AHA urges OSHA not to finalize COVID-19 emergency temporary standard

Apr 22, 2022 - 05:06 PM
Coronavirus Update 900x400

The AHA today urged the Occupational Safety and Health Administration not to finalize its emergency temporary standard for occupational exposure to COVID-19, saying it continues to oppose establishing new regulations that are not fully aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s evolving evidence-based guidance.

“With the constantly evolving, science-based CDC guidance and recommendations, CMS’ vaccination requirement and existing OSHA general standards, we strongly believe that an inconsistent and overly strict OSHA COVID-19 health care standard is not necessary, would cause confusion and will ultimately lower hospital employees’ morale and worsen unprecedented personnel shortages in hospitals,” AHA wrote. “It is essential to a well-functioning health care system that only one set of science-based standards be applied to health care providers, and that these standards be aligned across federal agencies.”

OSHA last month requested additional comments on certain topics in its interim final rule, and announced an informal public hearing beginning April 27 to gather additional information from stakeholders as it develops a final rule.

Related News Articles

Headline
AHA says revised H-1B selection process could hinder hospital efforts to address workforce shortages
The AHA commented Oct. 24 on the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed weighted selection process for registrants and petitioners participating in the H-…
Headline
USCIS issues updated guidance on new H-1B visa filing fee
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Oct. 20 released updated guidance regarding the new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas announced last month. It…
Headline
AHA issue brief highlights opportunities for recruiting veterans into health care careers
In a new issue brief, the AHA has collected a series of resources and examples to help hospitals and health systems recruit and integrate the veteran…
Headline
AHA shares concerns with FTC on employer noncompete agreements
The AHA Oct. 20 responded to a request for information from the Federal Trade Commission on employer noncompete agreements. The AHA expressed concerns about…
Perspective
Exempting Health Care Personnel from H-1B Visa Fees Is Good for Patients and Providers
Public
A highly qualified and engaged workforce is at the heart of America’s health care system. Yet the U.S. faces significant shortages of health care workers…
Headline
In NEJM Catalyst article, AHA leaders discuss framework for developing physician leaders in hospitals and health systems
An article by AHA leaders published Oct. 15 in NEJM Catalyst discusses a framework that provides a guide for physicians, hospitals and health systems to create…