Relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated

Under current law, when a person is suspected of operating a motor vehicle in violation of Code chapter 321J (operating while intoxicated), only a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, medical technologist, or registered nurse, who is acting at the request of a peace officer, may withdraw a specimen of blood for the purpose of determining the alcohol concentration or the presence of a controlled substance or other drugs. This bill expands the list of persons authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood. Under the bill, an emergency medical technician if authorized by the technician’s designated medical director, emergency medical technician-paramedic if authorized by the technician-paramedic’s designated medical director, licensed practical nurse, medical laboratory technician, phlebotomist, laboratory assistant, and other qualified persons are also authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood. The bill shields all authorized persons from civil and criminal liability for the withdrawal of a specimen of blood, except in cases of negligence, so long as the person acts reasonably, in good faith, and in accordance with standard medical procedures.