Implementation of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act in Long-term Care Facilities

A review of the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act in long-term facilities. Also includes a review of the legislation and recommendations for preventing needlestick injuries.

The long-term care arena has a long history of facing and mastering difficult challenges. In recent years, these have included implementing the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA), proactively planning for and adapting to the Prospective Payment System (PPS), maintaining readiness for inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and, more recently, implementing the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.

Since far fewer sharps are used in long-term care than in acute-care facilities, one might think that implementing a sharps-injury prevention program in long-term care would be relatively easy.

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