emergency medicine; g. "Specialty care transport" means services that are above basic life support services rendered to patients before and during transportation between licensed facilities, during retrieval from those facilities, and upon arrival within those facilities; h. "Mobile intensive care paramedic" means a person trained in advanced life support services and licensed by the commissioner to render advanced life support services as part of a mobile intensive care unit or as otherwise provided in section 4 of P.L.1984, c.146 (C.26:2K-10); i. "Mobile intensive care unit" means a specialized emergency medical service unit that is staffed in accordance with paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 6 of P.L.1984, c.146 (C.26:2K-12) and operated for the provision of advanced life support services under the direction of an authorized hospital; j. "Pre-hospital care" means those emergency medical services rendered by mobile intensive care units to emergency patients before and during transportation to emergency treatment facilities, and upon arrival within those facilities. k. "Volunteer paramedic unit" means an operational subunit within a mobile intensive care unit that is exclusively staffed by at least two volunteer paramedics with access to any vehicle, including a personal vehicle. l. "Agency EMS medical director" means a physician licensed in this State who is certified in emergency medicine or emergency medical services, or both, and is responsible for the medical oversight of a hospital mobile intensive care program. m. "Mobile integrated health" means health care services delivered with the approval of the Department of Health to patients outside of a hospital setting, using mobile resources, and employing team-based and patient-centered care. L.1984, c. 146, s. 1; amended 2021, c.480, s.1; 2022, c.118, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-8 Mobile intensive care paramedic; licensure from commissioner; written standards; examination; register of applicants.

2. a. A mobile intensive care paramedic shall obtain licensure from the commissioner to provide advanced life support and shall make application therefor on forms prescribed by the commissioner. b. The commissioner with the approval of the State Board of Medical Examiners shall establish written standards which a mobile intensive care paramedic shall meet in order to obtain licensure. The commissioner shall make a determination upon applications of candidates for licensure as a mobile intensive care paramedic within 30 days of the receipt of a complete application and background check. Such determination may include a determination that the commissioner requires more time to adequately review the application. The commissioner shall license a candidate who provides satisfactory evidence of the successful completion of an educational program approved by the commissioner for the training of mobile intensive care paramedics and who passes an examination in the provision of advanced life support services, which examination shall be approved by the commissioner. The commissioner shall license a candidate as a mobile intensive care paramedic who has equivalent military training or experience in any branch of the active duty or reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard of any state if the commissioner determines that the candidate's military training and experience exceed or are equivalent to the licensure standards established by the commissioner. The commissioner shall license a candidate as a mobile intensive care paramedic who is registered as a paramedic with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians if the commissioner determines that the candidate's training and experience exceed or are equivalent to the licensure standards established by the commissioner. c. The department shall maintain a register of all applicants for licensure hereunder, which register shall include but not be limited to: (1) The name and residence of the applicant; (2) The date of the application; (3) Information as to whether the applicant was rejected or licensed and the date of that action. The department shall annually compile a list of mobile intensive care paramedics. This list shall be available to the public. L.1984, c.146, s.2; amended 2013, c.101, s.2; 2022, c.118, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-8.1 Licensure disqualification, revocation; criminal history record background check; relicensure conditions.

3. a. The department shall not issue a license to a candidate as a mobile intensive care paramedic unless the commissioner first determines, consistent with the requirements of sections 3 through 5 of P.L.2022, c.118 (C.26:2K-8.1 through C.26:2K-8.3), that no criminal history record information exists on file in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division, or in the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police, which would disqualify that person from being licensed. A mobile intensive care paramedic licensed by the department prior to the effective date of P.L.2022, c.118 (C.26:2K-8.1 et al.) upon whom a criminal history record background check has not been conducted pursuant to this act, shall be required to undergo that criminal history record background check as a condition of that individual's initial relicensure following the effective date of P.L.2022, c.118 (C.26:2K-8.1 et al.). In addition, a follow-up criminal history record background check of federal records shall be conducted at least once every two years as a condition of relicensure for every mobile intensive care paramedic. b. A person shall be disqualified from licensure if that person's criminal history record background check reveals a record of conviction of any of the following crimes or offenses: (1) In New Jersey, any crime or disorderly persons offense: (a) involving danger to the person, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.2C:11-1 et seq., N.J.S.2C:12-1 et seq., N.J.S.2C:13-1 et seq., N.J.S.2C:14-1 et seq., or N.J.S.2C:15-1 et seq.; or (b) involving arson as set forth in N.J.S.2C:17-1 or causing or risking widespread injury or damage as set forth at N.J.S.2C:17-2; or (c) involving forgery and fraudulent offenses as set forth in chapter 21 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; or (d) against the family, children, or incompetents, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.2C:24-1 et seq.; or (e) involving theft as set forth in chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; or (f) involving any controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog as set forth in chapter 35 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; or (g) that would qualify the person for registration pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-2). (2) In any other state or jurisdiction, of any crime or disorderly persons offense involving conduct which, if committed in New Jersey, would constitute any of the crimes or disorderly persons offenses described in paragraph (1) of this subsection. c. Except for a disqualification based on conviction for a crime enumerated in subparagraph (g) of paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section or a crime in any other state or jurisdiction which, if committed in New Jersey, would constitute a crime enumerated in subparagraph (g) of paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section, no person shall be disqualified from licensure on the basis of any conviction disclosed by a criminal history record background check performed pursuant to the requirements of this act if the person has affirmatively demonstrated to the commissioner clear and convincing evidence of the person's rehabilitation. In determining whether a person has affirmatively demonstrated rehabilitation, the following factors shall be considered: (1) the nature and responsibility of the position which the convicted person would hold, has held or currently holds, as the case may be; (2) the nature and seriousness of the offense; (3) the circumstances under which the offense occurred; (4) the date of the offense; (5) the age of the person when the offense was committed; (6) whether the offense was an isolated or repeated incident; (7) any social conditions which may have contributed to the offense; and (8) any evidence of rehabilitation, including good conduct in prison or in the community, counseling or psychiatric treatment received, acquisition of additional academic or vocational schooling, successful participation in correctional work-release programs, or the recommendation of those who have had the person under their supervision. d. If a person subject to the provisions of sections 3 through 5 of P.L.2022, c.118 (C.26:2K-8.1 through C.26:2K-8.3) refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, the securing of a criminal history record background check, the commissioner shall, as applicable: (1) not issue a mobile intensive care paramedic license; or (2) revoke the person's mobile intensive care paramedic license. L.2022, c.118, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-8.2 Applicant information, criminal history record background check; fingerprint data; disqualification basis identified; petition, hearing.

4. a. An applicant for licensure as a mobile intensive care paramedic who is required to undergo a criminal history record background check pursuant to P.L.2022, c.118 (C.26:2K-8.1 et al.) shall submit to the commissioner that individual's name, address, and fingerprints in accordance with the standards established by the New Jersey State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for civil applicants. The commissioner is authorized to exchange fingerprint data with and receive criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of State Police for use in making the determinations required by P.L.2022, c.118 (C.26:2K-8.1 et al.). b. Upon receipt of the criminal history record information for a person from the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Division of State Police, the commissioner shall immediately notify, in writing, the applicant of the results of the criminal history record background check. If the person is disqualified, the conviction or convictions which constitute the basis for the disqualification shall be identified in the notice to the person, but shall not be identified to any other person. c. The person who is the subject of the background check shall have 30 days from the date of the written notice of disqualification to petition the commissioner for a hearing on the accuracy of the person's criminal history record information or to establish the person's rehabilitation under subsection c. of section 3 of P.L.2022, c.118 (C.26:2K-8.1 through C.26:2K-8.3). Upon the issuance of a final decision following a petition to the commissioner pursuant to this subsection, the commissioner shall notify the person as to whether the person remains disqualified from licensure. L.2022, c.118, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-8.3 Criminal history record background check cost.

5. The department may require a candidate for a mobile intensive care paramedic license to bear the costs of the criminal history record background check as may be deemed necessary by the department. L.2022, c.118, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-9 Revocation of certificate

3. The commissioner after notice and hearing may revoke the license of a mobile intensive care paramedic for violation of any provision of this act or regulation promulgated hereunder. L.1984, c. 146, s. 3; amended 2022, c.118, s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-9.1 Mobile integrated health program established, Department of Health.

12. a. The Department of Health shall establish a mobile integrated health program. In establishing the mobile integrated health program, the Department of Health shall consider relevant standards and criteria developed or adopted by nationally recognized agencies or organizations, as well as recommendations of interested stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the State Trauma System Advisory Committee and the Mobile Intensive Care Advisory Council. b. The Department of Health shall establish, in writing, criteria by which an entity may apply for and receive authorization from the department to participate in the mobile integrated health program, and criteria by which an entity may lose authorization to participate in the mobile integrated health program. c. The Commissioner of Health shall adopt rules and regulations as are necessary to effectuate the provisions of this section, which rules and regulations shall be effective immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law for a period not to exceed 18 months, and shall, thereafter, be amended, adopted, or readopted in accordance with the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.)." L.2022, c.118, s.12.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-10 Performance of advanced life support services; supervision from physician; authorized, approved scope of practice.

