MONTCLAIR, N.J. — The N.J. Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee has passed a bill that would put all EMS under one professional standard.
The bill would also put the N.J. Department of Health in charge of EMS statewide, according to NJ Spotlight.
To meet the singular professional standard, new rules would require volunteer EMTs to be licensed and pass a background check.
Andy Lovell, chief of Gloucester County EMS, said he supports the bill because it “puts the framework in place so that we can create one standard of care across the board for patients…"
Volunteer EMT advocates, however, believe the bill would make it easier for volunteers to be replaced by paid professionals.
Ed Burdzy, executive director of the New Jersey State First Aid Council (NJSFAC), said that forcing all 27,000 volunteer EMTs to pass background checks would overwhelm the state, and Senator Joseph Pennacchio expressed concerns about licensing fees.
While supporters agree the bill would grant citizens of the state equal and establish rules of care, those against say the Commissioner of Health would have too much power.