Bill > H163

This bill establishes a Board of Registration of Phlebotomists in Massachusetts to regulate individuals who collect blood samples, a process known as phlebotomy. The board will consist of seven members, including the Commissioner of Public Health or their designee, and six appointed members, five of whom must be licensed phlebotomists with specific experience requirements, and one public representative. This board will set standards for phlebotomist licensure, including educational requirements, fees, continuing education, and professional conduct, and will grant licenses to qualified applicants. The bill also defines key terms like "phlebotomist" and "phlebotomy," outlines the application and renewal process for licenses, and allows for reciprocal licensing from other jurisdictions with equivalent standards. It provides a mechanism for appealing the board's decisions to the district court and includes provisions for issuing licenses without examination to experienced phlebotomists for a limited time after the bill's enactment. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these regulations do not prevent licensed medical professionals like clinical laboratory scientists, medical technologists, medical laboratory technicians, or physicians from performing their duties.