The proposed bill establishes the New Jersey Board of Paramedicine, which will regulate the professions of mobile intensive care paramedics, emergency medical technicians, mobile intensive care nurses, flight paramedics, and flight nurses. It introduces new definitions and standards for both basic and advanced life support services, and the Board will consist of 15 members with specific qualifications, including licensed paramedics and medical professionals. The bill outlines the Board's responsibilities, such as setting licensure standards, maintaining a registry of licensed professionals, and conducting investigations. It also mandates criminal history background checks for all licensure applicants and requires licensed individuals to report any arrests or convictions to the Board within 30 days.

Additionally, the bill creates two funds: the Board of Paramedicine Fund, which will support board operations and paramedicine research, and the Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund, aimed at assisting individuals training to become emergency medical technicians. It establishes an Alternative to Discipline Program for licensees with chemical dependencies, mandates training on recognizing individuals with autism or developmental disabilities, and introduces penalties for unauthorized practice. The bill also amends existing laws to include emergency medical technicians in the definition of health care professionals and outlines the conditions for civil liability immunity for health care professionals responding to emergencies. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulation and oversight of paramedicine in New Jersey, ensuring high standards of care and professionalism.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:1-28, 26:2K-12, 2A:62A-1.3, 2A:62A-19, 26:2-190, 39:3-27.59, 39:3C-1, 43:15A-43, 52:3-12, 52:27D-407