1. (a) A certification course in blood withdrawal for psychiatric technicians shall be taught by an instructor approved as provided in Section 2593.3; shall have a maximum of 15 students for each instructor for clinical experience; and shall be at least sixteen hours in length, including 10 hours theory and 6 hours clinical experience, including at least 5 individually supervised venipunctures on live human subjects and at least 3 individually supervised capillary blood withdrawals on live human subjects.

   1. (1) The theory shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

      1. (A) The requirements contained in Section 4502.2 of the Code necessary for a psychiatric technician to perform blood withdrawal;
      2. (B) Psychological preparation of the patient;
      3. (C) Universal precautions for infection control;
      4. (D) Blood withdrawal;
      5. (E) Anatomy and physiology pertinent to peripheral venous blood withdrawal.

      6. (F) Specimen handling:

         1. 1. Container and preservative selection;
         2. 2. Amount of specimen required;
         3. 3. Test requirements, including, but not limited to, acceptable time periods from specimen collection to laboratory processing, temperature requirements, and effect of container motion; and
         4. 4. Patient and specimen container identification techniques.

      7. (G) Selection of appropriate equipment:

         1. 1. Lancet;
         2. 2. Syringe;
         3. 3. Vacuum tube;
         4. 4. Needle (The term “needle” does not include the equipment, methods and procedures used outside of peripheral venous blood withdrawal.); and
         5. 5. Safety measures related to equipment.

      8. (H) Methods of blood withdrawal:

         1. 1. Capillary blood withdrawal; and
         2. 2. Venipuncture.

      9. (I) Withdrawal site:

         1. 1. Selection;
         2. 2. Preparation;
         3. 3. Technique (including safety measures to protect patients and staff); and
         4. 4. Post-procedure care.
      10. (J) Sterile technique.
      11. (K) Universal and standard precautions for infection control.
      12. (L) Possible complications.
      13. (M) Psychological preparation of the patient.

2. (b) Blood withdrawal clinical experience must include:

   1. (1) Preparation of equipment for blood withdrawal;
   2. (2) Safety factors;
   3. (3) Choice of withdrawal site;
   4. (4) Choice of device for blood withdrawal;
   5. (5) Techniques of venipuncture;

   6. (6) Skin puncture practice must include instruction in:

      1. (A) Preparation of site; and
      2. (B) Preparation of equipment.
   7. (7) Universal precautions for infection control.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4504, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 4502.2, Business and Professions Code.

History

1. New section filed 1-19-99; operative 1-19-99 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(d) (Register 99, No. 4).

2. Amendment filed 5-4-2007; operative 6-3-2007 (Register 2007, No. 18).