PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS NEEDLESTICK SAFETY AND PREVENTION ACT ...

November 6, 2000: President Clinton signs the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (H.R.5178, S.3067) mandating revisions to the 1991 Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030).

Revisions include a broader definition of safer medical devices, and requirements that employers identify, evaluate, and use effective safer devices. The bill also changes the OSHA standard from an agency directive to a law.

The Act passed the House on October 3, 2000, and passed the Senate on October 26, 2000.