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 […]

It’s Your Call November 2020 – Answers to OSHA and HIPAA Questions

Written Respiratory Protection Plan cover

It’s not uncommon for teams to have questions regarding OSHA and HIPAA regulations. We’ve outlined the following answers to some of the most common OSHA and HIPAA questions. OSHA: Which of the following requirements are necessary with the implementation of a Respiratory Protection Plan? Choose one. Written plan only Written plan and medical evaluation Written […]

It’s Your Call October 2020

Respiratory Mask

OSHA: We have KN95 face filtering respirators (FFRs) from China. What is OSHA’s guidance about a written respiratory plan and fit test for respirators?  In the April 3, 2020 enforcement memorandum, Federal OSHA explains why a written respiratory plan and fit test are required with the use of FFRs and air-purifying elastomeric respirators that are […]

COVID -19 Plus Influenza: The Perfect Storm?

COVID -19 Plus Influenza: The Perfect Storm

Influenza is a respiratory virus that is contagious and occurs throughout the year. It is caused by many different influenza viruses and can result in mild to severe illness. The very young and elderly are at increased risk for the development of complications which can lead to death. The best protection for everyone is to […]

It’s Your Call September 2020

hipaa

OSHA:  My employee wants to go to their own doctor for a respirator medical evaluation. What does OSHA say about this? OSHA’s standard 1910.134(e)(2)(i) requires employers to select a physician or other licensed health-care professional (PLHCP) to perform the medical evaluations. Typically, this is performed by a company physician or through an arrangement with a […]

It’s Your Call August 2020

Respiratory Mask

OSHA: What brands of sanitizer contain methanol? The FDA urges consumers not to use sanitizers with methanol. The current list of brands to be avoided can be found on their webpage: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-methanol#products. The CDC has also stated that alcohol concentrations should be a minimum of either 60% ethanol and 70% isopropanol. Methanol, or wood alcohol, […]

It’s Your Call July 2020

contact tracing

OSHA: How does the contact tracing process work? Local and state health departments use contact tracing to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, a case investigator from the health department may contact you about your health, discuss who you’ve been in close contact with, and ask where you’ve been […]

It’s your Call June 2020

measels and mumps anti virus concept

OSHA: What should our office do to ensure that we have ample personal protective equipment (PPE) onsite? Prepare an inventory of items that are currently in the office, calculate the burn rate, and consider the CDC’s strategies to optimize PPE.   A PPE burn rate calculator created by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health […]

It’s your Call May 2020

close up of doctors using telehealth

OSHA Our office has seen several patients who tested positive for COVID19. Should gloves, gowns, patient napkins, masks & other waste be discarded differently? No. Medical and general waste (trash) that come from healthcare facilities treating COVID19 patients is no different than waste coming from facilities without COVID-19 patients. Routine procedures should be performed according […]

It’s your Call April 2020

coronavirus2020

OSHA: How many COVID19 tests has the FDA granted? Twenty-two in vitro diagnostic tests has been granted to developers as of March 30, 2020. These tests are human samples that can be taken from blood or tissue and are used to detect diseases or other conditions. More than 100 laboratories have begun using their own […]