New Jersey Senate Bill S1737

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Permits EMT, paramedic, or investigator for county medical examiner's office to make determination and pronouncement of death under certain circumstances.

Impact

If enacted, S1737 will amend existing legislation concerning death determination, specifically updating provisions within P.L.1983 and P.L.1988. This grant of authority allows EMTs and paramedics to certify death in scenarios that include home settings or disaster scenes where no qualified physician is present, thereby establishing a clearer protocol during critical moments and potentially reducing delays in necessary procedures following a death.

Summary

Senate Bill S1737, sponsored by Senator Paul D. Moriarty, introduces provisions that permit emergency medical technicians (EMTs), mobile intensive care paramedics, and investigators from the county medical examiner's office to make determinations and pronouncements of death under specific circumstances. This amendment aims to address situations in which no physician or registered professional nurse is available to make such determinations. By allowing these professionals to exercise this authority, the bill seeks to improve efficiency in emergency response situations.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise surrounding the qualifications and training of EMTs and paramedics to make such critical determinations. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the potential for errors in death pronouncements made by non-physician professionals. Furthermore, questions related to the ethical implications and legal ramifications of expanding the authority of EMTs in this sensitive domain may be debated among lawmakers and medical professionals alike.