This bill extends the authority of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in New Jersey to administer glucagon and conduct blood glucose tests, which are critical interventions for individuals experiencing severe hypoglycemia. The legislation defines "emergency glucagon" as a medication used when a person with diabetes cannot take sugar orally, and it outlines the necessary training and certification process for EMTs to perform these tasks. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with establishing written standards and application procedures for EMT certification, which includes completing an approved educational program and passing an examination.
Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a registry by the Commissioner of Health to track certified EMTs and their training status. It allows for the possibility of charging a fee for educational programs that cover the costs of training and testing for certification, provided that these programs are not reimbursed by the "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund." The act is set to take effect six months after its enactment, aiming to enhance the emergency response capabilities of EMTs and improve patient outcomes in critical situations involving diabetes-related emergencies.