Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB149

Introduced
2/7/23  
Introduced
2/7/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated.(See HF 550, HF 2136.)

Impact

With the inclusion of paramedics as authorized personnel for blood withdrawal, HSB149 is expected to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of law enforcement in addressing incidents of driving under the influence. By increasing the number of qualified individuals who can perform blood draws, it could lead to quicker and potentially more accurate assessments of intoxication levels. This change may also alleviate some of the burdens on hospitals and emergency departments that handle such requests, allowing for better resource allocation in critical situations.

Summary

House Study Bill 149 (HSB149) aims to expand the list of medical personnel authorized to withdraw blood specimens from individuals suspected of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The current law restricts this authority to licensed physicians, physician assistants, medical technologists, and registered nurses, but the proposed bill adds paramedics to this list. This legislative change is significant as it recognizes the critical role that paramedics play in emergency medical situations and acknowledges their capability to perform this procedure under the direction of law enforcement officers.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions regarding the implications of allowing paramedics to conduct blood draws, particularly concerning training and the standards of care required to perform such invasive procedures safely. Concerns may arise related to the potential for errors, evidence handling in legal contexts, and the training rigor needed to ensure competency among paramedics. Critics might argue that this change could lead to an increase in legal challenges regarding the admissibility of blood evidence collected by personnel other than traditional medical professionals.

Companion Bills

IA HF550

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated.(Formerly HSB 149; See HF 2136.)

IA HF2136

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated. (Formerly HF 550, HSB 149.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF550

A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated.(Formerly HSB 149; See HF 2136.)

IA HF2136

A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated. (Formerly HF 550, HSB 149.)

IA HSB171

A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated.(See HF 935.)

IA HF935

A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated.(Formerly HSB 171.)

IA HF457

A bill for an act relating to the driver's license revocation effective date following an operating-while-intoxicated violation or refusal to test.(See HF 635.)

IA HF635

A bill for an act relating to the driver's license revocation effective date following an operating-while-intoxicated violation or refusal to test.(Formerly HF 457.)

IA HF162

A bill for an act requiring employees of the department of transportation to provide a specimen for alcohol and drug analysis following a motor vehicle accident or collision resulting in injury or death, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 788.)

IA HF788

A bill for an act requiring employees of the department of transportation to provide a specimen for alcohol and drug analysis following a commercial motor vehicle accident or collision resulting in injury or death, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 162.)

IA HB1406

Relating to the persons authorized to take a blood specimen from a vehicle operator to test for alcohol concentration or other intoxicating substances.

IA HB434

Relating to the persons authorized to take a blood specimen from a vehicle operator to test for alcohol concentration or other intoxicating substances.

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