Requires issuance of temporary emergency medical services certifications.
Impact
This legislation significantly impacts state laws governing emergency medical services by temporarily allowing individuals with expired certifications to return to service under provisional terms. This is critical in ensuring that there are enough qualified personnel to meet public health needs during emergencies. The bill facilitates the reactivation of certifications that have been inactive and allows for temporary reciprocity for out-of-state paramedics, ensuring that New Jersey can bolster its emergency response workforce quickly and effectively.
Summary
Senate Bill S2443 requires the issuance of temporary emergency medical services certifications. Specifically, it mandates that the New Jersey Commissioner of Health issue provisional certifications for emergency medical technicians and paramedics whose certifications have expired. This is particularly aimed at those who may not have met the standard requirements for reinstatement. The bill is timed to coincide with the duration of the declared state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for an immediate and streamlined process to enhance emergency medical services during such crises.
Contention
Notably, while proponents of S2443 argue that it addresses urgent community health needs, concerns may arise regarding the qualifications of provisional certificate holders. Critics may argue that lowering the standards for certification impacts the quality of emergency medical services provided, potentially putting public safety at risk. Therefore, while the bill aims to create more access to emergency responders, it may face scrutiny regarding its implications for service quality.
Provides for licensure of emergency medical responders and emergency medical technicians and certification of mobility assistance vehicle operators; revises requirements for delivery of emergency medical and patient transportation services.
An Act Concerning The Department Of Public Health's Recommendations Regarding Revisions To Emergency Medical Services Definitions, Certification And Continuing Education Requirements.
Provisions for public review process in rulemaking, case mix review, and Minnesota One Health Antimicrobial Stewardship Collaborative changed; definition modified; procurement contractor waiver created; independent informal dispute resolution process aligned; and licensure requirements for certain professions modified.
Transfer care specialist registration established, behavior analysts licensure established, veterinary technician and veterinary institutional license established, veterinary supervision provisions modified, specialty dentist licensure and dental assistant licensure modified, physician assistant additional collaboration requirements removed, social worker provisional licensure modified, guest licensure established for marriage and family therapists, pharmacy provisions modified, and money appropriated.
Relating to the access to and use of certain criminal history record information, to the procedure for obtaining that information, and to the correct terminology for certain licenses the issuance of which requires a criminal history background check.
Relating to the access to and use of certain criminal history record information, to the procedure for obtaining that information, and to the correct terminology for certain licenses the issuance of which requires a criminal history background check.