(TRENTON) – Assembly approved legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Annette Quijano, John Wisniewski and Angelica Jimenez to give drivers the option to note on their driver’s license a drug allergy was advanced Monday by a Senate panel.
Approximately 5.4 million people in the United States suffer from an allergy to penicillin, for instance.
The most serious allergic reactions can lead to anaphylactic response, which can be life-threatening.
“Driver’s licenses are the most likely place to look for vital information,” said Quijano (D-Union). “From an identification card, you can learn whether a person is an organ donor or even wears glasses. It makes sense for it to include information that could save a life in an emergency.”
The bill (A-1315) requires the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to permit a license and identification card holder to voluntarily indicate that the person is allergic to penicillin or any other type of drug or medication and, as a result, may be susceptible to an adverse reaction if treated with that drug or medication following a motor vehicle accident.
“Some individuals wear special bracelets or necklaces to indicate their allergy,” said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). “Having this information on your driver’s license is another way to ensure medical personnel are aware of this allergy in an emergency situation.”
The designation is to be made in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Chief Administrator of the MVC.
“It is to be used to inform law enforcement officials or emergency medical professionals that a person is allergic to penicillin or any other type of drug or medication and, therefore, should not be treated with that drug or medication if incapacitated or otherwise unable to communicate as a result of an injury sustained in an accident,” said Jimenez (D-Hudson/Bergen).
The measure was approved 78-0 by the Assembly in June 2014. It was advanced Monday by the Senate Transportation Committee. It will now be considered by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
