OSHA is preparing to promulgate a final standard to protect healthcare and healthcare support service workers from occupational exposure to COVID-19 in settings where people with COVID-19 are reasonably expected to be present. On March 22, 2022, OSHA opened a public comment period on the proposed rule (what was previously known as the Healthcare emergency temporary standard).
Comments may be submitted electronically on the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov
A virtual public hearing will begin on April 27, 2022. Interested persons who intend to provide oral testimony or documentary evidence at the hearing must file a written notice of intention to appear by April 6, 2022, using the Notice of Intention to Appear (NOITA) web form, available here: https://forms.office.com/r/QSx6QmTa6x
Before the hearing, OSHA will make the hearing procedures and hearing schedule available on the following web page: https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/healthcare/rulemaking
As always, we will keep you informed when a final rule is expected.
