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MD

Bill

A 4450

Amends law related to EMT eligibility for receiving funds from "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Mitchelle Drulis and 1 co-sponsor

Defines volunteer EMT, expands eligible higher-ed schools, and ties initial three-year good standing to annual service or hours for reimbursements.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4450

Summary of Bill A 4450 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

This bill amends existing law governing the Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund and the eligibility of volunteer EMTs to receive fund reimbursements. Its core aim is to clarify who qualifies as a volunteer EMT for fund eligibility, adjust the definition of higher education institutions to include certain out-of-state schools, ensure proper oversight of reimbursement recoveries, and specify ongoing requirements for EMTs to maintain good standing during their initial certification period.

Key provisions and changes

  • Fund eligibility for training reimbursements

    • The bill retains and clarifies the current mechanism by which the state reimburses private training providers (agencies, organizations, or entities) for initial EMT certification, EMT refresher/recertification, and select continuing education classes for volunteer EMTs.
    • Reimbursements are limited to training and testing costs not otherwise reimbursed to the provider.
    • Payment is made promptly upon qualifying application.

  • Definition of “volunteer emergency medical technician”

    • Redefines volunteer EMT as an EMT who offers basic life support without receiving compensation such as wages or salary for that service.
    • Removes prior language that excluded individuals employed full-time by a hospital as EMTs from being considered volunteers.

  • Definition of “public or private institution of higher education”

    • Expands the definition to include out-of-state universities and colleges located in the United States that are nonprofit, accredited, and authorized to grant degrees, provided they meet the general criteria for receiving state aid.

  • Certification period and good standing requirements

    • To be considered a volunteer in good standing during the initial three-year certification period, an EMT must complete at least one of the following per year:
    • 12 service calls, or
    • 150 duty hours.
    • The head of the ambulance/first aid/rescue squad that employs or utilizes the EMT and that received the initial training reimbursement shall determine good standing.

  • Reimbursement recovery

    • If an EMT ceases to be a volunteer in good standing, the employing agency may seek reimbursement from the EMT for funds paid for training, testing, certification, or recertification during the initial three-year period.
    • If the EMT leaves to attend a public or private higher-education institution, they shall not be required to reimburse the fund. Oversight of this recovery process remains with the Department of Health.

  • Oversight and effective date

    • The Department of Health retains oversight authority over fund collections.
    • The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Private training providers who offer EMT-related training and testing (reimbursement eligibility and timing).
  • Volunteer EMTs (clarified eligibility, ongoing activity requirements, and potential repayment obligations if good standing is not maintained).
  • Emergency medical squads and their leadership (responsible for determining good standing and managing reimbursements).
  • Institutions of higher education (expanded eligibility for reimbursement discussions, particularly out-of-state nonprofit or accredited institutions).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Immediate effect once enacted.
  • Reimbursements are to be paid promptly upon receipt of qualifying applications.
  • The three-year initial certification period with annual activity requirements governs good standing and potential fund recovery if non-compliant.

This summary covers the substantive changes to EMT funding eligibility, definitions, and related administrative processes under A 4450.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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