Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - Thursday October 26, 2000
Nancy Zuckerbrod, Associated Press Writer
The legislation was praised by the nation's largest union of health care workers. "Today we saved the lives of thousands of health care workers, and we will soon, I hope, see a day where no more health care workers get stuck by a needle and wonder whether it's a death sentence," said Andrew Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union.
The fate of the bill, authored by Sens. Michael Enzi, R-Wyo., and Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., seemed uncertain a few weeks ago. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., had initially put a "hold" on the legislation after a Lexington, Ky., company, MedPro Inc., complained about it.
The legislation, which passed the House earlier this month, would require hospitals and health care facilities to consider using safer medical devices to reduce the number of needle-related injuries.
Retractable needles and devices that automatically cover used needle tips are examples of devices cited in the legislation. MedPro, which makes a needle disposal device, was concerned that some other examples weren't included.
In exchange for lifting his hold, Bunning said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration had agreed to go on record as saying that needle destruction devices continue to reduce the risk of injuries in some instances.
OSHA is backing the bill, which would update a 1991 law. Up to 800,000 people are stuck by contaminated needles each year, according to the agency.
Ellen Dayton, a nurse in San Francisco, was stuck by a contaminated needle three years ago. Today she is HIV positive and suffers from hepatitis C.
"I'm hoping that this bill will make it so other people don't have to go through this. It's been a nightmare," Dayton said.
Other provisions in the bill call for consulting workers to determine which safety devices are best in different health care situations and requiring employers to keep consistent records documenting all needle-related injuries.
The bills are H.R. 5178 and S. 3067. On the Net: To search for bills: http://thomas.loc.gov
001026
AP001022
Copyright © 2000 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2000. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .