By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House legislation that would allow organizations registered as blood establishments with the federal United States Food and Drug Administration, to maintain a blood bank if the bank is approved by the Massachusetts Commissioner of the Department of Public Health and the Public Health Council. 

 

   Supporters said there are a number of blood banks that operate nationally that currently supply Massachusetts hospitals but may not draw or store blood here. They argued that this legislation is intended to address that inefficiency. Currently only the Red Cross, Center for Blood Research and hospitals are permitted to draw and store blood in the Bay State.

 

  “This bill simply allows FDA-approved facilities in Massachusetts to accept blood donations,” said sponsor Sen. Barry Finegold (D-Andover). “This commonsense initiative will expand access and capacity, benefitting hospitals and patients alike.”