April 30, 2020
By Mohamed H. Nabulsi
On April 29, 2020, the Commissioner of the N.J. Department of Health (“DOH”) issued an Executive Directive (“Directive”) establishing a registry of health care workers, public health workers, and support services personnel who voluntarily consent to provide health care, public health services, and support logistics during the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency.
Individuals interested in volunteering may submit an online application here. Those who choose to volunteer may be required to complete certain training requirements prior to being added to the registry. Once registered, volunteers may be ordered to proceed to any place in this State where health care services, public health services or other support services personnel are required by reason of the public health emergency. Individuals who do not comply with such orders are subject to removal from the registry.
Registered volunteers ordered to provide healthcare services shall be immune from civil liability as a result of the person’s acts or omissions in providing medical care or treatment related to the public health emergency. In addition, all registered volunteers shall not be liable for injury arising out of any act or omission in connection with the emergency or preparatory activities so long as the action is undertaken pursuant to the Directive and does not constitute a crime, actual fraud, actual malice, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact Mohamed Nabulsi.