NJ S3690

Employers must provide paid first responders with one additional paid sick day per year specifically for healthcare diagnostic testing, available after completing the first calendar year of service.

Covered first responders include paid law enforcement officers, paid firefighters, paid members of first aid/emergency/ambulance/rescue squads, paid emergency medical technicians, and paid paramedics.

Healthcare diagnostic testing is defined as medical tests or procedures recommended by a healthcare provider to prevent or diagnose conditions related to the employee's duties as a first responder.

The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development is directed to adopt rules and regulations to implement the law, in consultation with State, county, or municipal employers as necessary.

The bill aims to address recruitment and retention challenges for first responders by ensuring adequate time for testing related to potential hazardous exposure from their service.