Healthcare (Public Safety) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 955: Requires 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers to receive certain certification.

This bill requires all 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers working for public safety answering points (PSAPs) in New Jersey to obtain certification through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) in both Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD). It applies to all PSAP employees in these roles, in addition to any existing training or certification requirements set by the Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services. The certification requirement becomes effective 13 months after the bill's enactment date. The law aims to standardize emergency dispatch training and ensure personnel meet specific national protocols for handling medical and fire-related calls.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2282: Concerns distribution of 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account.

This bill expands the use of New Jersey's 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account to cover first responder recruitment and retention costs, directly affecting state and local emergency response personnel. It adds a new provision requiring annual funding for these recruitment/retention efforts and mandates that 5% of the fund's annual appropriations go to the New Jersey EMS Task Force, a nonprofit organization supporting emergency medical services. The bill modifies existing fund purposes to include costs for operating emergency communications systems, implementing federal 9-1-1 requirements, and acquiring replacement equipment. These changes ensure dedicated funding for critical emergency response infrastructure and personnel support without altering tax structures or eligibility rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3007: 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.

This bill establishes new licensing requirements for emergency medical responders (EMRs) and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and creates certification standards for mobility assistance vehicle operators. It directly affects EMS professionals, ambulance services, and providers of non-emergency medical transportation for individuals with disabilities. Key provisions include setting minimum staffing rules for different transport units (like mobile intensive care units and basic life support vehicles), requiring all crew members to hold valid licenses or certifications, and defining specific roles like "mobility assistance vehicle operator." The bill also clarifies that non-emergency transport providers must be licensed to serve patients who need medical transportation but do not require ambulance-level care.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 1772: Requires DOH to develop Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create and maintain a comprehensive Statewide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Plan. The plan must include regional strategies developed with county health boards, assess current EMS resources and effectiveness, set performance goals for response times and access, and establish metrics for improvement. It directly affects all emergency medical services providers across New Jersey and aims to improve emergency care for all residents by reducing response times, expanding access to high-quality care, and coordinating ambulance, hospital, and trauma center services. The DOH must update the plan every three years and make it publicly available online.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2619: Concerns distribution of 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account.

This bill (S 2619) updates how funds in New Jersey's 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account are used. It adds new purposes, including covering costs for recruiting and retaining first responders, and specifies that 5% of annual funds must go to the New Jersey EMS Task Force - a nonprofit organization supporting emergency medical services. The bill directly affects emergency response operations and personnel by expanding the fund's eligible uses. It modifies existing law to ensure these specific costs are covered through the state's dedicated trust fund.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 1379: Provides workers' compensation benefits for certain public safety workers who developed illness or injury as result of responding to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

S 1379 (New Jersey) creates a presumption that illnesses or injuries suffered by public safety workers (firefighters, police, EMTs) who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks are compensable under workers' compensation law, regardless of when a claim is filed. It requires workers to participate in the federal World Trade Center Health Program to qualify for benefits. The bill also specifies that benefits paid through federal programs (like the WTC Health Program) will be credited against future state benefits, preventing double payment. This directly affects New Jersey public safety workers exposed to 9/11 hazards who later developed related illnesses or injuries.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1776: Requires State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee include certain first responder titles in first responders primary care medical home program.

This bill requires New Jersey's State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee to include specific first responder job titles in its primary care medical home program. It expands coverage to police, firefighters, emergency medical staff, dispatchers, correctional officers, investigators, and similar personnel (and their dependents) already enrolled in the state health benefits program. The program must provide comprehensive care, including routine check-ups, medications, mental health services, urgent care, and coordination with specialists. This mandate applies whenever the committee creates or modifies such a program for first responders.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Mental Health Primary Care Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1474: Establishes EMS part of PERS; provides enhanced benefits for emergency medical service employees.

This bill establishes a new "EMS Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) specifically for emergency medical services (EMS) employees, making membership mandatory for all qualifying workers. It sets a 10% salary contribution rate for members and provides enhanced retirement benefits: 50% of final salary for those with 20+ years of service, plus additional payments for service beyond 20 years (up to 25), and 65% of final salary plus 1% per year over 25 (up to 30) for resigning employees with 25+ years. Existing retirement service credit for EMS employees transfers to the new EMS Part without additional cost. The bill directly affects EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and other certified EMS personnel as defined by the legislation.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 18, 2026

S 1421: Requires municipalities to provide basic life support services; establishes basic life support services as essential.

This bill requires all New Jersey municipalities to provide basic life support (BLS) emergency medical services as an essential public service. It directly affects every local government in the state, mandating they arrange for BLS care through five specific options: contracting with private or nonprofit entities, entering mutual aid agreements with other towns, partnering with hospitals, or using existing fire/emergency services. The law defines BLS as covering critical emergency care like CPR, wound treatment, and stabilization during transport. Municipalities must ensure these services meet community needs, with no specific funding details provided. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Tags Public Safety

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