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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 693-4650
Today, America's health care providers have been reassured
that their own health is as important as their patients' health. The bill
President Clinton is signing today directs an amendment to OSHA's bloodborne
pathogen standard to ensure more widespread use of safer medical devices to
prevent dangerous needlesticks
Each year one in seven medical professionals experiences a
needlestick while caring for sick or injured patients. Safer and newer
equipment that is readily available could prevent many of these injuries. Our
nation's health care providers deserve effective protection against deadly and
debilitating bloodborne diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis B. This legislation
gives it to them by clarifying that OSHA's regulation requires employers to
identify and provide safer equipment for their staffs to use.
I am especially pleased that this bill received bipartisan
sponsorship and support. My sincere thanks to Representives Cass Ballenger and
Major Owens and Senators James Jeffords, Michael Enzi, Ted Kennedy and Harry
Reid. I particularly appreciate their working together quickly and effectively
to bring this bill to the President for signature in just seven weeks.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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