Connecticut – The House voted today to permit the licensing of Hatzolah of Waterbury to assist with emergency medical calls in the growing Orthodox Jewish community in Waterbury.

The proposed change in state law will allow Hatzalah of Waterbury to independently obtain a “supplemental first responder” license from the Department of Public Health.

Under current law, a municipality and its designated provider of emergency medical services have to approve these license applications.

The House voted 146-0 to waive this requirement for Hatzalah of Waterbury.

In addition to arriving quickly, leaders and members of the yeshiva told lawmakers earlier this year that licensed Hatzalah volunteers would also be able to help emergency responders understand Orthodox Jewish customs, religious laws and concerns, and ease the anxieties of community members in need of emergency medical help.

House Bill 5097 now heads to the Senate for a possible vote in the legislature.

(Source: Rep-Am)