4. a. A mobile intensive care paramedic may perform advanced life support services, provided that the paramedic is following protocols which have been approved pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection a. of section 8 of this act, any standing orders the department may issue, or if the paramedic maintains direct voice communication with and is taking orders from a licensed physician or physician directed registered professional nurse, both of whom are affiliated with a mobile intensive care hospital which is approved by the commissioner to provide advanced life support services. b. (1) A mobile intensive care paramedic may deliver advanced life support services, or any other services within the approved scope of practice for mobile intensive care paramedics, in a pre-hospital setting, in a mobile integrated health care setting, health care specialty setting, or any other hospital-controlled setting, through an approved mobile intensive care hospital, as determined by the commissioner and as authorized by the agency EMS medical director. A mobile intensive care paramedic shall be permitted to provide advanced life support services when operating outside of a mobile intensive care unit in situations directly related to EMS first response or mobile integrated health as determined by the commissioner and as authorized by the mobile intensive care paramedic's agency EMS medical director. A single mobile intensive care paramedic shall not be acknowledged as a mobile intensive care unit. (2) The authorized services provided under a mobile integrated health program shall be determined by the commissioner, and may include, but need not be limited to: providing paramedicine care, chronic disease management, preventive care, and post-discharge follow-up visits; or providing referrals and transportation assistance to appropriate care and services to patients requiring health care services who do not require hospital-based treatment. c. Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the scope of practice of any licensed health care professional under Title 45 of the Revised Statutes or the scope or authority of any agency, board, department, or other entity in this State that is responsible for licensing health care workers. d. The provisions of this section shall apply notwithstanding the provisions of section 12 of P.L.1984, c.146 (C.26:2K-18) and notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary. L.1984, c. 146, s. 4; amended 2021, c.480, s.2; 2022, c.118, s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-11 Performance of advanced life support procedure; immediate danger of patient

If the direct voice communications fail, a mobile intensive care paramedic may perform any advanced life support procedure for which that person is certified and which is included in a written protocol established by the mobile intensive care hospital and approved by the commissioner if, in the judgment of the nurse or paramedic, the life of the patient is in immediate danger and requires that care for his preservation. L.1984, c. 146, s. 5.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-11.1 Volunteer paramedic unit members responding to emergency, jointly, separately.

3. a. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, members of a volunteer paramedic unit may respond to an emergency jointly or separately. (2) The first member of a volunteer paramedic unit to respond to an emergency may provide aid prior to the arrival of the second member of a volunteer paramedic if necessary. (3) The first member of a volunteer paramedic unit to respond to an emergency may cancel the response of a second member of a volunteer paramedic unit to the emergency if the aid of a second member of a volunteer paramedic unit is unnecessary. b. (1) Members of a volunteer paramedic unit shall be dressed professionally and shall wear identification identifying members as paramedics. (2) Members of a volunteer paramedic unit shall not be required to respond to an emergency dressed in a uniform issued by the mobile intensive care unit. L.2021, c.480, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-12 Mobile intensive care units.

6. a. (1) Only a hospital exclusively authorized to develop and maintain advanced life support services in the municipality in which the trauma center is located pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2015, c.70 (C.26:2K-12.1), or a hospital authorized by the commissioner with an accredited emergency department may develop and maintain a mobile intensive care unit, and provide advanced life support services utilizing licensed physicians, registered professional nurses trained in advanced life support nursing, and mobile intensive care paramedics. (2) (a) A mobile intensive care unit, when in service, shall be staffed by a minimum of two persons, which two persons may be two mobile intensive care paramedics, two registered professional nurses trained in advanced life support nursing, or one mobile intensive care paramedic and one registered professional nurse trained in advanced life support nursing. Any individual providing advanced life support as provided in this paragraph shall be authorized to render care within that individual's scope of practice, as determined by the commissioner and based on the agency EMS medical director's determination of competency. (b) The Department of Health shall establish criteria for and a process by which a hospital may apply to the department for permission to operate a mobile intensive care unit that is staffed by one emergency medical technician and one mobile intensive care paramedic or registered professional nurse trained in advanced life support nursing, if the hospital is experiencing a staffing shortage. (3) Agency EMS medical directors shall have the authority to establish advanced life support protocols, within the scope of practice for advanced life support providers established by this act and the commissioner, which protocols shall include, but shall not be limited to, protocols concerning medications, equipment, procedures, and clinical practice. Such advanced life support protocols shall be submitted to the commissioner for approval. The commissioner may approve or deny advanced life support protocols submitted by an agency EMS medical director or may approve such protocols subject to amendments that the commissioner deems to be necessary. Aspects of clinical practice that exceed the scope established by commissioner shall be submitted by an agency EMS medical director to the mobile intensive care advisory council for review and recommendation to the commissioner, which shall be acted upon by the commissioner within 90 days. (4) The commissioner with the approval of the State Board of Medical Examiners shall establish education and competency requirements which a board-certified or board-eligible emergency medicine physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant who is employed by a hospital with a mobile intensive care unit shall be required to meet in order to obtain authorization from the department to deliver care within the respective scope of practice of the board-certified or board-eligible emergency medicine physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant, as the case may be, in a pre-hospital setting or an interfacility setting. An authorized board-certified or board-eligible emergency medicine physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant may deliver such care if and to the extent approved by the agency EMS medical director. b. A hospital authorized by the commissioner pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall provide mobile intensive care unit services on a seven-day-a-week basis. c. The commissioner shall establish, in writing, criteria which a hospital shall meet in order to qualify for the authorization. d. The commissioner may withdraw his authorization if the hospital or unit violates any provision of this act or rules or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. e. Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the scope of practice of any licensed health care professional under Title 45 of the Revised Statutes or the scope or authority of any agency, board, department, or other entity in this State that is responsible for licensing health care workers. L. 1984, c. 146, s. 6. Amended by L. 1985, c. 351, s. 2; 2022, c.118, s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-12.1 Hospitals in certain municipalities, requirements for provision of emergency medical services.

1. a. (1) A hospital which has been issued a certificate of need by the Department of Health to operate a Level 1 trauma center shall be exclusively authorized to develop and maintain advanced life support services in the municipality in which the trauma center is located, and shall have the right of first refusal to provide both advanced life support and basic life support services in the municipality, provided that the services are provided at no charge to the municipality, and the municipality does not provide basic life support services as a municipal service or as part of a shared services agreement. (2) A hospital that develops and maintains advanced life support services pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be subject to the same level of oversight by the Department of Health as would apply to an entity that holds a certificate of need for advanced life support services, as provided by regulation at N.J.A.C.8:33. b. A hospital which has been issued a certificate of need by the Department of Health to operate a Level 1 trauma center shall have the right to apply under expedited review to provide advanced life support services in additional municipalities in which an acute care hospital that, as of July 1, 2015, is part of the same health system as the Level 1 trauma center is located, provided such application for expedited review is submitted on or before December 31, 2016. L.2015, c.70, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-12.2 Conditions for licensure for emergency medical services provider.

1. a. Each emergency medical services provider in the State shall, as a condition of licensure, certify that its standards, practices, and protocols are in accordance with the "Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients, Recommendations of the National Expert Panel on Field Triage, 2011; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR, January 13, 2012, Vol. 61, No. 1," or such successor guidance as may be promulgated by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Compliance with the requirements of this section shall be verified during the annual provider audit. b. As used in this section, "emergency medical services provider" means any association, organization, company, department, agency, service, program, unit, or other entity that provides pre-hospital emergency care to patients in New Jersey, including, but not limited to, a basic life support ambulance service, a mobile intensive care program or mobile intensive care unit, an air medical service, or a volunteer or non-volunteer first aid, rescue and ambulance squad. L.2021, c.23, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-13 Provision of life support services; advertisement or dissemination of information prohibited; impersonation of paramedic prohibited

7. a. No person may advertise or disseminate information to the public that the person provides advanced life support services by a mobile intensive care unit unless the person is authorized to do so pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1984, c.146 (C.26:2K-12). b. No person may impersonate or refer to himself or herself as a mobile intensive care paramedic unless the person is licensed or approved therefor, as appropriate. L.1984, c. 146, s. 7; amended 2022, c.118, s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-14 Liability for civil damages

8. No emergency medical technician, mobile intensive care paramedic, licensed physician, hospital or its board of trustees, officers and members of the medical staff, registered nurse, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, or other employees of the hospital, first aid, ambulance or rescue squad, licensed emergency medical services agency, or officers and members of a first aid, ambulance or rescue squad shall be liable for any civil damages as the result of an act or the omission of an act committed while in training for or in the rendering of basic and advanced life support services in good faith and in accordance with this act. L.1984, c. 146, s. 8; amended 2022, c.118, s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-15 Violations; penalties

An individual who violates the provisions of this act is subject to a penalty of $200.00 for the first offense and $500.00 for each subsequent offense. If the violation of this act is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute a separate offense for the purposes of this section. The penalty shall be collected and enforced by summary proceedings under "the penalty enforcement law," (N.J.S. 2A:58-1 et seq.). L.1984, c. 146, s. 9.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-16 State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director, qualifications, responsibilities; mobile intensive care advisory council, purpose, roles.

