Implanted Medical Device Information Would Assist EMS Response
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner and Senator Joseph Pennacchio to allow people with implanted medical devices to voluntarily make notifications on their driver’s licenses or identification cards was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee today.
Under the provisions of the bill, the designation would be required to be made in accordance with procedures established by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Use of the information would be restricted to law enforcement officials or emergency medical professionals only, and applied specifically to diagnose a person who has been rendered unable to communicate as a result of an accident or injury.
“When someone is having a medical emergency and cannot respond to EMS professionals, every bit of information is essential,” said Senator Turner (D-Hunterdon/Mercer). “Giving New Jersey residents the option of including a medical implant device notice on their driver’s license or ID card could make a critical difference in the timeliness and outcome of their emergency treatment.”
The bill, S-1856, would take effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment and allows the chief administrator of the MVC to take any administrative action in advance necessary for the implementation of the legislation.
Currently, the MVC allows for a special driver’s license designation for deaf and hearing impaired motorists and insulin-dependent diabetics.
With a unanimous (5-0) vote, the bill moves to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further consideration.