Kristen Parker, a former Rose Medical Center surgery technician, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for stealing syringes filled with pain medication and switching them with used syringes despite knowing she had hepatitis C. Now, Colorado lawmakers are pushing for stricter regulations to protect patients.
Democratic Reps. Debbie Benefield and Sara Gargliardi want all surgical technicians to register with the state.
Employers would be required to report technicians who were disciplined or fired for certain actions. They would also be required to check the database prior to hiring a new technician.
Lawmakers say the bill will help identify problem technicians such as Parker and stop them from infecting other patients.
Lauren Lollini, one of two dozen patients affected by Parker’s actions, says it’s a good first step, but she hopes for stricter measures in the future.
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