New Jersey Assembly Bill A4022

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Refer: 3/7/24

Caption

Requires DOH to develop Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan.

Impact

The legislation aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of emergency medical services for all New Jersey residents. The statewide plan is expected to decrease morbidity, hospitalization rates, and overall mortality through improved EMS response times and greater coordination among services. By conducting regular reviews and updates of the plan every three years, the DOH seeks to adapt to the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, thus reinforcing the state's commitment to protecting the health of its citizens.

Summary

A4022 is a New Jersey bill introduced to create a comprehensive statewide emergency medical services (EMS) plan through the Office of Emergency Medical Services within the Department of Health (DOH). The primary goal of this bill is to ensure that emergency medical services across New Jersey operate in a coordinated and effective manner. The proposed plan will outline both short-term and long-term objectives tailored to address the various needs of different regions within the state. As part of the development process, the bill mandates that the Office conduct a thorough inventory of existing EMS resources and perform assessments of the current EMS system.

Contention

While the bill's objectives appear to be focused on improving public health outcomes, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation, funding, and operational control of local EMS services. Stakeholders may express concerns about how the statewide plan could limit local autonomy in EMS decision-making or the allocation of resources. Moreover, the necessity to establish performance metrics and compliance may create additional pressures on local emergency services, necessitating a balance between state oversight and local operational flexibility. As the bill progresses, these discussions will be crucial in shaping a viable and effective EMS framework.