Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person employed by a public health department may perform venipuncture or skin puncture for the purpose of withdrawing blood for test purposes, upon specific authorization from a licensed physician and surgeon, even though he or she is not otherwise licensed to withdraw blood; provided that the person meets all of the following requirements:

(1)  He or she works under the direction of a licensed physician and surgeon.

Terms Used In California Health and Safety Code 120580

(2)  He or she has been trained by a licensed physician and surgeon or by a licensed clinical laboratory scientist or bioanalyst in the proper procedures to be employed when withdrawing blood, in accordance with training requirements established by the department, and has a statement signed by the instructing physician and surgeon that the training has been successfully completed.

(b)  Any person employed by a public health department to perform venipuncture or skin puncture shall hold a valid and current certification after the effective date of the regulations adopted pursuant to § 1246 of the Business and Professions Code.

(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 695, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000.)