SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5179
As of February 3, 2021
Title: An act relating to blood donation.
Brief Description: Concerning blood donation.
Sponsors: Senators Liias, Rivers, Das, Randall and Wilson, C..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/03/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Permits anyone between the ages of 16 and 17 to donate blood, including donation through apheresis, after obtaining parental permission.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Staff: Ricci Crinzi (786-7253)
Background:

Since 2016, the Department of Health has regulated blood establishments in the state.  Current statutory authority allows anyone over the age of 18 to donate blood without parental permission.  The Washington State Office of the Attorney General’s website states that minors between the ages of 16 and 17 years old may donate blood with parental permission.

 

Blood donation through apheresis is the process where blood is collected via a special machine to allow for specific blood components to be separated during donation. After the blood is drawn from the donor, the blood is placed into a machine called a "cell separator", where the blood can be separated out into platelets, plasma, or white blood cells. The remaining blood is then returned to the donor.
Summary of Bill:

Anyone 18 and older can donate blood, including donation through apheresis, without parental permission.  Anyone between the ages of 16 and 17 may donate blood, including donation through apheresis, with parental permission.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.