ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5495

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 17, 2021

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 5495.

      As amended, this bill permits certain paramedics to administer buprenorphine.   The bill provides that a paramedic who has responded to an emergency as a member of a dispatched mobile intensive care unit may administer buprenorphine, under the medical direction of a licensed, supervising physician, to an individual following the emergent administration of an opioid antidote to that individual provided that the paramedic administering the buprenorphine:  (1) is providing emergency medical services through a program that is registered with the United States Attorney General pursuant to subsection (j) of 21 U.S.C. s.823; (2) administers the buprenorphine consistent with all applicable requirements of federal law; and (3) has completed supervised comprehensive training and competency assessments within a mobile intensive care unit regarding which specific medical conditions necessitate the administration of buprenorphine, buprenorphine dosage requirements, and required medical documentation following the administration of buprenorphine.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments provide that a paramedic may administer buprenorphine, under the medical direction of a licensed, supervising physician, to an individual following the emergent administration of an opioid antidote to that individual.