10. a. (1) The Commissioner of Health shall appoint a State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director to the Office of Emergency Medical Services in the Department of Health. The State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director shall be a licensed physician in this State and board certified in emergency medicine with leadership experience in the medical oversight of emergency medical services, specifically in advanced life support, basic life support, critical care transport, and emergency medical services dispatching. In selecting the State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director, the Commissioner of Health shall give preference to a candidate who is board certified in emergency medical services. The State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director shall not be permitted to be employed as an agency EMS medical director while serving as State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director. (2) The State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director shall have primary responsibility for the oversight, regulation, and discipline related to clinical issues pertaining to the provision of emergency medical services in New Jersey, and the Director of Emergency Medical Services shall have primary responsibility for the oversight of non-clinical issues related to the provision of emergency medical services in New Jersey. The State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director shall additionally be responsible for aiding the commissioner in promulgating rules and regulations establishing the scope of practice for providers of emergency medical services, including new standards for basic and advanced life support based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National EMS Scope of Practice Model, the recommendations of the mobile intensive care advisory council, and standards established by the commissioner. b. The commissioner shall establish a State mobile intensive care advisory council, which shall: advise the department on all matters of advanced life support, the Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Response Program and emergency medical transportation; annually review advanced life support scope of practice; and provide recommendations directly to the commissioner for clinical updates. The council shall annually select a chairperson and a vice-chair from among its members. The chairperson shall coordinate the activities of the advisory council. Within 60 days following the effective date of P.L.2022, c.118 (C.26:2K-8.1 et al.), the council shall create new by-laws, and select a chair and vice-chair from among its members. In the event that the chair position is vacant, the vice-chair shall act as chair of the council until the chair position is no longer vacant. The chair shall appoint subcommittees to review and recommend policy on subjects including, but not limited to, advanced life support training programs, advanced life support patient care equipment, biomedical and telecommunications equipment and procedures, treatment protocols, and helicopter equipment and procedures, as well as other medical matters. L. 1984, c. 146, s. 10. Amended by L. 1986, c. 106, s. 5; 2022, c.118, s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-17 Rules and regulations

11. The commissioner shall promulgate such rules and regulations in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) as the commissioner deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act, and the State Board of Medical Examiners and the New Jersey Board of Nursing shall promulgate such rules and regulations as they deem necessary to carry out their functions under this act. L.1984, c. 146, s. 11; amended 2022, c.118, s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-18 Duties of mobile intensive care paramedic; interpretation of act

Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to permit a mobile intensive care paramedic to perform the duties or fill the position of another health care professional employed by the hospital, except that the paramedic may perform those functions that are necessary to assure the orderly transfer of advanced life support care from the mobile intensive care unit to hospital staff upon arrival at an emergency room, and that are necessary to obtain the clinical training in the provision of advanced life support services required by the department. L.1984, c. 146, s. 12.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-19 Emergency service training program; construction of act

Nothing in this act shall be construed as interfering with an emergency service training program authorized and operated under provisions of the "New Jersey Highway Safety Act of 1971," P.L.1971, c. 351 (C. 27:5F-1 et seq.). L.1984, c. 146, s. 13.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-20 Duties of health care professionals; construction of act

Nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent a licensed and qualified member of the health care profession from performing any of the duties of a mobile intensive care paramedic if the duties are consistent with the accepted standards of the member's profession. L.1984, c. 146, s. 14.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-21 Definitions

As used in this act: a. "Board" means the State Board of Medical Examiners; b. "Basic life support" means a basic level of pre-hospital care which includes patient stabilization, airway clearance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hemorrhage control, initial wound care and fracture stabilization and other techniques and procedures authorized by the commissioner; c. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the State Department of Health; d. "Department" means the State Department of Health; e. "Emergency service" means a program in a hospital staffed 24 hours a day by licensed physicians trained in emergency medicine; f. "EMT-intermediate" means a person trained in intermediate life support services and certified by the commissioner to render intermediate life support services as part of an authorized pre-hospital intermediate life support pilot program; g. "Inter-hospital care" means those emergency medical services rendered to emergency patients in preparation for transportation and during transportation between emergency treatment facilities, and upon arrival within those facilities; h. "Intermediate life support program" means a program authorized under this act to provide pre-hospital intermediate life support services; i. "Intermediate life support services" means an intermediate level of pre-hospital, inter-hospital, and emergency service care which includes basic life support functions, cardiac monitoring, cardiac defibrillation, the use of the esophageal obturator airway, and the use of military anti-shock trousers and other techniques and procedures authorized by the commissioner; j. "Pre-hospital care" means those emergency medical services rendered to emergency patients before and during transportation to emergency treatment facilities, and upon arrival within those facilities. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-22 Pilot program

A hospital having an accredited emergency service may apply to the department for approval to develop and maintain a pilot intermediate life support program in cooperation with first aid, rescue or emergency squads under regulations adopted by the commissioner. The pilot program shall be limited to rural areas. A pilot program that is approved by the department shall utilize EMT-intermediates for the provision of intermediate life support services. The program shall be under the direction of a licensed physician specializing in emergency medicine, who is affiliated with a hospital certified to participate in this program by the commissioner. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-23 3-year limit

An intermediate life support program shall not extend beyond three years of the effective date of this act. The commissioner shall report to the Legislature no later than January 15 of each year on the effectiveness of each intermediate life support program. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 4.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-24 Conditions for performance of services

a. EMT-intermediates may perform intermediate life support services; provided they maintain direct voice communications with, and are taking orders from, a licensed physician or physician-directed registered professional nurse, both of whom are affiliated with a hospital which is approved by the commissioner to operate an intermediate life support program. b. If the direct voice communications fail, an EMT-intermediate may perform any intermediate life support service for which he is certified that is included in written protocols established by the intermediate life support program hospital and approved by the commissioner, if, in the judgment of the EMT-intermediate, the life of the patient is in immediate danger and requires that care for his preservation. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 5.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-25 Certification

a. An EMT-intermediate shall obtain certification from the commissioner to provide pre-hospital intermediate life support services and shall make application therefor on forms prescribed by the commissioner. b. The commissioner, with the approval of the board, shall establish written standards which an EMT-intermediate shall meet in order to obtain certification. The commissioner shall certify a candidate who provides satisfactory completion of an educational program approved by the commissioner for the training of EMT-intermediates and who passes an examination in the provision of intermediate life support services, which shall be conducted by the department at regular intervals. c. The commissioner shall maintain a register of all applications for approval hereunder, which shall include but not be limited to: (1) The name and residence of the applicant; (2) The date of the application; (3) Whether the applicant was rejected or approved and the date of that action. The commissioner shall annually compile a list of certified EMT-intermediates. This list shall be available to the public. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 6.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-26 Revocation

The commissioner, after notice and hearing, may revoke the certification of an EMT-intermediate for violation of any provisions of this act or of any regulations promulgated hereunder. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 7.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-27 Authorization

a. A hospital authorized by the commissioner pursuant to section 3 shall provide intermediate life support services on a seven-day-a-week basis. b. The commissioner shall establish, in writing, criteria which a hospital shall meet in order to qualify for the authorization. c. The commissioner may withdraw his authorization if the hospital or intermediate life support services violate any provision of this act or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 8.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-28 Advertising restrictions

a. No person may advertise or disseminate information to the public that the person provides intermediate life support services, unless the person is authorized to do so pursuant to this act. b. No person may impersonate or refer to himself as an EMT-intermediate unless he is certified pursuant to section 6 of this act. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 9.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-29 Immunity

No EMT-intermediate, licensed physician, hospital or its board of trustees, officers and members of the medical staff, nurses or other employees of the hospital, or officers and members of a first aid, ambulance or rescue squad shall be liable for any civil damages as the result of an act or the omission of an act committed while in training for or in the rendering of intermediate life support services in good faith and in accordance with this act. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 10.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-30 Penalty

Any person who violates the provisions of this act is subject to a penalty of $200.00 for the first offense and $500.00 for each subsequent offense. If the violation of this act is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute a separate offense for the purposes of this section. The penalty shall be collected and enforced by summary proceedings under "the penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S. 2A:58-1 et seq.). L. 1985, c. 351, s. 11.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-31 Rules, regulations

The commissioner shall adopt such rules and regulations in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.) as he deems necessary to effectuate the purpose of this act, and the board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to carry out its functions under this act. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 12.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-32 Functions limited

Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to permit an EMT-intermediate to perform the duties or fill the position of another health professional employed by a hospital, except that the EMT-intermediate may perform those functions that are necessary to assure the orderly transfer of a patient receiving pre-hospital intermediate life support services to hospital staff upon arrival at an emergency department and that are necessary to obtain the required clinical training in the provision of intermediate life support services required by the department. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 13.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-33 Training program unaffected

Nothing in this act shall be construed as interfering with an emergency service training program authorized and operated under provisions of the "New Jersey Highway Safety Act of 1971," P.L. 1971, c. 351 (C. 27:5F-1 et seq.). L. 1985, c. 351, s. 14.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-34 Performance of duties by professionals

Nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent a licensed and qualified member of the health care profession from performing any of the duties of an EMT-intermediate if the duties are consistent with the accepted standards of the member's profession. L. 1985, c. 351, s. 15.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-35 Definitions.

