The future of medical waste regulation: simplicity and consistency as goals

There are some favorable signs. At this time of federal budget constraints, the EPA is tightening its belt. EPA's Science Advisory Council recognizes these fundamental constraints and urges the agency to consider relative risks to public health and the environment in establishing regulatory priorities. If Congress and EPA follow this informed advice, and consider honestly where medical waste fits into the spectrum of environmental risks, there is at least a chance that they could come up with a simple system--just enough to satisfy public opinion, but not enough to keep people from solving the problem.     

Information sources for medical waste management

Although many hospital professionals now have personal access to online databases, popular communications services may not have the full range of electronic services needed for technical problem solving. Librarians are practiced at cross-disciplinary technical research and so health professionals may be best served by consulting an experienced database search analyst so that important information is not accidentally missed. Additionally, many commercially produced databases have repackaged and redistributed data developed by NIOSH and other federal agencies, data that are readily available in the public sector. The cost of accessing or purchasing commercial databases is usually higher than for federal databases, though commercial products use the federal databases to develop their products. Public agencies should always be consulted to obtain the most current information issued by those bodies and also because a variety of free and low-cost support materials may be available. Because of the expense of routinely consulting electronic databases when comparable printed materials may be available at a lower cost, a small reference collection of books, journals, and audiovisuals may be desirable. A selective print reference collection is found in Appendix A.     

You're fired! What to do, how to cope, finding a new job

If you find yourself out of a job, do not despair. It has happened to the best and the brightest; you are not alone. If you have never lost a job consider yourself fortunate, but do not become complacent. It very well could happen to you sometime soon. Be prepared. Watch for the signs. And if it happens, remain the professional you have always been. There is always another, and probably better, job awaiting you.     

Controlling characteristics of group insureds: risk rating

Employers seek to manage risk in their group health and life insurance plans through wellness programs and certain hiring practices. In both cases, the Americans with Disabilities Act may ultimately affect the use of these forms of risk rating on the grounds that they are discriminatory.     

Wellness programs: complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Employers that offer wellness programs must be careful to comply with the guidelines of ADA. As the dollar amounts involved in these programs and the number of participants increase, so does the risk of lawsuits.     

Labor Department regulations for Family and Medical Leave Act

Interim regulations issued by the Department of Labor provide employers with significant guidance on compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.