New Jersey Assembly Bill A321

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Streamlines emergency medical technician certification process for certain veterans.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws concerning the certification of emergency medical technicians by defining 'servicemembers' and allowing them streamlined access to certification that bypasses some traditional educational requirements. This reflects a legislative intent to honor the skills of military veterans and facilitate their transition into civilian roles within emergency services.

Summary

Assembly Bill A321 aims to streamline the certification process for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) specifically for certain veterans. The bill provides that veterans or servicemembers with military medical training, such as Combat Army Medics or Navy Hospital Corpsmen, can be certified as EMTs by the New Jersey Commissioner of Health provided they also possess certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and pass a background check. This process is designed to recognize military training as equivalent to the training required for civilian EMT certification, thereby facilitating quicker entry into the workforce for these individuals.

Contention

While the bill is primarily seen as supportive for veterans, it may face scrutiny regarding the adequacy of training and safety standards associated with bypassing conventional certification routes. Critics may argue that relaxing standards too significantly could affect the quality of emergency medical services. However, the bill promotes the notion that military training provides valuable competencies that should be recognized in civilian contexts.