1. As used in this act: a. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health. b. "Dispatch" means the coordinated request for and dispatch of the emergency medical service helicopter response unit by a central communications center located in the service area, following protocols developed by the mobile intensive care hospital, the regional trauma or critical care center, the commissioner, and the superintendent. c. "Emergency medical service helicopter response unit" means a specially equipped hospital-based emergency medical service helicopter staffed by advanced life support personnel and operated for the provision of advanced life support services under the medical direction of a mobile intensive care program and the regional trauma or critical care center authorized by the commissioner. d. "Emergency medical transportation" means the prehospital or interhospital transportation of an acutely ill or injured patient by a dedicated emergency medical service helicopter response unit operated, maintained and piloted by the Division of State Police of the Department of Law and Public Safety, pursuant to regulations adopted by the commissioner under chapter 40 of Title 8 of the New Jersey Administrative Code. e. "Medical direction" means the medical control and medical orders transmitted from the physician of the mobile intensive care hospital or from the physician at the regional trauma or critical care center to the staff of the helicopter. The mobile intensive care unit coordinating center and regional trauma or critical care center shall have the ability to cross patch and consult with each other as approved by the commissioner. f. "Mobile intensive care hospital" means a hospital authorized by the commissioner to develop and maintain a mobile intensive care unit to provide advanced life support services in accordance with P.L.1984, c.146 (C.26:2K-7 et al.). g. "Regional trauma center" means a State designated level one hospital-based trauma center equipped and staffed to provide emergency medical services to an accident or trauma victim, including, but not limited to, the level one trauma centers at University Hospital in Newark, known as the "Eric Munoz Trauma Center," and at the Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in Camden. h. "Critical care center" means a hospital authorized by the commissioner to provide regional critical care services, such as trauma, burn, spinal cord, cardiac, poison, or neonatal care. i. "Superintendent" means the Superintendent of the Division of State Police of the Department of Law and Public Safety. L.1986, c.106, s.1; amended 2010, c.80, s.1; 2012, c.17, s.278; 2012, c.45, s.113.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-36 Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Response Program

a. There is established the New Jersey Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Response Program in the Division of Local and Community Health Services of the Department of Health. The commissioner shall designate a mobile intensive care hospital and a regional trauma or critical care center which shall develop and maintain a hospital-based emergency medical service helicopter response unit. The commissioner shall designate at least two units in the State, of which no less than one unit each shall be designated for the northern and southern portions of the State, respectively. b. Each emergency medical service helicopter response unit shall be staffed by at least two persons trained in advanced life support and approved by the commissioner. The staff of the emergency medical service helicopter response unit shall render life support services to an accident or trauma victim, as necessary, in the course of providing emergency medical transportation. L. 1986, c. 106, s. 2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-36.1 New Jersey Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Response Program Fund established

2. a. There is established in the General Fund a special dedicated fund to be known as the New Jersey Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Response Program Fund which shall be administered by the State Treasurer. The Treasurer shall credit to the fund all moneys received pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1992, c.87 (C.39:3-8.2). Any interest earned on moneys in the fund shall be credited to the fund. b. From the moneys in the fund there shall be annually appropriated an amount necessary to pay the reasonable and necessary expenses of the operation of the New Jersey Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Response Program created pursuant to P.L.1986, c.106 (C.26:2K-35 et al.). Moneys remaining in the fund, and any unexpended balance of appropriations from the fund, at the end of each fiscal year, shall be reappropriated and deposited in a special capital maintenance reserve account within the fund. Moneys in the special capital maintenance reserve account shall be used exclusively for capital replacement and major maintenance of helicopter equipment. c. Six months after the effective date of this section and every six months thereafter, the Commissioner of Health shall report to the Joint Budget Oversight Committee, or its successor, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee. The report shall contain, but not be limited to, cost analyses concerning the response program activities including the number of flights, types of accidents, hours spent waiting at accident sites, and fuel and maintenance expenses. L.1992,c.87,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-37 Transportation service

The Division of State Police of the Department of Law and Public Safety shall establish an emergency medical transportation service to provide medical transportation service pursuant to this amendatory and supplementary act. The superintendent shall operate and maintain at least one dedicated helicopter for each emergency medical service helicopter response unit designated by the commissioner pursuant to section 2 of this amendatory and supplementary act. L. 1986, c. 106, s. 3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-38 Civil immunity

No mobile intensive care paramedic, licensed physician, hospital or its board of trustees, officers and members of the medical staff, nurses or other employees of the hospital, first aid, ambulance or rescue squad members or officers is liable for any civil damages as the result of an act or the omission of an act committed while training for or in rendering advanced life support services in good faith and in accordance with this amendatory and supplementary act. L. 1986, c. 106, s. 4.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-39 Definitions

1. As used in this act: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health. "Emergency medical service" means a program in a hospital staffed 24 hours-a-day by a licensed physician trained in emergency medicine. "Emergency medical technician" means a person trained in basic life support services as defined in section 1 of P.L.1985, c.351 (C.26:2K-21) and who is certified by the Department of Health to perform these services. "EMT-D" means an emergency medical technician who is certified by the commissioner to perform cardiac defibrillation. "First Responder" means a police officer, firefighter or other person who has been trained to provide emergency medical first response services in a program recognized by the commissioner. "First Responder-D" means a First Responder who is certified by the commissioner to perform cardiac defibrillation. "Pre-hospital care" means those emergency medical services rendered to emergency patients at the scene of a traffic accident or other emergency and during transportation to emergency treatment facilities, and upon arrival within those facilities. L.1989,c.314,s.1; amended 1996,c.136,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-40 Certification as EMT-D, First Responder-D

2. a. An emergency medical technician who has been certified by the commissioner as an EMT-D may perform cardiac defibrillation, with or without the assistance of another EMT-D, according to rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner. A person who has been certified by the commissioner as a First Responder-D may perform cardiac defibrillation, with or without the assistance of an EMT-D or another First Responder-D, according to rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner. b. The commissioner shall establish written standards and application procedures which an emergency medical technician shall meet in order to obtain certification as an EMT-D, and which a person shall meet in order to obtain certification as a First Responder-D. The commissioner shall certify a candidate who provides evidence of satisfactory completion of an educational program which includes training in the performance of cardiac defibrillation and which is approved by the commissioner, and who passes an examination in the performance of cardiac defibrillation which is approved by the commissioner. c. The commissioner shall maintain a register of all applications for certification as an EMT-D or a First Responder-D which shall include, but not be limited to: (1) The name and residence of the applicant; (2) The date of the application; (3) Whether the applicant was rejected or approved and the date of that action. d. The commissioner shall annually compile a list of certified EMT-D's and First Responder-D's which shall be available to the public. e. A fee may be charged to a person who is enrolled in an educational program approved by the Department of Health which includes training in the performance of cardiac defibrillation, to cover the costs of training and testing for certification as an EMT-D or a First Responder-D. L.1989,c.314,s.2; amended 1996,c.136,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-41 Revocation of certification

3. The commissioner, after notice and hearing, may revoke the certification of an EMT-D or a First Responder-D for violation of any provisions of this act or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this act. L.1989,c.314,s.3; amended 1996,c.136,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-42 False advertising; impersonation of EMT-D, First Responder-D

4. a. A person shall not advertise or disseminate information to the public that the person is an EMT-D or a First Responder-D unless the person is authorized to do so pursuant to this act. b. A person shall not impersonate or refer to himself as an EMT-D or a First Responder-D unless he is certified pursuant to section 2 of this act. L.1989,c.314,s.4; amended 1996,c.136,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-43 Immunity relative to cardiac defibrillation

5. An EMT-D, First Responder-D, EMT-intermediate, licensed physician, hospital or its board of trustees, officers and members of the medical staff, nurses, paramedics or other employees of the hospital, or officers and members of a first aid, ambulance or rescue squad shall not be liable for any civil damages as the result of an act or the omission of an act committed while in training to perform, or in the performance of, cardiac defibrillation in good faith and in accordance with this act. L.1989,c.314,s.5; amended 1996,c.136,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-44 Penalty for violation

A person who violates the provisions of this act is subject to a penalty of $200 for the first offense and $500 for each subsequent offense. If the violation of this act is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute a separate offense for the purposes of this section. The penalty shall be collected and enforced by summary proceedings under "the penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.). L.1989, c.314, s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-45 Performance of functions necessary for orderly transfer

8. Nothing in this act shall be construed to permit an EMT-D or a First Responder-D to perform the duties or fill the position of another health professional employed by a hospital, except that the EMT-D or First Responder-D may perform those functions that are necessary to assure the orderly transfer of a traffic accident victim or other emergency patient receiving pre-hospital care to hospital staff upon arrival at an emergency department and that are necessary to obtain the clinical training in the performance of cardiac defibrillation required by the department. L.1989,c.314,s.8; amended 1996,c.136,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-46 Not interference with emergency service training program

Nothing in this act shall be construed as interfering with an emergency service training program authorized and operated under the provisions of the "New Jersey Highway Traffic Safety Act of 1987," P.L.1987, c.284 (C.27:5F-18 et seq.). L.1989, c.314, s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-47 Performance of duties by other health care professional

10. Nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent a licensed and qualified member of a health care profession from performing any of the duties of an EMT-D or a First Responder-D if the duties are consistent with the accepted standards of the member's profession. L.1989,c.314,s.10; amended 1996,c.136,s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-47.1 Definitions relative to administration of epinephrine.

