New Jersey would let eligible EMS workers practice across state lines

New Jersey would join an interstate agreement that lets eligible EMS workers practice across member-state lines under a shared privilege. It covers licensed EMTs, advanced EMTs, paramedics, and certain state-recognized levels between EMT and paramedic who practice in other member states. The privilege applies only when the worker’s home state meets compact requirements, including use of the national licensing exam and reporting requirements. The compact takes effect when its law is enacted in the tenth member state. In New Jersey, this act would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Member states would recognize qualified workers’ privilege to practice, and could restrict or revoke that privilege under their laws. The privilege covers specified patient transports and care in another member state, including transporting patients between states or providing care within the remote state. Workers must be at least 18, hold a current unrestricted license in a member state, and work under a medical director. They generally follow their home state’s scope of practice and the remote state’s laws; emergency declarations that activate the separate emergency management compact are governed by that compact. A worker whose home-state license is restricted or suspended cannot use the privilege until that license is restored.

Member states would share licensing and disciplinary information through a coordinated database, and the compact commission could assess states or charge fees to fund its work. These duties and possible charges apply to participating states and people whose licenses fall under the compact. The database may include license denials, disciplinary actions, and certain investigation and alternative-program information. A state may bar public sharing of information it contributes, and information must be removed when that state’s law requires expungement. The compact’s commission powers begin when the compact takes effect in the tenth member state; New Jersey’s act would take effect 180 days after enactment.