Governor Murphy Signs 2022 ALS Modernization Act

(Trenton) – Governor Murphy has signed Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer and Senator Joseph Vitale’s historic healthcare reform legislation. The “2022 ALS Modernization Act” represents the most extensive reforms to the Emergency Medical Services Act in nearly forty years. Through critical advances in paramedic staffing and treatment protocols, the “2022 ALS Modernization Act” ensures our State remains a leader in patient-focused healthcare policy.

In partnership with industry leaders, Assemblyman Schaer and Senator Vitale crafted innovative Advanced Life Support (ALS) reforms that comprehensively strengthen New Jersey’s healthcare infrastructure. The Assemblyman brought together expert healthcare providers including, paramedics, emergency nurses, specialty care transport units, agency medical directors, administrators, and volunteer paramedics, to modernize our State’s ALS services. “This legislation represents an unprecedented collaboration between New Jersey’s leading healthcare authorities to create a state-of-the-art emergency care system,” said Assemblyman Schaer (D-Passaic and Bergen).

Since the Emergency Medical Services Act was last updated in 1984, New Jersey’s medical industry has diversified, Assemblyman Schaer’s bill creates new pathways to licensure for existing medical professionals. Expanding New Jersey’s paramedic workforce addresses long-standing personnel shortages that have limited municipalities emergency management. The State’s modernized ALS system will integrate our advanced healthcare professionals to provide state of the art rapid response care.

The “2022 ALS Modernization Act” creates a mobilized healthcare system that gives patients access to modern healthcare resources outside of a hospital setting. As the healthcare industry has evolved, patients have benefitted from treatment and setting options specifically tailored to their care.

Assemblyman Schaer’s legislation allows our professional paramedics to administer care outside of the emergency hospital setting, including hospital-controlled settings, Mobile Integrated Health (MIH), hospital at home and appropriate specialty environments. By broadening the scope of practice for our paramedics, patients, including those battling chronic conditions, will have the opportunity to receive professional care in their own homes. “Our State boasts the nation’s most advanced healthcare system, giving our residents to access to pioneering medical breakthroughs administered by accomplished professionals,” said Assemblyman Schaer, “The 2022 ALS Modernization Act authorizes our paramedics to administer proven treatments in settings that will support effective, long-term patient recovery”.

The “2022 ALS Modernization Act” creates an adaptive regulatory structure, overseen by the MICU Advisory Council (MAC) and the newly established State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director. A centralized regulatory system empowers New Jersey’s medical professionals to lead the process of creating cutting-edge treatment protocols that improve the quality of patient care. “Providing families with high quality healthcare should not be limited by the bureaucratic process,” said Assemblyman Schaer.

Clinical protocols will be instituted by the State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director within the Office of Emergency Medical Services. The newly established position will be filled by a licensed New Jersey physician who is certified in emergency medicine by the Board of Medical Examiners.

Through this legislation, the MICU Advisory Council (MAC) will broaden its existing role by annually reviewing and recommending revisions to standard procedures that reflect emerging scientific innovations. This accelerates the adoption of forward-thinking practices, under the guidance of New Jersey’s leading medical professionals. Guaranteeing that our emergency service providers are administering ground-breaking care to every patient.