TOXIC MEDICAL DEVICES (H 5550)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate, on a voice vote, without a roll call, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that would ban the use of DEHP, a toxic chemical which is commonly added to plastic intravenous bags and tubing and linked to breast, liver, lung and testicular cancer. Many IV bags currently contain DEHP, which is added to improve the plastic’s flexibility but can pose serious health dangers to patients. The measure also prevents manufacturers from replacing DEHP with similar ortho-phthalates and encourages the transition to safer alternatives while preserving limited exemptions for specialized blood collection and cell therapy products.

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PETS (H 5589)

By Bob Katzen

House 151-1, approved a bill that supporters say will strengthen animal welfare protections, modernize veterinary technician licensing and support responsible pet ownership.

The House version of the measure does not include a major provision that is in the version of the bill already passed by the Senate. Supporters of the Senate version say that the Senate version would end the inhumane puppy-mill-to-pet-shop system by banning commercial sales of cats and dogs in pet stores. The House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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