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Bill

HB 1693

Providing an exemption for women, infants, and children program staff to perform hematological screening tests.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Bernbaum and 9 co-sponsors

WIC staff gain exemption from clinical licensing to perform blood screening tests for anemia and related conditions in low-income mothers and children.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · HB 1693

Legislative bill overview

HB 1693 allows Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program staff to perform blood screening tests (hematological tests) without requiring them to hold clinical licenses or certifications typically mandated for such procedures. The bill creates a regulatory exemption specifically for WIC personnel conducting these tests as part of the program's services.

Why is this important

WIC serves low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, making accessible health screening critical for this vulnerable population. Currently, licensing requirements may create barriers to offering these tests at WIC clinics, potentially limiting access to early detection of conditions like anemia. This exemption could expand preventive health services in underserved communities while reducing operational costs for the program.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety concerns: Medical licensing exists to ensure competency; critics may worry about inadequate training or quality control without professional oversight and accountability measures
  • Scope creep precedent: Exempting one program from clinical licensing requirements could pressure other health programs to seek similar exemptions, fragmenting regulatory standards
  • Implementation clarity: The bill doesn't specify training requirements, supervision protocols, or quality assurance mechanisms that would replace traditional licensing safeguards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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