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Idaho

Medical Waste

 

Managing Regulated Medical Waste

Idaho does not have state regulations for the management of medical waste.

Applicable facilities in Idaho have to comply with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. This standard is designed to protect approximately 5.6 million workers in the healthcare and related occupations from the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard has numerous requirements, including the development of an Exposure Control Plan. The Standard also includes rules specific to certain types of wastes generated at healthcare facilities, termed "regulated waste."  Regulated waste includes blood and items contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).  

Disposal of Untreated Waste in Idaho Landfills

Draft guidance is available that discusses the prohibition of disposing of untreated medical waste in certain types of landfills.

OSHA Regulations VetCA OSHA State Page

There are some Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules that apply to medical/infectious waste.  Idaho is one of 26 states covered entirely by the federal OSHA program.  This program is operated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  OSHA rules (Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standards) impact various aspects of medical/infectious waste, including management of sharps, requirements for containers that hold or store medical/infectious waste, labeling of medical/infectious waste bags/containers, and employee training.  These requirements can be found in the VetCA section entitled OSHA Standards for Regulated Waste

Statutes, Regulations and Guidelines

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards

Contacts

Idaho DEQ Waste Management and Remediation Division

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

More Information

Idaho hospitals are required to comply with the Rules and Minimum Standards for Hospitals (IDAPA 16.03.14)

Idaho Environmental Guide: Medical and Pharmaceutical Waste

Medical Waste: Best Management Practices

Idaho - Draft Guidance for Tier I and Tier II Non-Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

Idaho's Practice Greenhealth Program

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