Bill > HB1456

This bill clarifies and establishes requirements for autologous and directed blood donations in Maryland healthcare settings. It defines "autologous blood donation" as a blood donation collected from a patient for their own use during or after a medical procedure, and "directed blood donation" as a blood donation collected from an individual identified by the patient for their use. The bill requires tissue banks to comply with physician orders for autologous or directed blood donations and allows them to charge a reasonable fee to cover administrative costs associated with facilitating these donations. Additionally, the bill mandates that hospitals allow individuals receiving medical procedures to provide autologous or directed blood donations when ordered by a physician, provided the hospital already facilitates blood donations. The legislation aims to provide more flexibility and options for patients who need blood donations during medical procedures, ensuring they can access blood donations that are either from themselves or from a specifically identified donor. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving healthcare institutions time to prepare for and implement these new requirements.