NJ S3497

New Jersey counties must establish procedures for residents to voluntarily request, obtain, and update medical identification cards containing health information such as blood type, current medications, allergies, medical devices/implants, health conditions, and emergency contacts.

Cards will follow a standard design established by the Commissioner of Health and include a photo of the cardholder, with residents choosing what specific information to include.

Counties may charge a fee not exceeding the actual cost of providing the card; no resident is required to obtain a card or disclose any specific health information.

Unauthorized disclosure of cardholder information is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine; theft of a card is a third-degree crime with 3-5 years imprisonment and/or $15,000 fine.

The law takes effect 180 days after enactment, with immunity provided for good-faith actions related to card issuance or medical treatment based on card information.