Bill > SB00561

This bill aims to modify existing general statutes by mandating that clinical testing for pulse oximeters (medical devices that measure oxygen levels in the blood by clipping onto a patient's finger or earlobe) must include testing across patients with diverse racial and skin tone backgrounds. The purpose of this requirement is to address potential disparities in medical device accuracy, as some pulse oximeters have historically been less accurate for people with darker skin tones. By ensuring clinical testing includes a representative sample of patients with different racial and skin pigmentation characteristics, the bill seeks to improve the reliability and effectiveness of pulse oximeter readings for all patients, potentially reducing potential diagnostic errors or misreadings that could impact medical treatment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00561&which_year=2025