OSHA Seeking Input on COVID-19 Policies, HCAOA Submitting Comments on Behalf of Members

OSHA is currently seeking input from the public regarding rules designed to protect those healthcare workers that are most likely to have contact with people infected with the COVID-19 virus. The current rule, known as an emergency temporary standard (ETS), applies to most settings where an employee provides healthcare services or support services and requires things like a COVID-19 plan for the workplace, patient screening and management, physical distancing, and the availability of personal protective equipment.

A summary of this ETS can be found here.
 
OSHA is seeking new data and feedback from employers to update the ETS on:
 

• How to introduce more flexibility into COVID-19 rules for employers,
• How to better align the rule with the CDC’s recommendations,
• How employers can support employees who wish to be vaccinated, and
• The necessity and types of COVID-19 recordkeeping and reporting provisions.

 
Members are asked to submit feedback to Eric Reinarman, HCAOA VP of Government Relations, at eric@hcaoa.org by April 18, 2022.