Bill > H220

This bill establishes a seven-member Board of Registration of Phlebotomists, which will include the Commissioner of Public Health or their designee, and six appointed members who are residents and citizens of the Commonwealth. Five of these appointed members must be licensed phlebotomists with specific experience requirements, and one must be a public representative. The Board will set requirements for phlebotomist licensure, including fees, continuing education, and professional conduct, and will grant licenses to qualified applicants. A phlebotomist is defined as someone who collects blood samples from patients for medical tests, separates blood for testing, labels tubes accurately, and ensures correct samples are sent to laboratories. The bill also amends existing law to include licensed phlebotomists in certain contexts, such as when referring to registered nurses, and outlines the process for initial licensure, renewal, and reciprocal licensure from other jurisdictions. It also includes provisions for appealing the Board's decisions and allows for a temporary license without examination for experienced phlebotomists for one year after the bill's effective date, with the possibility of waiving educational requirements. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these new regulations do not prevent certified clinical laboratory scientists, medical technologists, medical laboratory technicians, or licensed physicians from performing their professional duties.