N.J. Gov. Sends Back EMS Overhaul Bill, Again
For the second time, state legislators have tried to overhaul emergency medical services in New Jersey. And for the second time Gov. Chris Christie has told them to go back to the drawing board.
The bill (S-1650) would have increased state supervision of EMS, giving officials the authority to license paramedics and emergency medical technicians; require background checks on emergency workers; and establish minimum EMS standards for response times.
But Christie wrote in his veto message that the bill failed to address a series of issues that he raised when he vetoed an earlier version, including its effect on property taxes and EMS volunteers.
U.S. Attorney General Unveils PSOB Changes
More changes are on the horizon for PSOB -- one to include fire police officers and another to streamline the filing process.
Fumes at N.J. High School Send 16 to Hospital
Mainland Regional High School is investigating what caused a chemical reaction on the morning of May 5, 2013, that required an evacuation of the building and sent at least 16 people to the hospital.
Emergency medical personnel and firefighters were at Mainland Regional at 9:30 a.m. after the incident produced noxious fumes near the school's pool, police said.
FEMA and Premiere Networks Work Together to Increase Preparedness
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced a cooperative effort with Premiere Networks and private sector broadcasters that will provide an alternative method for radio stations to receive emergency information during a national emergency.
New Jersey Gov. Signs Overdose Reporting Law
Just a few months after his daughter survived a drug overdose, Jon Bon Jovi joined New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Thursday for the signing of a law to encourage reporting of overdoses so victims don't end up dead.
Bon Jovi called the law a lifesaver and encouraged other states to do the same.
Study Reports U.S. Diabetes 'Epidemic'
The study, released Wednesday by the American Diabetes Association, said that Americans diagnosed with diabetes now consume $1 out of every $5 spent on health care and, on average, cost twice as much to care for than people without the disorder.
The report comes as the debate on Capitol Hill about the cost of Medicare and Medicaid is rising in both pitch and urgency. | 