1. As used in this act: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health; "Emergency medical service" means a program in a hospital staffed 24 hours-a-day by a licensed physician trained in emergency medicine; "Emergency medical technician" means a person trained in basic life support services as defined in section 1 of P.L.1985, c.351 (C.26:2K-21) and who is certified by the Department of Health to provide that level of care. L.2003, c.1, s.1; amended 2012, c.17, s.279.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-47.2 Administration, maintenance, disposal of auto-injector device; certification; training; fee.

2. a. An emergency medical technician who has been certified by the commissioner pursuant to subsection b. of this section to administer an epinephrine auto-injector device shall administer, maintain and dispose of the device in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner. Each administration of an auto-injector device pursuant to this act shall be reported to the Department of Health in a manner determined by the commissioner. b. The commissioner shall establish written standards and application procedures which an emergency medical technician shall meet in order to obtain certification. The commissioner shall certify a candidate who: provides evidence of satisfactory completion of an educational program which is approved by the commissioner and includes training in the administration of epinephrine auto-injector devices; and passes an examination in the administration of the devices which is approved by the commissioner. c. The commissioner shall maintain a registry of all persons certified pursuant to this section, which shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the person's name and residence; and (2) the date that certification was granted. d. The commissioner shall annually compile a list of emergency medical technicians who have obtained certification to administer an epinephrine auto-injector device pursuant to this section, which shall be available to the public. e. A fee may be charged to a person enrolled in an educational program approved by the department which includes training in the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector device in order to cover the cost of training and testing for certification pursuant to this section, if the entity that provides the educational program is not reimbursed for the cost of that training and testing from the "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund" established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1992, c.143 (C.26:2K-56). L.2003, c.1, s.2; amended 2012, c.17, s.280.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-47.3 Purchasing, storing, transporting devices

3. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, an emergency medical technician, first aid, ambulance or rescue squad, or other entity employing the services of an emergency medical technician certified to administer an epinephrine auto-injector device pursuant to section 2 of this act may purchase, store or transport the devices pursuant to an agreement with an emergency medical service, a hospital or a State licensed physician trained in emergency medicine, for the purpose of providing basic life support services as defined in section 1 of P.L.1985, c.351 (C.26:2K-21). L.2003,c.1.s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-47.4 Revocation of certification

4. The commissioner, after notice and hearing, may revoke the certification granted pursuant to section 2 of this act for a violation of any provision of this act or any rule or regulation adopted by the commissioner pursuant to this act. L.2003,c.1.s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-47.5 Authorization for advertising, disseminating information

5. A person shall not advertise or disseminate information to the public that the person is certified to use an epinephrine auto-injector device unless the person is authorized to do so pursuant to this act. L.2003,c.1.s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-47.6 Immunity from civil liability

6. An emergency medical technician certified to administer an epinephrine auto-injector device pursuant to section 2 of this act, licensed physician, hospital or its board of trustees, officers and members of the medical staff, nurses, paramedics or other employees of the hospital, or officers and members of a first aid, ambulance or rescue squad shall not be liable for any civil damages as the result of an act or the omission of an act committed while in training to administer, or in the administration of, the device in good faith and in accordance with the provisions of this act. L.2003,c.1.s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-47.7 Violations, penalties

7. A person who violates the provisions of this act is liable to a penalty of $200 for the first offense and $500 for each subsequent offense. If the violation of this act is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute a separate offense for the purposes of this section. The penalty shall be collected and enforced by summary proceedings under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). L.2003,c.1.s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-47.8 Construction of act

8. Nothing in this act shall be construed to: a. permit a person certified to administer an epinephrine auto-injector device pursuant to section 2 of this act to perform the duties or fill the position of another health care professional employed by a hospital; b. interfere with an emergency service training program authorized and operated under the provisions of the "New Jersey Highway Traffic Safety Act of 1987," P.L.1987, c.284 (C.27:5F-18 et seq.); c. prohibit the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector device by a person acting pursuant to a lawful prescription; or d. prevent a licensed and qualified member of a health care profession from administering an epinephrine auto-injector device if the duties are consistent with the accepted standards of the member's profession. L.2003,c.1.s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-47.9 Rules, regulations.

10. Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the Commissioner of Health shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act, including medical protocols for the administration of epinephrine auto-injector devices, in consultation with the State mobile intensive care advisory council and the New Jersey State First Aid Council, Inc. The rules and regulations shall address age appropriateness in the administration of epinephrine. L.2003, c.1, s.10; amended 2012, c.17, s.281.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-48 Findings, declarations

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Traumatic injuries, such as automobile accidents, bicycle accidents, drownings and poisonings, are the most common cause of death in children over the age of one; and children have a high death rate in these emergency situations. b. Children react differently than adults to stress, metabolize drugs differently, and suffer different illnesses and injuries. Because of these differences, children's emergency medical needs should be recognized. c. Emergency medical services training programs focus on adults and, therefore, offer fewer hours of pediatric training. In addition, many emergency medical services personnel have no clinical experience with children, indicating the need to improve training of these personnel in pediatric emergencies. d. It is the public policy of this State that children are entitled to comprehensive emergency medical services, including pre-hospital, hospital and rehabilitative care. L.1992,c.96,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-49 Definitions

2. As used in this act: "Advanced life support" means an advanced level of pre-hospital, interhospital, and emergency service care which includes basic life support functions, cardiac monitoring, cardiac defibrillation, telemetered electrocardiography, administration of antiarrhythmic agents, intravenous therapy, administration of specific medications, drugs and solutions, use of adjunctive ventilation devices, trauma care and other techniques and procedures authorized in writing by the commissioner pursuant to department regulations and P.L.1984, c.146 (C.26:2K-7 et seq.). "Advisory council" means the Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Council established pursuant to section 5 of this act. "Basic life support" means a basic level of pre-hospital care which includes patient stabilization, airway clearance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hemorrhage control, initial wound care and fracture stabilization, and other techniques and procedures authorized by the commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health. "Coordinator" means the person coordinating the EMSC program within the Office of Emergency Medical Services in the Department of Health. "Department" means the Department of Health. "EMSC program" means the Emergency Medical Services for Children program established pursuant to section 3 of this act, and other relevant programmatic activities conducted by the Office of Emergency Medical Services in the Department of Health in support of appropriate treatment, transport, and triage of ill or injured children in New Jersey. "Emergency medical services personnel" means persons trained and certified or licensed to provide emergency medical care, whether on a paid or volunteer basis, as part of a basic life support or advanced life support pre-hospital emergency care service or in an emergency department or pediatric critical care or specialty unit in a licensed hospital. "Pre-hospital care" means the provision of emergency medical care or transportation by trained and certified or licensed emergency medical services personnel at the scene of an emergency and while transporting sick or injured persons to a medical care facility or provider. L.1992,c.96,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-50 Emergency Medical Services for Children program

3. a. There is established within the Office of Emergency Medical Services in the Department of Health, the Emergency Medical Services for Children program. b. The commissioner shall hire a full-time coordinator for the EMSC program in consultation with, and by the recommendation of the advisory council. c. The coordinator shall implement the EMSC program following consultation with, and at the recommendation of, the advisory council. The coordinator shall serve as a liaison to the advisory council. d. The coordinator may employ professional, technical, research and clerical staff as necessary within the limits of available appropriations. The provisions of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes shall apply to all personnel so employed. e. The coordinator may solicit and accept grants of funds from the federal government and from other public and private sources. L.1992,c.96,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-51 Purposes of the program

4. The EMSC program shall include, but not be limited to, the establishment of the following: a. Initial and continuing education programs for emergency medical services personnel that include training in the emergency care of infants and children; b. Guidelines for referring children to the appropriate emergency treatment facility; c. Pediatric equipment guidelines for pre-hospital care; d. Guidelines for hospital-based emergency departments appropriate for pediatric care to assess, stabilize, and treat critically ill infants and children, either to resolve the problem or to prepare the child for transfer to a pediatric intensive care unit or a pediatric trauma center; e. Guidelines for pediatric intensive care units, pediatric trauma centers and intermediate care units fully equipped and staffed by appropriately trained critical care pediatric physicians, surgeons, nurses and therapists; f. An interhospital transfer system for critically ill or injured children; and g. Pediatric rehabilitation units staffed by rehabilitation specialists and capable of providing any service required to assure maximum recovery from the physical, emotional, and cognitive effects of critical illness and severe trauma. L.1992,c.96,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-52 Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Council

