Bill > H1425

This bill proposes to amend existing laws to protect public safety officers, such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), from potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Specifically, it mandates that individuals under arrest will be required to undergo blood testing if a public safety officer is suspected of exposure to blood-borne pathogens, which can occur through incidents like being stuck by a hypodermic syringe or needle, or being bitten. The arrested individual will be tested immediately after arrest and again three months later if the initial test is negative, with test results kept confidential between the officer and the Department of Public Health, which will maintain records for care purposes. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision requiring that protective caps on all hypodermic syringes and needles must remain in place before and after use, with violations punishable by imprisonment or fines.