t[he staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, On Monday, the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney that allows EMTs from other states to work in New Jersey.
“It is important that we make it easy for out-of-state professionals to get jobs they are already qualified for,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “New Jersey needs to take every step it can to become friendlier for current and new residents.”
The bill will also make it easier for volunteers to join the EMT ranks, boosting first responders across the state. Volunteerism in ambulance and fire departments declined to 275 from 400 between 2000 and 2017, according to the EMS Council of New Jersey. A common deterrent is the time and cost it takes to become certified.
“Many small hospitals and towns can’t afford to hire the necessary personnel to take care of residents, and residents can’t always afford the certification process. Enabling more volunteers who are already certified is a way to fill that gap,” said Rooney.