5. a. There is created an Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Council to advise the Office of Emergency Medical Services and the coordinator of the EMSC program on all matters concerning emergency medical services for children. The advisory council shall assist in the formulation of policy and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act. b. The advisory council shall consist of a minimum of 14 public members to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of three years. Membership of the advisory council shall include: one practicing pediatrician, one pediatric critical care physician, one board certified pediatric emergency physician and one pediatric physiatrist, to be appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; one pediatric surgeon, to be appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey chapter of the American College of Surgeons; one emergency physician, to be appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians; one emergency medical technician, to be appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey State First Aid Council; one paramedic, to be appointed upon the recommendation of the State mobile intensive care advisory council; one family practice physician, to be appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey chapter of the Academy of Family Practice; two registered emergency nurses, one to be appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey State Nurses Association and one to be appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Chapter of the Emergency Nurses Association; and three members, each with a non-medical background, two of whom are parents with children under the age of 18, to be appointed upon the joint recommendation of the Association for Children of New Jersey and the Junior Leagues of New Jersey. c. Vacancies on the advisory council shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment of the Governor in the same manner as originally filled. The members of the advisory council shall serve without compensation. The advisory council shall elect a chairperson, who may select from among the members a vice-chairperson and other officers or subcommittees which are deemed necessary or appropriate. The council may further organize itself in any manner it deems appropriate and enact bylaws as deemed necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the council. L.1992,c.96,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-53 Rules, regulations

6. The commissioner shall, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.1992,c.96,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-54 Short title

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund Act." L.1992,c.143,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-55 Definitions

2. As used in this act: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health. "Fund" means the "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund" established pursuant to this act. "Council" means the State advisory council for basic and intermediate life support services training established pursuant to this act. L.1992,c.143,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-56 "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund" established

3. There is established the "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund" as a nonlapsing, revolving fund. The fund shall be administered by the commissioner or his designee, and shall be credited with monies received pursuant to subsection c. of R.S.39:5-41. The State Treasurer is the custodian of the fund and all disbursements from the fund shall be made by the treasurer upon vouchers signed by the commissioner or his designee. Monies in the fund shall be used to carry out the provisions of this act, except that no more than 5% of these monies shall be used for administration of the fund in each fiscal year. The fund shall consist of monies as provided for in this act and the interest which is earned on those monies. The monies in the fund shall be invested and reinvested by the Director of the Division of Investment in the Department of the Treasury as are other trust funds in the custody of the State Treasurer in the manner provided by law. L.1992,c.143,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-57 Reimbursement of certified agency, organization, entity

4. a. The commissioner, in accordance with recommendations adopted by the council, and within the limits of those monies in the fund, shall annually reimburse any private agency, organization, or entity which is certified by the commissioner to provide training and testing for ambulance, first aid, and rescue squad personnel who are seeking certification or recertification as a volunteer emergency medical technician, for which costs that agency, organization, or entity is not otherwise reimbursed. An agency, organization, or entity that provides training and testing to volunteer emergency medical technicians and volunteer emergency medical technician candidates shall be eligible for reimbursement from the fund regardless of whether the ambulance, first aid, and rescue squad employing or utilizing the services of the volunteer emergency medical technician receives any payment or reimbursement for providing emergency medical services. The priority for reimbursement from the fund to an agency, organization, or entity for training and testing of ambulance, first aid, and rescue squad personnel shall be in the following order: initial emergency medical technician certification and emergency medical technician refresher recertification classes. b. All reimbursements from the fund shall be promptly paid upon receipt of a qualifying application for reimbursement, which payment shall be made to the agency, organization, or entity that provided training to the volunteer emergency medical technician. c. (1) The head of the ambulance, first aid, and rescue squad employing or utilizing the services of an emergency medical technician, who received initial emergency medical technician training from an agency, organization, or entity that received reimbursement from the fund for providing the initial emergency medical technician training to that emergency medical technician, shall determine the emergency medical technician to be a volunteer in good standing, provided that the emergency medical technician works at least one service call per month during the initial three-year certification period as a volunteer emergency medical technician. (2) The head of the ambulance, first aid, and rescue squad shall seek reimbursement from the emergency medical technician, if the emergency medical technician ceases to be a volunteer in good standing, for monies paid out of the fund in connection with that emergency medical technician's training, testing, certification, or recertification, as appropriate, in connection with the initial three-year certification period in which the emergency medical technician ceased to be a volunteer in good standing. However, an emergency medical technician who ceases to be a volunteer in good standing in order to attend a public or private institution of higher education shall not be responsible for reimbursing the fund. The Department of Health shall exercise oversight authority over the collection of funds pursuant to this paragraph. d. As used in this section: "Public or private institution of higher education" means any public university or college or any private college, university, or institute incorporated and located in New Jersey, which by virtue of law or character or license is a nonprofit educational institution authorized to grant academic degrees, provides a level of education equivalent to the education provided by the State's public institutions of higher education as attested by the receipt of and continuation of regional accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and is eligible to receive State aid under the provisions of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. "Volunteer emergency medical technician" means an emergency medical technician who provides basic life support services without receiving compensation in the form of an hourly wage, a salary, or any other form of financial remuneration provided for or in connection with the provision of basic life support services. A volunteer emergency medical technician shall not include an individual employed full-time by a general or special hospital licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) as an emergency medical technician. L.1992,c.143,s.4; amended 2003, c.1, s.9; 2024, c.68.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-58 Certified persons not charged a fee

5. An agency, organization or other entity which receives monies from the fund shall not charge a fee to a person who is certified to be a member of, or an applicant to be a member of, a volunteer ambulance, first aid or rescue squad by the chief supervising officer of that squad. L.1992,c.143,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-59 Establishment of State advisory council for basic and intermediate life support services training

6. a. The commissioner shall establish a State advisory council for basic and intermediate life support services training. The council shall be responsible for: (1) establishing guidelines and making recommendations regarding reimbursement from the fund to entities providing EMT-A or EMT-D testing and training activities, (2) making recommendations for changes in emergency medical services testing and training activities or the creation of new programs as necessary to conform with federal standards, or to improve the quality of emergency medical services delivery, (3) establishing guidelines for the purchase of emergency medical services training equipment, and (4) developing recommendations for the most effective means to recruit emergency medical services volunteers. b. The council shall consist of 13 members, as follows: the Commissioner of Health, the Superintendent of the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety, the Director of the Governor's Office on Volunteerism, the President of the New Jersey State First Aid Council, the chairman of the State mobile intensive care advisory council, and the President of the Medical Transport Association of New Jersey, or their designees, as ex officio members; and seven public members, of which two shall be persons with a demonstrated interest or expertise in emergency medical services who are not health care professionals and two shall be physicians who are medical specialists in areas relating to basic life support services, to be appointed by the Governor, one shall be a representative of the New Jersey Hospital Association, to be appointed by the President thereof, one shall be a representative of the Medical Society of New Jersey, to be appointed by the President thereof, and one shall be a representative of the New Jersey State Nurses Association, to be appointed by the President thereof. c. Of the public members first appointed, three shall serve for a term of two years, three shall serve for a term of three years and one shall serve for a term of four years. Following the expiration of the original terms, the public members shall serve for a term of four years and are eligible for reappointment. Any vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, for the unexpired term. Public members shall continue to serve until their successors are appointed. d. The council shall meet at its discretion, but at least quarterly. The public members of the council shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for the reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, within the limits of funds available to the council. e. The council shall organize no later than the 60th day after the effective date of this act. The members shall choose a chairman from among themselves and a secretary who need not be a member of the council. The Department of Health shall provide such technical, clerical and administrative support as the council requires to carry out its responsibilities. L.1992,c.143,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-60 Requests for assistance of first aid, ambulance, rescue squad

1. In the event of an emergency, the chief executive officer of any volunteer first aid, ambulance or rescue squad or the mayor or chief executive officer of any municipality may request assistance from the chief executive officer of any volunteer first aid, ambulance or rescue squad located in and serving another municipality for the protection and preservation of life within the territorial jurisdiction served by the squad requesting the assistance. The chief executive officer of the volunteer first aid, ambulance or rescue squad located in and normally serving a contiguous municipality to whom such a request for assistance is made shall, except as hereinafter otherwise set forth, provide such personnel and equipment as requested to the extent possible without endangering any person or property within the municipality in which the assisting squad is located and which it normally serves. The members of any squad providing assistance shall have, while so acting, the same rights and immunities as they otherwise enjoy in the performance of their normal duties in the municipality, or other territorial jurisdiction, in which the squad is located and which it normally serves. If any member of the assisting first aid, ambulance or rescue squad shall, in rendering such assistance, suffer any injury or death, the member or his designee or legal representative shall be entitled to all salary, pension rights, workers compensation and other benefits to which the member would be entitled if the casualty or death had occurred in the performance of the member's duties in the municipality, or other territorial jurisdiction, in which the squad is located and which it normally serves. L.1993,c.58,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-61 Agreements for mutual first aid, ambulance, rescue squad assistance

