OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard: enforcement, compliance and comment

More than a year ago, federal OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard, legislation designed to reduce worker exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and HBV, became law. Many healthcare facilities were using personal protective equipment (PPE) or had some form of Universal Precautions (which the law requires) in place before the law took effect. Healthcare providers interviewed said that the addition of the widespread use of water-retardant gowns formed the biggest change in their PPE program. Education and training on the standard lagged, and these provisions in the law were the ones most frequently cited by OSHA. Provisions for free hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure follow-up were also found wanting during OSHA inspections. Opinion on the need for the law differs.