TXSS SUPPLEMENTARY LEGISLATIVE REPORT

                                                 December 30, 2005

 The following report is as stated above a supplementary report.  Once again, I have been asked to serve on the Legislative Committee at the national level.  It is an honor and pleasure to serve our organization in this capacity.  I have offered my services to our TXSS and Linda Orme, in order to assist with information regarding legislation within the great State of Texas.

 As a new member, I in no way want to over-step Linda’s position.  Linda is doing and has done an excellent job to serve the TXSS.  Thank you, Linda for your esteemed efforts.

 Upon my arrival to Texas, I thought it necessary to contact representatives to initiate contact with Texas State Representatives as I have done previously in Pennsylvania and with much success. Documented contacts are as follows: 

• Senator Hutchinson
• Senator Larry Taylor
• Willie Walker, Staff at Senator Hutchinson’s office
• Elaine at the office of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
• Congressman Burgess

I have not had any update as to the status of HR2218 Medical Laboratory Services Access Act of 2005 introduced by Senator English (PA) in May 2005.  I do know that Pat Westbrook, MT and Bonnie Mahannah, RMA worked progressively in contacting their representatives regarding this most pertinent item.  Kudos goes out to the both of these great ladies and members of our great organization.

 FYI-REMINDER

Phlebotomy Coalition “Position Paper”

 Since the Coalition formed in 2003, bills addressing personnel standards for phlebotomist and other specimen personnel have been introduced in Kentucky, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Missouri.  Bills are also being drafted for introduction in Utah and Michigan.  The Connecticut and Kentucky bills died in committee in 2005.  The Coalition encourages individuals to raise public awareness.

The Coalition has been endorsed by the American Medical Technologists, the National Health Career Association, and the Center for Phlebotomy Education, RAM Scientific and the National Credentialing Agency.  These organizations are taking the lead in this area to keep standards for phlebotomists as a cornerstone of pre and post analytical test error reduction. 

Each of you will recall that it took a California phlebotomist, one individual to make “a difference”.  The phlebotomist was caught rinsing and reusing needles on multiple patients in California.  Legislation was then mandated for minimum training requirements for specimen collection personnel.

 Another point of information on this topic is that in the spring of 2005, I sent a letter to the White House requesting that a National Recognition Day be initiated during the week of NMLW.  This was backed up with email messages and telephone calls.  As of today, I have not received a response. Another contact is in order.

 FYI

 NEW SENATE BILL overview (S.1418) 

Wired of Health Care Quality Act 

The bill lays the groundwork for implementation of secure, portable and electronic health records (EHRs) for every American.  The implementation of such a plan is slated to reduce, improve care and reduce error. 

For further information view the following web site.

healthdecisions.org/HealthIT/News/default.aspx?doc_id+3492print=true

 Bill: SB12 – Legislative Session: 79(2) Deals with funding of the  

                     Laboratories in Universities and Hospitals

 Introduced:    07.21.2005 S-Referred to Finance

 Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds or other obligations to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

 Author:          Zaffirini

Subjects:       Education-Higher-Finance

                      Education-Higher-Tuition

                      Bonds

                     Texas Woman’s University

                     Stephen F. Austin State University

                     Texas Tech University System

                     University of Texas System

                     Texas A & M University System

                     Texas State University System

                     Texas Southern University

                     University of Houston System

                     Midwestern State University

 Senate:         Finance Committee

Status:          in committee

Bill:  SB Legislative Session:  79(2) Relates to the creation of a monitoring program.

 Introduced:    07.25.2005 S-Relates to the creation of a monitoring Program Relating to a risk assessment program for Type 2 diabetes and the creation of the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Program Advisory Committee

 Author:           Lucio

Subjects:        Education - Primary and Secondary – General

                       Health- other diseases and medical conditions

                       Minors—Health and Safety

                      Diabetes

                      State Health Services, Department of

                      Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Program Advisory Committee

 Senate:          Health and Human Services Committee

Status:           in committee

 

Bill SB 28     Legislative Session: 27 (2) Bill creating serious penalties for                       violators

 Council Document:   79S2 00084

 Relating to the use of certain human cells and tissue; providing penalties.

 Author:          Shapleigh

 Subjects:        Health – Other Diseases and Medical Conditions

 Status:           in committee

 In conclusion, as a member of the State Legislative Committee, I will continue to keep abreast of legislation that has impact on our organization.  It will be an honor and pleasure to assist Linda Orme, MT and our Texas State Society.

 Respectfully,

 Linda M. Raven, AS, RMA, RPT, COLT (AMT)