SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2469

                    As of February 23, 1998

Title:  An act relating to increasing the blood supply through directed donations.

Brief Description:  Increasing the blood supply through directed donations.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representative Lambert).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/24/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786-7472)

Background:  A directed blood donation is one in which the donor specifies the recipient.  Currently, such donations are allowed in blood collection centers that have the capability to test the blood according to the standards of the Federal Drug Administration.

Summary of Bill:  Blood donor programs are required to establish a program for directed donations.  Reasonable administrative fees may be charged.  Designated donations can only be accepted upon written consent of the patient and the donor, after the donor is questioned and counseled in private, to assure that no undue pressure to donate exists.  Directed donations that are unneeded may be added to the general blood supply.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.