This bill seeks to enhance 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 these roles and establishes minimum staffing requirements for emergency medical service units. Key provisions include the authority for the commissioner to summarily suspend licenses if a person's continued licensure poses a threat to public health and safety, as well as the requirement for criminal history background checks for licensure and recertification. The bill also emphasizes compliance with established standards and regulations to ensure that all personnel involved in emergency medical services are adequately trained and licensed.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the transportation of students with special needs, allowing designated personnel to transport school children in smaller vehicles without needing a school bus driver’s license. It establishes licensure requirements for emergency medical responders and EMTs, as well as certification for mobility assistance vehicle operators (MAVOs), with the Commissioner of Health responsible for creating standards and procedures for these certifications. The legislation mandates electronic patient care reporting for non-emergency medical transportation services and includes penalties for violations of the new regulations, while also repealing outdated laws related to EMT designations.

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