UNA Government Relations Committee Legislative Links UtahNurses Mailing List Information Site Contents Needlestick injuries are preventable. According to the federal government 600,000 to one million needlestick injuries to health care workers occur every year. Due to high occupational risks of exposure to disease, new technology has been, and continues to be, developed by medical supply and pharmaceutical companies.
Cost continues to be a source of resistance to use safer needle devices.
When comparing the cost of a safe needle device or a needleless system to the cost of care for those who have been exposed and or seroconverted is an enormous savings to the health care facility. There are also concerns for the emotional turmoil and fear when exposed - this may require extensive counseling and lost time at work. The costs of medication, hospitalization and counseling seriously tilts the scale in favor of spending only a matter cents more per safe needle system. Available information states that FDA approved products currently used in health care facilities cost between 8 and 12 cents per needle as compared to 35 and 60 cents per needle with safety integrated features. The Utah bill will grandfather using up current stock supplies of needles to comply with the fiscal needs of agencies and suppliers.