Bills › 90th General Assembly
Relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated
Sponsored by the House Judiciary Committee
Topics:Crime & correctionsHealth carePublic safety & emergencies
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 7, 2023
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 7, 2023
- Done: House committeeFebruary 28, 2023
- Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 2136
- Next: Senate committee
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became HF 2136 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2136 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Currently, only certain licensed medical professionals can take blood samples from people suspected of driving while intoxicated. This bill expands that list to include more people, such as emergency medical technicians, phlebotomists, and laboratory assistants. These individuals will also be protected from legal trouble for taking the samples as long as they follow proper medical procedures and act in good faith.1
Read the official explanation
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, a physician and physician assistant need not be licensed to withdraw a specimen of blood and an emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician-paramedic, 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 such 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.
Changed since by amendment H-8025; see Amendments.
House subcommittee
Named January 9, 2024. On January 16, 2024 it recommended passage. Vote Total: 2-0.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
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90th General Assembly
Picked up later
Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title.
Similar bills
- HSB 171 Relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person sus…91st General Assembly · Renumbered as HF 935Very similar
Matched by wording or an identical title.