The bill establishes the New Jersey Board of Paramedicine, which will oversee the licensure and regulation of emergency medical services professionals, including mobile intensive care paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), flight paramedics, and flight nurses. The board will consist of 15 members appointed by the Governor, with specific qualifications related to residency, experience, and active practice in their fields. The bill outlines the board's responsibilities, including setting licensure standards, conducting background checks, maintaining a registry of licensed professionals, and establishing an Alternative to Discipline Program for licensees with chemical dependencies. It also introduces new definitions related to emergency medical services and mandates that licensed individuals 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 the board's operations and research initiatives, and the Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund, aimed at assisting individuals training to become EMTs. It amends existing laws to clarify the definitions and responsibilities of health care professionals, particularly EMTs and mobile intensive care paramedics, and outlines the conditions under which these professionals are granted immunity from civil liability when responding to emergencies. The bill also requires the development of a training curriculum focused on autism and developmental disabilities for emergency responders, which EMTs must complete as part of their licensure process. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the quality and oversight of emergency medical services in New Jersey.

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