HSB 171: Relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated

What it does

_____ 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 at the request of a peace officer.

House subcommittee · named February 26, 2025

• Rep. Sam Wengryn (R) · sam.wengryn@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Christian A. Hermanson (R) · christian.hermanson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Elinor A. Levin (D) · elinor.levin@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 1 against

For: Iowa Dept. of Public Safety; Iowa Police Chief Association (FKA Iowa Police Executive Forum); Iowa State Sheriffs' & Deputies' Association

Against: Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association

In plain words

1. February 13, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Public Safety committee
2. February 13, 2025House subcommittee named: Wengryn, Hermanson and Wessel-Kroeschell
3. February 26, 2025House subcommittee named: Wengryn, Hermanson and Levin
4. February 26, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
5. March 6, 2025Approved by the House committee
6. March 6, 2025Committee vote: 23–0
7. March 12, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 935