TRSA Members Rally at Ohio Statehouse in Support of SB 344

TRSA members from across Ohio gathered at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus this week to meet with lawmakers and voice strong support for Senate Bill 344 (SB 344), legislation introduced by State Sen. George F. Lang (R). The bill addresses infection‑prevention standards in healthcare facilities by expanding the use of reusable textiles processed through hygienically clean, certified facilities.

TRSA members emphasized how the bill aligns with proven safety practices while strengthening local supply-chain resilience. SB 344 focuses on textiles used in healthcare settings, requiring healthcare facilities to maintain a minimum portion of their infection‑prevention materials as reusable textiles rather than single‑use disposables. The Ohio Legislature notes that SB 344 addresses “healthcare facilities and infection-prevention textiles” and is under consideration in the Ohio Senate Health Committee.

The bill applies to a wide range of licensed Ohio healthcare facilities, from hospitals to nursing homes, ambulatory surgical centers, dialysis centers, maternity homes, hospice programs, behavioral health facilities and more as defined under Ohio law.

Reusable infection‑prevention textiles – such as isolation gowns, surgical drapes, sheets, privacy curtains and scrub suits – must be processed by a hygienically clean, certified facility, ensuring they are free of pathogens at levels safe enough to prevent illness, in accordance with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.

Throughout their meetings, TRSA representatives explained:

• How Hygienically Clean certification ensures pathogen‑free reusable textiles consistent with CDC guidelines.
• How reusable healthcare textile systems have long been supported by data on safety, performance and sustainability.
• Why establishing a minimum-use threshold helps Ohio healthcare facilities build long‑term, stable procurement relationships with in‑state companies.

In addition to Sen. Lang’s leadership on SB 344, Ohio State Rep. Adam Mathews (R) will be introducing a companion bill in the Ohio House. Rep. Mathews hopes to secure a committee hearing within the next few months.

With support from both chambers – SB 344 in the Senate and an upcoming companion bill in the House – momentum is building. TRSA members across Ohio remain committed to advocating for policies that enhance infection control, support sustainable practices and strengthen local business operations.