There’s a Blood Donation Bill Proposed to Require WHAT!?—Navigating the Legislative Proposal and Change Process

Program Chair(s)

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  Susan Wilson, BS, MLS(ASCP)SBB

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  Santa Barbara, California, United States

  Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Speaker(s)

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  Susan Noone, MPH, CQA(ASQ) (she/her/hers)

  Regional Director
  Vitalant, Central Coast
  Ventura, California, United States

  Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

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  Susan Leppke, MPH (she/her/hers)

  Senior Director, Public Policy & Strategic Partnerships
  AABB
  Bethesda, Maryland, United States

  Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Session Desription: Today’s leaders increasingly find themselves immersed in the world of legislation and advocacy, which is an unfamiliar space for many. The blood industry is well-versed in the federal licensure and regulatory processes associated with transfusion medicine and has partnered with regulators to ensure the safety of the blood supply. Professional associations have partnered with their membership to support or refute proposed guidelines based on current scientific knowledge. Many long-awaited and advantageous changes to the blood eligibility and testing requirements have recently been introduced; however, the industry is also besieged with reactive legislative proposals based on emotions and misunderstandings of the science behind the processes. Blood centers may also desire to make changes in existing regulations themselves, and knowledge of how to work within the legislative process is critical to a successful legislative effort.

This session will explore both proactive and reactive best practices for aligning the blood industry with the legislative process. The steps a bill goes through to become enacted as law will be summarized using a recent California bill successfully amending a regulation that had required an RN to be physically present when allogeneic blood is collected. Discussions will include proposals related to receipt of mRNA vaccines and provisions of autologous and directed donations. The critical role of business leaders in being aware of proposed legislation and advocacy will be highlighted. Recommendations will be provided for the preparation of position statements and developing credible expert testimony. The role and use of professional lobbyists in gaining, engaging and opening doors of communications will be discussed. Opportunities will be provided for attendees to share their experiences in this realm.