(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives unanimously passed HB 210 today, legislation to take the policies and procedures for testing blood borne pathogen exposure in correctional officers and expands it to cover other public safety officers.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage) expands legislation that passed the Legislature last session and adds to the list of those covered under the law. Peace Officers, Fire Fighters, Emergency Medical Technicians and Mobile Paramedics are included with Correctional Officers under those who can request their employing agency to test them for blood borne pathogens if they feel they have experienced significant exposure from an offender or prisoner.

Representative McGuire said, "It is essential that we give our public safety officers the protection they need and the opportunity to request blood tests when they are serving our communities. This expansion of the law covers all of our public safety officers."

HB 210 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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