House Bill 115, introduced by Representative Stagni on March 25, 2025, aims to amend Louisiana's licensing requirements for clinical laboratory personnel, specifically concerning the donation of source plasma. The bill seeks to create an exemption from licensing for personnel working in certain source plasma donation centers, thereby streamlining operations in these facilities.

The primary purpose of the bill is to facilitate the collection of source plasma, which is crucial for various medical treatments and therapies. By exempting specific personnel from licensing requirements, the legislation intends to address workforce shortages in plasma donation centers, potentially increasing the availability of plasma for manufacturing life-saving products.

Key provisions of the bill include the definition of "source plasma" as the fluid portion of human blood collected through plasmapheresis, intended for further manufacturing use. This definition explicitly excludes single donor plasma products meant for intravenous use. The bill also amends existing definitions and clarifies the scope of exemptions for clinical laboratory personnel.

While the bill has garnered support for its potential to enhance plasma donation efforts, it has also faced scrutiny. Critics express concerns about the implications of reducing regulatory oversight in clinical settings, arguing that it may compromise safety and quality standards. Proponents, however, argue that the exemption is necessary to meet increasing demand for plasma-derived therapies.

The economic implications of House Bill 115 could be significant, as increased plasma collection may lead to a boost in the local healthcare industry and related sectors. Socially, the bill could improve access to essential medical treatments for patients relying on plasma-derived products.

As the legislative session progresses, the bill's future will depend on ongoing discussions and potential amendments addressing the concerns raised by opponents while balancing the need for efficient plasma donation processes.