Legislative
OSHA Issues Pandemic Flu Guidance for Health Care Workers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on May 21 released its guidance document on pandemic influenza preparedness for the health care industry. Entitled Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers, the document includes technical information on infection control and industrial hygiene practices intended to reduce the risk of infection in health care settings.
The guidance also includes workplace preparation and planning issues, and – as noted by Donald Wright, director of OSHA’s Office of Occupational Medicine – several “very valuable appendixes.†The appendixes include: pandemic influenza Internet resources; infection control communication tools for health care workers; implementation and planning for respiratory protection programs in health care settings; self-triage and home care resources for health care workers and patients; references for diagnosis and treatment of staff during an influenza pandemic; pandemic planning checklists and sample plans; risk communication resources; and sample supply checklists for pandemic planning. Any hospital participating in Medicare, regardless of the type of hospital and apart from whether the hospital has an emergency department must have the capability to provide basic emergency care interventions.
Leslie V. Norwalk, Esq., Acting Administrator
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Source: Washington Update - 4- June 30, 2007