NJ A175

First responders (law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel) who may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens through bodily fluid contact or needle pricks can request that the source individual submit to testing within 24 hours of exposure

Local public health officers must seek voluntary consent for testing; if the person refuses within 24 hours, the officer must file an emergency court application to compel testing

Courts must order testing if they find by preponderance of evidence that there was a transmission risk, with tests performed as soon as practicable at a licensed facility

Test results are confidential, disclosed only to the tested person and requesting first responder, and cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or civil proceedings; unauthorized disclosure constitutes a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine)

Healthcare providers performing court-ordered tests in accordance with accepted medical standards receive immunity from civil and criminal liability