Complying with workers' right-to-know legislation

The development of a manual of drug monographs about the handling of antineoplastic agents that complies with the Minnesota Right-to-Know Act is described. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations require manufacturers to provide employees with information about dangerous substances they handle as part of their jobs. OSHA regulations exclude the health-care job sector and drugs, but many states have passed workers' right-to-know acts that include pharmacies. Under the Minnesota Workers' Right-to-Know Act, many antineoplastic drugs are classified as hazardous substances. The Minnesota law applies to all employers, who must provide information and training to all employees who handle these agents. At Midway Hospital in St. Paul, a manual containing information about antineoplastic drugs was developed by the pharmacy department to comply with Minnesota law. The drug monographs were written by pharmacy personnel using information received from drug companies and published articles. The manual was used to teach technicians as well as members of the oncology-unit nursing staff and nursing personnel at a nearby clinic about handling antineoplastic agents. Pharmacy directors in states with right-to-know laws must determine whether the health-care job sector and drugs are covered and, if so, implement policies to teach employees about the handling of these toxic agents.