New Jersey Assembly Bill A2532

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires DOH to provide for voluntary registration of trauma scene waste management service providers and establish trauma scene waste management registry.

Impact

The bill is designed to fill a regulatory gap concerning the management of medical waste at trauma scenes—situations where biohazardous materials could be present due to incidents like homicides or suicides. By requiring providers to adhere to specific standards and maintain certification from the American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA), the legislation aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of trauma scene cleanup operations. The bill is also expected to prevent unregistered service providers from receiving referrals, thus encouraging compliance with established standards and registration processes.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2532 aims to enhance the regulation of trauma scene waste management in New Jersey by establishing a voluntary registration program for service providers. The bill mandates the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection, to create a Trauma Scene Waste Management Registry. This registry will serve as an electronic database, containing contact information for registered trauma scene waste management service providers across the state. The goal is to ensure that only certified and compliant service providers are engaged in the cleanup and remediation of regulated medical waste and potentially infectious materials at trauma scenes.

Contention

There may be discussions around the implications of this bill regarding local control and the imposition of standards that potential service providers must meet to be eligible for registration. Some stakeholders may argue that the fees involved for annual registration could present barriers for smaller or new businesses wishing to enter the trauma scene waste management industry. Additionally, issues regarding the accessibility and public awareness of the new registry could be points of contention, particularly concerning how well the information is disseminated to first responders and law enforcement agencies.