AORN identifies weaknesses in bloodborne pathogens compliance

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard took effect in March 1992 and was designed to protect healthcare workers from contracting dangerous bloodborne illnesses from the patients they cared for. In November 2000, another landmark bill was added to the standard in the form of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, which ­required facilities to develop an exposure control plan and evaluate safety sharps as part of their bloodborne pathogens program.