California Assembly advances AB 481 to enhance lab staffing and testing efficiency

The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals aimed at improving healthcare delivery in California. The meeting focused on addressing staffing shortages in clinical laboratories and enhancing the efficiency of laboratory operations.

The first significant item on the agenda was Assembly Bill 481, presented by Assemblywoman Rubio. This bill proposes to allow federally qualified lab personnel to assist licensed laboratory staff with specific tasks, thereby addressing ongoing staffing shortages and improving patient turnaround times for lab results. Rubio emphasized that the bill does not mandate the use of unlicensed personnel but rather allows labs the option to utilize existing staff under strict supervision to maintain high-quality healthcare standards.

Support for AB 481 was voiced by representatives from the California Clinical Laboratory Association and Quest Diagnostics. Kristy Foy, representing the association, highlighted that the bill clarifies the roles of unlicensed personnel in laboratories, ensuring that they operate under the direct supervision of licensed professionals. This approach aims to meet increasing testing demands while upholding accuracy and patient safety.

Molly Maola from Quest Diagnostics further underscored the critical need for this legislation, citing a significant shortage of clinical lab scientists in California. She noted that delays in lab testing results can hinder healthcare decisions, making the passage of AB 481 essential for improving access to timely diagnostic testing.

Following the presentations, the committee moved to a vote on the bill. Senator Archuleta made the motion for the bill to pass to the judiciary committee. The vote resulted in a 7 to 1 approval, with several senators expressing their support for the measure.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the concerns raised during discussions, with members acknowledging the importance of ongoing collaboration to enhance California's healthcare system. The committee plans to reconvene to further evaluate the implications of the proposed legislation and its potential impact on healthcare delivery in the state.