Assembly Bill 1202 (Skinner) Protections from Hazardous Drug

ISSUE There are currently more than 150 hazardous drugs identified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a division of the Centers for Disease Control. These drugs include chemotherapy drugs which are designed to be toxic and highly absorbable in order to fight cancers. Healthcare workers who come into contact with these drugs can face a varying degree of health impacts ranging from skin irritations, allergic reactions, miscarriage, infertility, leukemia and other cancers. Millions of healthcare workers are at risk of being exposed to hazardous drugs on a daily basis. Workers can be exposed to contamination without even knowing it. This occurs when they create aerosols, generate dust, mix liquids, clean up spills or touch contaminated surfaces when they prepare, administer or dispose of hazardous drugs. Regardless of early concerns about exposure to hazardous drugs, current law provides no enforceable standards for the handling of hazardous drugs to ensure healthcare workers are protected. Unlike radiation, there are no federal or state regulations to limit healthcare workers exposure to hazardous drugs. Implementing and regulating improved safety guidelines and standards will significantly reduce the risk of healthcare workers and patients being exposed to hazardous drugs. This includes developing procedures for properly using and maintaining equipment designed to protect workers from hazardous drug exposure. AB 1202 (SKINNER) AB 1202 would require the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to adopt standards that require healthcare facilities to comply with a 2004 NIOSH alert. The alert recommends precautions and that hazardous drugs be handled as outlined, including but not limited to: Using ventilated cabinets, needleless systems and Closed System Transfer Devices. Wearing personal protective equipment, including double gloves, goggles and protective gowns when administering hazardous drugs.

SUPPORT BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (Sponsor) Association of Northern California Oncologists California Healthcare Institute California Labor Federation California Nurses Association California Professional Firefighters National Lawyers Guild Labor & Employment Committee Assemblymember Nancy Skinner Staff Contact: Stephanie Puentes (916) 319-2015 or stephanie.puentes@asm.ca.gov