OLYMPIA, Wash. — In emergencies, every second counts, and a new Washington law is hoping to save time and save lives.
Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5689 into law Monday which will allow people’s blood types to be listed on their driver’s licenses and state-issued identity cards.
The new law also requires the Department of Licensing to coordinate with healthcare providers, emergency responders, and blood donation organizations to educate people on the benefits of including IDs.
The bipartisan measure passed through the Senate in March by a vote of 49-0.
“This bill will help improve emergency response by making blood-type information available to first responders and medical staff sooner,” said Senator Paul Harris, R-Vancouver who introduced the bill. “In recent years, we’ve seen more accidents on our roads and highways. In these situations, every second matters. A person who puts their blood-type information on their driver’s license also puts themselves in a position to receive life-saving treatment sooner.”
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