Clinical laboratories: certified phlebotomy technicians: blood withdrawal.

Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of clinical laboratories and clinical laboratory personnel and health professionals by the State Department of Public Health, and makes a violation of these provisions a crime. Existing law authorizes an unlicensed person employed by a licensed clinical laboratory to perform venipuncture or skin puncture for the purpose of withdrawing blood or for clinical laboratory test purposes upon specific authorization from a licensed physician and surgeon, if that unlicensed person meets certain requirements, as described. Existing law requires an unlicensed person performing these duties to possess a valid and current certification as a certified phlebotomy technician issued by the department. This bill would require the department to revise the regulations for certification as a certified phlebotomy technician to include education and training on blood withdrawal from, and flushing of, as required, a peripheral venous catheter on or before January 1, 2021. The bill would, commencing on January 1, 2021, authorize a certified phlebotomy technician to withdraw blood from, and flush, as required, a peripheral venous catheter upon specific authorization from a licensed physician and surgeon, if he or she meets certain requirements, as described. Because a violation of requirements related to the licensure and regulation of clinical laboratories and clinical laboratory personnel and health professionals would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.