Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1718 is enacted to read:

§1718.__Powdered latex gloves prohibited

1.__Definitions__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Health care facility" means a hospital, psychiatric hospital, nursing facility, kidney disease treatment center including free-standing hemodialysis facility, rehabilitation facility, ambulatory surgical facility, independent radiological service center, independent cardiac catheterization center, cancer treatment center or the office of a private physician or physicians or dentist or dentists, whether in individual or group practice.

B.__"Powdered latex glove" means a glove composed of natural rubber latex that is dusted with powder to facilitate putting the glove on and removing the glove.

2.__Prohibition.__A health care facility may not:

A.__Provide powdered latex gloves for use by health care workers in the facility; or

B.__Permit the use of powdered latex gloves in the facility.

3.__Penalty.__A health care facility that violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $500 may be adjudged.

SUMMARY

This bill prohibits hospitals, nursing facilities, doctors' and dentists' offices and other health care facilities from permitting the use of powdered latex gloves in those facilities.