TRSA Ensures Reusable HCT Stockpile in California

As governments at all levels – federal, state and local – look to alleviate any future shortages of important healthcare contact textiles (HCTs), TRSA is ensuring the importance of reusable HCTs is recognized and a part of the supply chain equation. These HCTs include such important personal protective equipment (PPE) as isolation and barrier gowns, scrubs and masks.

TRSA is advocating across all levels of government for healthcare facilities to maintain at least a 50% operating inventory of reusable HCTs to protect from a drastic shortage in the case of an unforeseen disaster such as a natural disaster or pandemic.

The legislature in California recently passed legislation to establish a stockpile of needed healthcare PPE. State Sen. Richard Pan (D) introduced SB-275 to amend the state’s Health and Safety code. The legislation does the following:

• Establishes a PPE stockpile at the Department of Public Health
• Requires healthcare providers to maintain their own stockpile
• Establishes in-state PPE manufacturing capability

The early versions of the bill allowed for single-use “new and not previously worn or used” PPE. However, TRSA engaged in the conversation and amended the legislation to differentiate between the cleanliness and safety of reusable HCTs and single-use disposable products. The legislation incentivizes healthcare facilities to maintain an operating stock of reusable HCTs. The legislation also establishes a Personal Protective Equipment Advisory Committee which TRSA will be named a participant to establish appropriate levels of HCTs to maintain a safe stockpile.

“TRSA members provide and process 90% of the HCTs across America,” said Joseph Ricci, president and CEO of TRSA. “TRSA members have been tasked with supplying not only existing healthcare facilities but the temporary emergency facilities that have been built to handle any hospital shortages. TRSA members have been making up for shortages of single-use, disposable HCTs with equally protective hygienically clean and safe reusable HCTs. TRSA’s advocacy team is making policymakers take note of the importance reusable HCTs play on the supply chain.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) recently signed the final version of the bill into law. To view the bill, click here.

TRSA maintains resources to monitor state initiatives. If you find that your state is taking up similar efforts, please contact TRSA’s Vice President of Government Relations Kevin Schwalb at kschwalb@trsa.org.