The California initiative has had major influence and impact over the last 12 months. This bill, titled The Health Care Worker Protection Act of 1999, would amend the 1991 federal OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard in a fashion to the California legislation. While the federal effort may be a lengthy process, several states have already taken action. The momentum for changes to bloodborne pathogen regulations continues to build. Change is coming.
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While the broad elements of these regulations provide for an overall understanding of the changes, implementation can be quite complex, as every institution is a unique situation in its own right. Adding to this complexity for providers are the available choices in device technology. The new regulatory mandates have created a significant commercial opportunity for safety device suppliers who have made significant investments since the early 1990s. Vendors will offer even further technology offerings and choices in the months ahead. Their challenge will be to effectively balance human and economic resource allocation with practices and controls that protect workers and patients.