2. The governing bodies of two or more municipalities may, by enacting reciprocal ordinances, enter into agreements with each other for mutual first aid, ambulance or rescue squad assistance in case of emergency, subject to the written approval of the volunteer first aid, ambulance or rescue squad or squads involved. The agreements may provide for: a. Terms and conditions for payment by the municipality receiving assistance to the municipality rendering assistance for each member and each equipped first aid, ambulance or rescue squad apparatus for each hour supplied; b. The reimbursement of the municipality or municipalities rendering assistance for any damage to first aid, ambulance or rescue squad equipment or other property and for payment to any member of a first aid, ambulance or rescue squad for injuries sustained while serving pursuant to such agreements, or to a surviving spouse or other dependent if death results; and c. A joint meeting of the municipalities entering into such agreements regarding other matters as are mutually deemed necessary. L.1993,c.58,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-62 Suspension of agreement

3. A county emergency management coordinator may, by express order, suspend operation of the provisions of any agreement entered into pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1993, c.58 (C.26:2K-61) by municipalities in the county, upon declaration of an emergency pursuant to P.L.1942, c.251 (C.App.A:9-33 et seq.) or any regulation promulgated thereunder. L.1993,c.58,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-63 Certification as EMT valid for five years.

1. Certification of a person as an emergency medical technician by the Commissioner of Health, when that person meets the requirements therefor as prescribed by regulation of the commissioner, shall be valid for a period of five years. L.2009, c.174, s.1; amended 2012, c.17, s.282.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-64 Rules, regulations.

2. The Commissioner of Health, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.2009, c.174, s.2; amended 2012, c.17, s.283.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-65 Written standards for certification as EMT-Basic.

1. a. The Commissioner of Health shall establish written standards which a person shall successfully complete in order to be certified as an EMT. b. A person who possesses a current EMT certification in good standing from another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico may obtain an EMT certification from the commissioner to provide basic life support and may make application therefor on forms prescribed by the commissioner. c. The commissioner shall make a determination regarding applications of candidates for certification as an EMT within 30 days of the receipt of a complete application and background check. The determination may provide that the commissioner requires more time to adequately review the application. An application may be denied if the application is incomplete, contains false or fraudulent information, or the applicant has been suspended or revoked in any other state or jurisdiction or would otherwise be ineligible for EMT certification, as determined by the commissioner. The commissioner shall approve an application upon determining that the certification standards of the applicant's certifying jurisdiction exceed or are equivalent to the EMT certification standards established by the commissioner and the applicant is not disqualified pursuant to P.L.2023, c.229 (C.26:2K-65.1 et al.). d. Applicants for EMT certification, who have equivalent military training or experience in any branch of the active duty or reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard of any state, shall be certified by the commissioner if the commissioner determines that the applicant's military training and experience exceed or are equivalent to the certification standards established by the commissioner. L.2013, c.101, s.1; amended 2023, c.229, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-65.1 Disqualification, EMT certification; criminal history record background check; rehabilitation.

2. a. The Department of Health shall not issue a certification to an EMT candidate unless the commissioner first determines, consistent with the requirements of sections 1 through 4 of P.L.2023, c.229 (C.26:2K-65 through 26:2K-65.3), that no criminal history record information exists on file in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division, or in the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police, which would disqualify that person from being licensed. An EMT certified by the department prior to the effective date of P.L.2023, c.229 (C.26:2K-65.1 et al.) who has not undergone a criminal history record background check, shall undergo the criminal history record background check as a condition of that individual's recertification following the effective date of P.L.2023, c.229 (C.26:2K-65.1 et al.). A follow-up criminal history record background check of federal records shall be conducted at least once every three years as a condition of recertification for every EMT. b. An EMT candidate shall be disqualified from certification if that candidate's criminal history record background check reveals a record of conviction of any of the following crimes or offenses: (1) In New Jersey, any crime or disorderly persons offense: (a) involving danger to the person, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.2C:11-1 et seq., N.J.S.2C:12-1 et seq., N.J.S.2C:13-1 et seq., N.J.S.2C:14-1 et seq., or N.J.S.2C:15-1 et seq.; (b) involving arson as set forth in N.J.S.2C:17-1 or causing or risking widespread injury or damage as set forth in N.J.S.2C:17-2; (c) involving forgery and fraudulent offenses as set forth in chapter 21 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; (d) against the family, children, or incompetents, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.2C:24-1 et seq.; (e) involving theft as set forth in chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; (f) involving any controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog as set forth in chapter 35 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; or (g) that would qualify the person for registration pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-2). (2) In any other state or jurisdiction, of any crime or disorderly persons offense involving conduct which, if committed in this State, would constitute any of the crimes or disorderly offenses described in paragraph (1) of this subsection. c. Except for a disqualification based on conviction for a crime enumerated in subparagraph (g)of paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section or a crime in any other state or jurisdiction involving conduct which, if committed in this State, would constitute a crime enumerated in subparagraph (g) of paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section, a person shall not be disqualified from licensure on the basis of any conviction disclosed by a criminal history record background check performed pursuant to the requirements of this act if the person has affirmatively demonstrated to the commissioner clear and convincing evidence of the person's rehabilitation. In determining whether a person has affirmatively demonstrated rehabilitation, the following factors shall be considered: (1) the nature and responsibility of the position which the convicted person would hold, has held or currently holds, as the case may be; (2) the nature and seriousness of the offense; (3) the circumstances under which the offense occurred; (4) the date of the offense; (5) the age of the person when the offense was committed; (6) whether the offense was an isolated or repeated incident; (7) any social conditions which may have contributed to the offense; and (8) any evidence of rehabilitation, including good conduct in prison or in the community, counseling or psychiatric treatment received, acquisition of additional academic or vocational schooling, successful participation in correctional work-release programs, or the recommendation of those who have had the person under their supervision. d. If a person subject to the provisions of sections 1 through 4 of P.L.2023, c.229 (C.26:2K-65 through 26:2K-65.3) refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, the securing of a criminal history background check, the commissioner shall, as applicable: (1) not issue an EMT certification; or (2) revoke the person's EMT certification. L.2023, c.229, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-65.2 EMT certification applicant, personal information, criminal history record background check results, notice to applicant; petition, hearing.

3. a. An applicant for certification as an EMT who is required to undergo a criminal history record background check pursuant to P.L.2023, c.229 (C.26:2K-65.1 et al.) shall submit to the commissioner that individual's name, address, and fingerprints in accordance with the standards established by the New Jersey State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for civil applicants. The commissioner is authorized to exchange fingerprint data with and receive criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of State Police for use in making the determinations required by P.L.2023, c.229 (C.26:2K-65.1 et al.). b. Upon receipt of the criminal history record information for a person from the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Division of State Police, the commissioner shall immediately notify, in writing, the applicant of the results of the criminal history record background check. If the person is disqualified, the conviction or convictions which constitute the basis for the disqualification shall be identified in the notice to the person, but shall not be identified to any other person. c. The person who is the subject of the background check shall have 30 days from the date of the written notice of disqualification to petition the commissioner for a hearing on the accuracy of the person's criminal history record information or to establish the person's rehabilitation under subsection c. of section 2 of P.L.2023, c.229 (C.26:2K-65.1). Upon the issuance of a final decision following a petition to the commissioner pursuant to this subsection, the commissioner shall notify the person as to whether the person remains disqualified from licensure. L.2023, c.229, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-65.3 EMT certification candidate, criminal history record background check, costs.

4. The Department of Health may require a candidate for an EMT certification to bear the costs of the criminal history record background check as may be deemed necessary by the department. L.2023, c.229, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-66 Definitions relative to emergency medical services.

1. As used in P.L.2017, c.116 (C.26:2K-66 et seq.): "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health. "Department" means the Department of Health. "Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council" means the Emergency Medical Services Council constituted in the department as of the effective date of P.L.2017, c.116 (C.26:2K-66 et seq.), which serves as the main emergency medical services advisory council to the commissioner and the Office of Emergency Medical Services, makes recommendations and advises on emergency medical services in New Jersey, monitors legislative developments at all levels and in other states, and supports Statewide public information and education for consumers regarding emergency medical services. "Emergency Medical Services Task Force" means the Emergency Medical Services Task Force constituted in the department as of the effective date of P.L.2017, c.116 (C.26:2K-66 et seq.). "Emergency medical services dispatch center" means any communications center which provides services in connection with the coordination of requests for emergency medical services, including, but not limited to, call intake, call processing, emergency medical dispatch, call triage, unit assignment, and dispatch and tracking of any emergency medical services provider or other first responder. "Emergency medical services provider" means any association, organization, company, department, agency, service, program, unit, or other entity that provides pre-hospital emergency medical care to patients in this State, including, but not limited to, a basic life support ambulance service, a mobile intensive care unit, an air medical service, or a volunteer or non-volunteer first aid, rescue, and ambulance squad. "First responder" means a police officer, firefighter, or other person who has been trained to provide emergency medical first response services in a program recognized by the commissioner. "Opioid antidote" means naloxone hydrochloride, or any other similarly acting drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of an opioid overdose. "Pre-hospital emergency medical care" means the provision of emergency medical care or transportation by trained and certified or licensed emergency medical services personnel at the scene of an emergency and while transporting sick or injured persons to a medical care facility or provider. L.2017, c.116, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-67 Report by provider to department.

