Rep. Wayne Johnson Comments on Infectious Medical Waste Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Luke Engquist 651.297.8191 (desk)
Luke.Engquist@house.mn.gov

News Release

Rep. Wayne Johnson Comments on Infectious Medical Waste Bill

ST. PAUL, MN — Representative Wayne Johnson (R-Cottage Grove) made the following statement regarding a bill that he introduced in the State House pertaining to the discarding of infectious medical waste:

"Today, I introduced HF4017 in the House. This bill requires a disposal notice for lawfully transported infectious medical waste, and requires routine inspections to ensure that it is being properly discarded. After hearing stories from Washington and Ramsey County sanitation workers, who recounted being put in unsafe situations as the result of improperly discarded hypodermic needles, blood, and other infectious waste, I decided to step up and create a bill to hold those who are creating this health risk responsible. Our sanitation workers have an intensive job as it is, and should not be subjected to preventable medical biohazards while they labor to keep our communities clean. At the end of the day, this is about worker safety and responsibility for those who send the waste."

There is a hearing planned for the bill in the Environmental Committee on Thursday, March 12.

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