Legislation Requires Hospitals to Transport Critically Ill Patients

Governor Christie signed legislation Thursday requiring hospital to have protocols to immediately transfer critically ill patients to other facilities for better treatment.

State Senator Kevin O’Toole (District 40) sponsored the legislation.

Hospitals must use their Specialty Care Transportation Units to pick up and transfer patients to other facilities. They are also required to have contingency transport procedures in place if a SCTU is not immediately available.

Hospitals that violate the legislation are subject to a $5,000 penalty and having their state license revoked.

“People suffer enough trauma and anxiety when they or loved ones are critically ill,” O’Toole concluded. “They need to know their caregivers have their best interests at heart and the necessary protocols are in place to transport them to a facility that can better accommodate their needs.”

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