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SCALERA BILL PROMOTING AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS BECOMES LAW
By thesterSCALERA BILL PROMOTING AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS BECOMES LAW
New Law Will Establish Autism Awareness Program For Emergency Medical Technicians, Police, Firefighters
(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Fred Scalera to establish an autism awareness training course for emergency medical technicians, police and firefighters was signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.
“Although New Jersey is a national leader in providing care and support for those with autism, it is essential that our first-responder network be sufficiently trained to recognize autism and how to handle individuals with this disorder,” said Assemblyman Scalera (D-Essex), who is also Essex County’s deputy emergency operations director.
The measure (A-1908) requires the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to create an autism awareness training course and curriculum. Before being certified, prospective emergency medical technicians will be required to complete the DHSS administered course.
Individuals already certified as emergency medical technicians must complete a continuing education course in autism recognition and response techniques.
“New Jersey’s police officers and firefighters need the tools and training to understand and help individuals with autism,” said Scalera. “This autism awareness program will make police officers and firefighters better professionals.”
The legislation also requires the Division of Fire Safety and the Police Training Commission to utilize the DHSS training course curriculum to properly train firefighting and police recruits in autism awareness, recognition and response.
Currently employed police officers and firefighters – paid and volunteer – will be required to complete a continuing education course in autism recognition and response.
The legislation is the final piece of a sweeping autism package Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden) constructed to strengthen New Jersey’s efforts in the detection, treatment and awareness of autism.
The initiative was launched in February 2007 following the release of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that identified New Jersey as having the nation’s highest reported rate of autism – one out of 94 children. The bill is the final measure of the seven-bill package to be signed into law.
The new law will take effect April 1.
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