Bill > H2406

This bill amends an existing law to provide protections for healthcare workers and first responders in situations involving potential infectious disease exposure. Specifically, the bill allows for medical testing of a patient's blood or bodily fluids without the patient's written consent when a healthcare provider, first responder, police officer, fire official, prison guard, or other public officer in the line of duty has come into contact with those fluids and may have been exposed to an infection. This means that if a professional such as a paramedic or police officer is accidentally exposed to blood or bodily fluids during their work, they can have the patient tested to determine potential infectious disease risks, even if the patient refuses or is unable to provide consent. The goal of the legislation appears to be protecting public safety workers by enabling them to quickly assess potential health risks they may have encountered during the course of their professional duties.