2. a. Each emergency medical services provider shall report to the department, in the most recent National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) format, the following information concerning each incident in which the entity provides emergency medical services: (1) The date, time, and location of the encounter; (2) The nature of the medical emergency, including the number of persons requiring emergency medical services and the condition of each person requiring emergency medical services at the time the provider arrived at the scene of the encounter; (3) Any emergency medical treatment or other services provided, including any specific procedures performed, any medications administered including, but not limited to, an opioid antidote, and any modalities administered; (4) The name and certification or professional licensure of each emergency medical service professional staffing the provider unit during the encounter, regardless of whether the professional provided direct treatment or services to any person; (5) Whether any other emergency medical services provider responded to the request for emergency medical services, and, if so, whether they provided emergency medical treatment or other services to any person; (6) The outcome of the encounter, including whether each person receiving emergency medical services was treated, refused additional treatment, was transported to a hospital or other health care facility or transferred to another emergency medical services provider for further treatment, or died. In the case of a person who was transported by a provider other than the reporting provider, the reporting provider shall identify the transporting provider and the receiving facility, if known. In the case of a person who died, the provider shall indicate the cause of death, if known, and whether the person died before, during, or after the provision of emergency medical services; and (7) Any other particulars of the encounter as may be relevant or as may be required by the commissioner. b. Each emergency medical services dispatch center shall report to the department, in a standardized format as the commissioner shall prescribe by regulation, the following information concerning each request for emergency medical services received by the dispatch center: (1) The date, time, and location of the request for emergency medical services; (2) The nature and circumstances of the emergency, as provided to the dispatch center; (3) The identity of each emergency medical services provider dispatched to the scene of the encounter; and (4) Any other particulars of the request as may be relevant or as may be required by the commissioner. L.2017, c.116, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-68 System to allow for electronic reporting of information; rules, regulations.

3. a. The commissioner shall establish a system to allow for the electronic reporting of emergency medical services dispatch and response information as required pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2017, c.116 (C.26:2K-67). Information shall be reported to the system in a format and at such intervals as required by the commissioner, except that, to the extent possible, the system shall interact with existing systems used by emergency medical services providers and emergency medical services dispatch centers, including, but not limited to, emsCharts and Image Trend, to facilitate automated, real-time reporting of the information. The department shall furnish to EMS providers and 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers, without charge, any software or programs developed by the department for accessing and using the electronic reporting system. b. The electronic reporting system established pursuant to this section shall, at a minimum, seek to record and track data concerning types of medical emergencies for which emergency medical services are requested, response times for emergency medical services providers, patterns in the timing and location of requests for emergency medical services, patterns in the type or nature of emergency medical services provided, and patterns in dispatch and response activity. c. The commissioner shall, in consultation with the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), establishing quality performance metrics and pre-hospital protocols for emergency medical services providers, which shall be based on the data tracked and recorded pursuant to subsection b. of this section. The commissioner shall review and update the rules and regulations concerning quality performance metrics and pre-hospital protocols as appropriate. d. The commissioner shall make the response times for emergency medical services providers that are tracked and recorded pursuant to subsection b. of this section available to the public on the department's Internet website. L.2017, c.116, s.3; amended 2021, c.447, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-69 New Jersey Emergency Medical Services Task Force.

4. a. The commissioner shall establish, maintain, and coordinate the activities of the New Jersey Emergency Medical Services Task Force. b. The purpose of the task force shall be to support and enhance the provision of specialized response services, utilizing personnel and equipment to respond as requested, for both pre-planned and emergency events, including natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive events, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality through appropriate triage, incident management, and coordinated pre-hospital care and transportation. c. The membership of the task force shall represent all regions of the State and shall include first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, registered nurses, physicians, communications specialists, hospitals, agencies providing emergency medical responder and other emergency medical services, and communication centers utilized for the purpose of providing emergency medical services. L.2017, c.116, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-70 Maintenance of trauma patient transfer criteria, agreements by general acute care hospital.

2. Each general acute care hospital licensed in the State pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) shall maintain trauma patient transfer criteria and transfer agreements, which criteria and agreements shall provide for the effective and efficient transfer of patients requiring the services of a trauma center. The Department of Health shall collect and post on its Internet website each hospital's transfer criteria and transfer agreements. L.2021, c.23, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-71 Definitions relative to mobile intensive care paramedics.

1. a. As used in this section: "Mobile intensive care paramedic" and "mobile intensive care unit" shall have the same meaning as provided in section 1 of P.L.1984, c.146 (C.26:2K-7). "Opioid antidote" shall have the same meaning as provided in section 1 of P.L.2017, c.116 (C.26:2K-66). b. Subject to the requirements of federal law, a mobile intensive care paramedic in this State who has responded to an emergency as a member of a dispatched mobile intensive care unit may administer buprenorphine, under the medical direction of a licensed, supervising physician, to an individual following the emergency administration of an opioid antidote to that individual provided that the mobile intensive care paramedic administering the buprenorphine: (1) is providing emergency medical services through a program that is registered with the United States Attorney General pursuant to subsection (j) of 21 U.S.C. s.823; (2) administers the buprenorphine consistent with all applicable requirements of federal law; and (3) has completed supervised comprehensive training and competency assessments within a mobile intensive care unit regarding which specific medical conditions necessitate the administration of buprenorphine, buprenorphine dosage requirements, and required medical documentation following the administration of buprenorphine. L.2021, c.153.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-72 Short title.

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "9-1-1 First Responder Dispatcher Act." L.2021, c.447, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-73 Findings, declarations.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. There are over 6,000 public safety call centers, known as public safety answering points, in the United States. b. Public safety communications professionals dedicate their lives to helping others by performing work that goes far beyond merely relaying information between the public and first responders. c. In times of crises, the information collected and actions taken by public safety communications professionals form the foundation for an effective response by law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical service professionals. d. Public safety communications professionals are an important part of the first responder community that provides immediate assistance to crime and disaster victims. e. Accordingly, it is altogether fitting and proper to recognize the role of public safety communications professionals, including 9-1-1 dispatchers or operators, as emergency response personnel by designating them as 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers. L.2021, c.447, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-74 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers; designation.

3. Persons appointed as public safety communications professionals, also referred to as 9-1-1 dispatchers or operators, shall hereinafter be referred to as 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers. L.2021, c.447, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-75 Definitions.

1. As used in this act: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health. “Emergency glucagon” means a medication used when a person with diabetes is experiencing severe hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and cannot take sugar orally. Once injected the medication raises the injected person’s blood sugar. "Emergency medical technician" means a person trained in basic life support services as defined in section 1 of P.L.1985, c.351 (C.26:2K-21) and who is certified by the Department of Health to provide that level of care. “Glucagon” means a hormone that the human body produces to prevent low blood sugar, which comes in several forms including a nasal spray, auto-injectors, prefilled syringes, or a powder that must be mixed with a liquid before injecting. L.2025, c.299, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 26:2K-76 EMTs obtaining authorization to independently administer glucagon, blood glucose tests, procedures.

2. a. The commissioner shall establish written standards, protocols, or application procedures which an emergency medical technician shall meet in order to obtain authorization to independently administer glucagon and blood glucose tests, which may include training and authorized forms of glucagon administration, which authorized forms shall at minimum include an auto-injector device. b. An emergency medical technician who has been authorized by the commissioner pursuant to subsection a. of this section to administer emergency glucagon shall administer, maintain, and dispose of the device in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner. c. The commissioner may by regulation or order modify, suspend, or terminate the authorization of an individual emergency medical technician to administer glucagon or blood glucose tests, obtained pursuant to this section, if necessary for public health, safety, or welfare. The commissioner may, by written standards, protocols, or regulation, require the emergency medical technician to transfer the patient to an acute care hospital unless the patient or their legally authorized representative refuses the transfer. d. The commissioner may maintain a registry of all persons authorized pursuant to this section, which may include, but not be limited to: (1) the person's name and residence; and (2) the date that authorization was granted. e. The commissioner may annually compile a list of emergency medical technicians who have obtained authorization to administer blood glucose tests or emergency glucagon pursuant to this section, which shall be available to the public. f. A fee may be charged to a person enrolled in an educational program approved by the department which includes training in the administration of blood glucose tests and emergency glucagon in order to cover the cost of training and testing for certification pursuant to this section, if the entity that provides the educational program is not reimbursed for the cost of that training and testing from the "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund" established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1992, c.143 (C.26:2K-56). L.2025, c.299, s.2.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026