The MedSafe Compliance Corner

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are approximately 800,000 needlestick injuries each year, and more than 1,000 health care workers contract serious infections from these incidents. Nearly two-thirds of nurses report being accidentally stuck at some time in their career. Bloodborne pathogens spread through needlestick accidents include HIV, hepatitis, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, and tuberculosis.

• New York Establishes Mandatory Online Reporting of Narcotics
• FDA Asked to Ban Use of Pesticide to Treat Head Lice
• OSHA Establishes Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee
• Ban on Super-Sized Drinks Proposed for New York City
• Funding Opportunity for Seniors and People with Disabilities
• Common Teething Treatment Unsafe
• Rats Paralyzed by Spinal Cord Injuries Regain Movement
• Drugs Seized from Global Biotechnologies, Inc. for Misbranding

New York Establishes Mandatory Online Reporting of Narcotics

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced a final rule updating the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), aligning it with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The revised HCS, which will be fully implemented in 2016, is expected to benefit workers by reducing confusion in the workplace, facilitating safety training, and improving understanding of hazards, especially for limited-literacy workers. The harmonized standard will classify chemicals according to their health and physical hazards, and establish consistent labels and Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals made in the United States or imported from abroad.

Last week’s blog outlined what to expect when OSHA visits, from the knock on the door to the initial meetings, and ending with the documentation you will need to provide. This week’s blog continues with the onsite visit.

An unexpected visit from OSHA may be intimidating, but the process can be less threatening if you know what to expect and how to handle the situation.

As we all know, OSHA expects employers to maintain healthy workplaces, but when it comes to influenza in healthcare facilities, what does that mean?

This week, In The Know, looks at the following news stories: Meaningful Use Deadline Extended by One Year; OSHA Files Whistleblower Lawsuit Against Clinic for Firing Employee; Congress Probes TRICARE Breach; Medicare Collects Almost $800 Million in Overpayments; Appointment of Marilyn Tavenner Favorably Received.

In response to new statistics showing an alarming increase in injuries and illness for health care workers, OSHA has announced plans to launch a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on nursing home and residential care facilities. The NEP will focus on musculoskeletal disorders.

Employees Texting While Driving, a Serious OSHA Workplace Safety Hazard

This week, In The Know, looks at the following news stories: OSHA Publishes New Educational Materials Regarding Laboratory Hazards; HHS Issues New Rule to Ease Hospital System Management; Six States Launched the Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Program This Month; OSHA Provides Information on Preventing Seasonal Flu in the Workplace; CMS Launches an Innovation Advisors Program.