 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Draft
guidance is available that discusses the prohibition of disposing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Idaho - Draft
Guidance for Tier I and Tier II Non-Municipal Solid Waste Landfills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 |
| 