Congress shackles OSHA on TB respirator testing, again
OSHA Healthcare Connection, April 11, 2006
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to OSHA Healthcare Connection!
For those who like their OSHA exemptions in writing, check out the prohibition against annual fit-testing for respirators on the agency's Web site.
For two years running, Congress has inserted a provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act that prevents OSHA from using federal funds to administer or enforce the annual fit-testing requirements for respirators used to prevent occupational exposure to tuberculosis (TB). The sanction applies to all types of OSHA inspections and referrals. It remains in effect through September 30, which is the end of the federal government's fiscal year, though lawmakers could renew the provision in the future.
The ban does not affect the other requirements identified in the respiratory protection standard: fit-testing on initial use, with a modification in face piece design, or when facial features change enough to compromise respirator use.
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to OSHA Healthcare Connection!
Related Products
-
Hospital Safety Center
Improve compliance with hospital safety standards from The Joint Commission, OSHA, and other regulators with this...
-
Healthcare Life Safety Compliance
Learn Life Safety Code tips and interpretations for healthcare facilities with this in-depth monthly resource.
-
Hospital Safety Connection
Stay on top of hospital safety requirements and best practices with our free, fast-paced weekly update.
-
Administering Your OSHA Program
This course will help an employee new to the role of OSHA safety officer. It gives an overview of OSHA requirements and...
-
Medical OSHA Manual Combo
Get into compliance with Quality America's OSHA Safety Program Manual and stay in compliance with OSHA Watch Newsletter...
Most Popular
- Articles
-
- HIPAA Q&A: Answering service messages
- Featured blog post: Nurses face felony charges after reporting physician to the Texas Medical Board
- Q/A: Volume requirement for reporting hydration services
- Q&A: Coding for dry skin due to cold weather
- Are your workforce members texting PHI?
- Topic: CMS, OESS post new security compliance review information, checklist
- What does case-mix index mean to you?
- OB services: Coding inside and outside of the package
- Catch up on what's new with injections and infusions
- Capturing all necessary codes for IUD insertion and removal can be challenging
- E-mailed
-
- Featured blog post: Nurses face felony charges after reporting physician to the Texas Medical Board
- Q/A: Volume requirement for reporting hydration services
- HIPAA Q&A: Level of encryption needed for email
- HIPAA Q&A: Answering service messages
- Q&A: Coding for sepsis when other conditions are present
- Are your workforce members texting PHI?
- HIPAA Q&A: TPO disclosures to a business associate
- Q&A: Coding for dry skin due to cold weather
- What does case-mix index mean to you?
- First board certification for hospitalists announced -- with caution
- Searched