SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3278

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 6, 2024

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 3278.

      As amended, this bill extends permission to emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to administer glucagon and blood glucose tests.  The commissioner may by regulation or order modify, suspend, or terminate the certification of an emergency medical technician to administer glucagon and blood glucose tests, if necessary for public health, safety, or welfare.

      Glucagon is a hormone that the human body produces to prevent low blood sugar.  In people with diabetes, this natural production is not enough during severe hypoglycemia.  Emergency glucagon is a medication used when a person with diabetes is experiencing severe hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and cannot take sugar orally.  Once injected, glucagon raises the blood sugar.  Glucagon comes in several forms including a nasal spray, auto-injectors, prefilled syringes, or a powder that must be mixed with a liquid before injecting. 

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments provide that the Commissioner of Health may by regulation or order modify, suspend, or terminate the certification of an emergency medical technician to administer glucagon and blood glucose tests, if necessary for public health, safety, or welfare.