New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services s1

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps Guidelines

Purpose:

The purpose of this document is to establish guidelines for the operation of the New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps.

Mission Statement:

To develop a prepared, trained workforce of volunteers to serve the citizens of New Jersey in the event of a public health emergency.

Background:

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services recognizes that, in the event of a public health emergency, volunteers are our most valuable resource. New Jersey has made great strides in creating the plans and infrastructure necessary to prepare for and respond to a public health emergency. However, we need to identify a dedicated group of individuals who can be relied upon in the event of a bioterrorist or natural disaster to help put our plans into action.

In order to accomplish our goal, New Jersey has created the New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps (NJMRC) under the auspices of the New Jersey Citizen Corps. This program is designed to help identify and register individuals who are willing to serve within their local area. The State is also interested in identifying individuals with special expertise who are available for consultation and/or response throughout the state. These special response teams would be a valuable State asset.

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Responsibilities:

·  Establish and maintain an electronic database to be used to process volunteer applications and manage volunteer pools. Applications will be electronically forwarded to local MRC units.

·  Assist with the integration of current and future MRC units.

·  Provide technical assistance to applicants and to the MRC units.

·  Establish training requirements for the volunteers.

·  Support local MRC units’ education and training opportunities.

·  Support Medical Reserve Corps units’ efforts in volunteer recruitment strategies.

Medical Reserve Corps Unit Responsibilities:

·  Register MRC unit with the Medical Reserve Corps Program Office, Office of the Surgeon General at www.medicalreservecorps.gov

·  Recruit volunteers for the MRC unit.

·  Provide a hard copy application at the volunteer’s request.

·  Contact all volunteer applicants for the purpose of determining eligibility based on established criteria.

·  Established criteria for acceptance:

Professional Volunteer Community Health Volunteer

US Citizen US Citizen

Eighteen years of age or older Eighteen years of age or older

Copy of a professional license Government agency issued photo ID

Government agency issued photo ID Applicant interview

Copy of a valid hospital ID

Applicant interview

·  Approve or disapprove the volunteer and send a written or e-mail notice to the individual.

·  Ensure that volunteers read, understand and sign the consent form for membership.

·  Outline required training programs for the volunteers within their locale.

·  Encourage and facilitate the training of volunteers.

·  Invite volunteers to participate in drills and exercises.

·  Document and maintain the training records of their individual volunteers.

·  Revoke the membership of any volunteer who does not meet the obligations of the Medical Reserve Corps unit or is found to be disruptive to the organized activities necessary for the functioning of the Corps.

·  Respond to any requests that are made by the Department of Health and Senior Services for information necessary to maintain the electronic database.

·  Coordinate efforts with the Office of Emergency Management within their jurisdiction, as well as with the NJDHSS. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers registered through the State Department of Health and Senior Services will be utilized through local and county health agencies, as part of the emergency management system in that jurisdiction. The Medical Reserve Corps unit should be referenced in the county and local emergency plan.

·  Listing of Medical Reserve Corps volunteers must be transmitted to the county and local Office of Emergency Management.

LINCS Agency Responsibilities:

·  Coordinate local MRC units’ efforts.

·  Establish, in conjunction with the local MRC units the criteria for registration as a volunteer and develop policies and procedures to support this process.

Medical Reserve Corps Member Responsibilities:

·  Respond to notices from the MRC unit.

·  Respond to emergencies when contacted.

·  Notify the MRC unit of any changes in contact information, availability etc.