Needlestick Prevention Law Update
Fifteen States Now Have Legislation
Ohio, Oklahoma, Connecticut, and Alaska are the most recent states to pass needle safety legislation. The current list of states that have taken legislative action and the date the bills were signed into law follows:
State Date Signed into Law
California 9/98
Tennessee 3/99
Maryland 5/99
Texas 6/99
New Jersey 1/00
West Virginia 4/00
Minnesota 4/00
Maine 4/00
Georgia 4/00
Iowa 4/00
New Hampshire 5/00
Alaska 6/00
Connecticut 6/00
Oklahoma 6/00
Ohio 7/00
According to the International Health Care Worker Safety Center at the University of Virginia, Hawaii has passed a senate resolution, but not a law, regarding their support for implementation of safer medical devices. The District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island have bills pending.
Ohio law, the most recent to be approved, requires public institutions to use safety needles and provides training on how to use them and how to keep records of needlestick injuries. Similar to other states' laws, it makes exceptions for lack of available products and when products compromise patient safety. The legislation's standards are close to federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and will take effect in three months.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
Phage Therapy’s Future: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance With Precision Viruses
April 24th 2025Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to increase. Dr. Ran Nir-Paz discusses its potential, challenges, and future applications in this technology.
