In 2024, four states require licensure for phlebotomy: California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington.
In 2001, California enacted phlebotomy licensure after an on-the-job trained phlebotomist was found to be re-using needles.
Following California, several states including Massachusetts and Missouri attempted to introduce either licensure or training/educational requirements, but the bills died.
[9][10][11] Phlebotomy is not without risk, and more challenging patients increase the chance of complications.
[13][14] A number of FDA 510k cleared devices, such as the BD Minidraw have been introduced to enable the drawing of blood without a phlebotomist.