It’s Your Call September 2021

OSHA:  The OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) is aimed at protecting workers from the grave dangers of covid-19 hazards. However, some employers are exempt. Several offices are described below.  Identify which office(s) would be exempt from the ETS. Circle all that apply. The pediatric practice provides testing and treatment for covid-19 patients screens everyone prior […]

It’s Your Call – August 2021

vintage phone

OSHA: Why did OSHA issue the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS)? OSHA determined that SARS-CoV-2 is a grave danger for workers in healthcare settings, and studies have been conducted to validate this claim. Although the General Duty Clause imposes a general duty for employers to keep a workplace free of recognized hazards, it fell short of […]

It’s Your Call July 2021

OSHA: What should we know about the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant? The B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant is a mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it has been reported in 77 countries including the United States and in the United Kingdom. Of the 3 variant classifications, the Delta variant is considered a variant of concern (VOC) because it […]

It’s Your Call June 2021

Safety Syringe Needle Cover

OSHA: Several of our vaccinated employees have a greater risk of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and the potential for prolonged, close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2. If vaccinated workers are asymptomatic, what testing is recommended? The CDC recommends a series of two viral tests: one immediately and the other one 5-7 days after exposure. Furthermore, […]

It’s Your Call May 2021

Record Breaking STD cases feature graphic

HIPAA: How many enforcements have been issued by the OCR in their HIPAA Right of Access Initiative? Answer: As of April 28, 2021, there have been 18 enforcements that all include a monetary penalty and a 1-2 year corrective action plan and monitoring by the OCR. The highest penalty was issued to a facility that […]

It’s Your Call April 2021

OSHA Infection Control: Which marker should be used to label sterilization pouches? Regardless of the marker type, it is important that it conforms to ASTM D4326 standard which means it is certified as non-toxic. Although many sharpies have the AP seal that conforms to ASTM’s standard, the user must check the manufacturer’s instructions to verify […]

It’s Your Call March 2021

Medical student taking notes in hallway

OSHA We have a worker who tested positive for covid-19 and is in self-isolation. What is the time frame for healthcare workers to return to work after experiencing mild to moderate symptoms with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection? A symptom-based strategy is currently recommended which depends on the time of the initial symptom onset, whether […]

It’s Your Call February 2021

Vaccine shot

OSHA: If an employee is exposed to Hepatitis C, how soon after the exposure can infection be detected? Acute infection is typically detected as early as 1-2 weeks using qualitative nucleic acid tests to determine the presence and levels of HCV RNA. HIPAA: Can patients be scheduled for COVID-19 vaccinations using an online or web-based […]

It’s your Call January 2021

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OSHA: What is the current recommendation for Hepatitis C, baseline testing for the source patient? The CDC’s updated guidance provides two options. Option A would be the preferred method of testing the source patient for HCV RNA to determine if there is a current infection. Option B would be testing the source patient for hepatitis C […]

It’s Your Call December 2020

lung spray from cough

OSHA: Sars-Cov-2 (covid-19) is spread primarily through ____________. Fill in the blank. Answer: Respiratory droplet transmission with close contact (less than 6 feet). Airborne transmission can also occur in enclosed spaces, during prolonged exposure to respiratory droplets, and with inadequate ventilation. HIPAA: What is the 21st Century Cures Act?  It is a rule that is […]