This bill seeks to improve the licensure and certification processes for emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and mobility assistance vehicle operators in New Jersey. It introduces new definitions for "mobility assistance vehicle operator" and "mobility assistance vehicle service provider," both of which must be certified and licensed by the Department of Health. The bill outlines the commissioner's responsibilities in establishing minimum staffing requirements for emergency medical service units and provides a process for appeals regarding staffing decisions. It also mandates criminal history background checks for all candidates, ensuring that individuals with certain criminal convictions are disqualified, while allowing for licensure if they can demonstrate rehabilitation.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the commissioner's authority to summarily suspend licenses if public health and safety are at risk and emphasizes civil liability protections for emergency medical personnel acting in good faith. It establishes that applicants who refuse to cooperate with background checks will have their certification revoked and introduces new requirements for educational programs and examinations for licensure. The bill also includes provisions for data collection on patient encounters in non-emergency medical transportation and mandates a study on the quality of emergency medical services, focusing on clinician burnout and patient outcomes. Furthermore, it repeals outdated laws related to EMT designations and introduces penalties for violations of the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2K-7, 26:2K-9, 26:2K-13, 26:2K-14, 26:2K-20, 26:2K-65, 26:2K-65.1, 26:2K-65.2, 26:2K-65.3, 26:2K-66, 18A:39-20.1, 30:4D-6.2, 30:4D-6.4