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, a paramedic if authorized by the 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 at the request of a peace officer. The bill requires a person who withdraws a specimen of blood to act reasonably, in good faith, and in accordance with standard medical procedures and applicable occupational safety and health standards. 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 in compliance with the bill.