Most needles and syringes used in households are thrown in the garbage after use, putting solid waste disposal workers at risk of being punctured or contracting infectious diseases, according to Rep. Paul Gardner (DFL-Shoreview).
Gardner sponsors HF1372 that would require retailers who sell needles, lancets and syringes, known as sharps, to also give customers a sharps disposal container. For each box of 90 or more syringes sold, the customer must also be offered a container, which the sharps manufacturer must supply to the retailer at no charge. An estimated 30 million needles are sold each year in Minnesota, said Tom Erickson, chief executive officer of St. Paul-based UltiMed, which operates medical device manufacturing facilities.
The bill does not divert sharps from household waste into the medical waste-stream as he’d prefer, but it is a “step in the right direction,” Erickson told the House Environment Policy and Oversight Committee March 17.
The committee approved the bill, which was moved to the House floor. Its companion, SF1323 sponsored by Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato), awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
HHS bill is DOA but hoping for CPR
Supporters cite gaining federal funds, governor concerned about spending
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Published 5/13/2010
House passes HHS budget bill
Members reluctantly vote for cuts; governor says bill is too costly
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Published 5/6/2010
Not cutting as deep
Although painful now, omnibus HHS budget bill could set stage for reform
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Published 4/29/2010
Revisiting GAMC
Program participation questionable, hospitals favor earlier federal reform
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Published 4/22/2010
A distress call for SOS?
State Operated Services plans programmatic redesign, amidst criticism
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Published 4/22/2010
Minnesota Index: Health coverage
Figures and statistics on health coverage and other vitals
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Published 4/22/2010
Inking a deal for donors
State oversight of body arts could reduce donor deferrals
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Published 4/15/2010
Nursing a level playing field
Sides differ on who should pay for nursing home costs
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Published 4/8/2010
Saying ‘sorry’
House resolution would apologize for practices done decades ago
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Published 3/25/2010
And the cupboard is bare
More Minnesotans struggle to put food on the table
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Published 2/25/2010
Future of GAMC uncertain
Legislators consider health care for state’s poor, sick
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Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Health care law quagmire
Sustainability at issue in law line-item vetoed by governor
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Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: More compromise, more reductions
Cuts in health and human services finance bill called ‘painful’
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Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Cuts hang in the balance
Much depends on tax increases
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Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Providing ‘pretty darn good coverage’
A new approach to public health could save millions in benefits, advocates say
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Published 4/10/2009
First Reading: Complex problem, complex solution
Cuts to health and human services could create reform opportunity
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Published 4/3/2009
Minnesota Index: Health boards
Figures and statistics on health licensing board in Minnesota
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Published 3/13/2009
At Issue: Medical marijuana
Controversial treatment clears first committee hurdle
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Published 2/20/2009
Minnesota Index: Less lighting up
Figures and statistics on smoking in Minnesota
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Published 2/20/2009