AB 389, which would set standards for delivery of blood clotting products and related equipment for home use by people with bleeding disorders, has passed the state Senate and now awaits the Governor’s signature to become law. The bill was adopted on a vote of 47 ayes, no nays.

“People who rely on pharmacies to deliver blood products needed to prevent hemorrhages have been at the mercy of for-profits for the quality and condition of the products they receive,” said Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell, Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. “Once my colleagues in the Senate realized that spoilage and contamination are preventable by setting minimal handling standards, they sent my bill on to the Governor for swift action.”

Lack of legal handling standards has resulted in some patients with hemophilia and other diseases encountering difficulties in receiving life-saving blood products.  For example, clotting factor has been left on patients’ front porches resulting in spoilage due to the heat.

“Blood clotting factor is a life-saving but fragile compound that must remain fresh and un-contaminated to benefit those who need it,” said Assemblywoman Mitchell. “Yet California has had no standards in place to protect hemophilia patients who have private insurance.”

Contact: Charles Stewart, (310) 482-1070