New OSHA & CDC Guidelines for PPE in Healthcare Settings

New OSHA & CDC Guidelines for PPE in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare infection-control policy has evolved rapidly in the last 18 months. Below is a concise briefing on the most important changes from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) so you can align your facility’s PPE program with the latest science-based requirements.

1. CDC: 2024 Core Infection-Prevention Update

On April 12 2024 the CDC released a fully revised “Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Safe Healthcare Delivery in All Settings.”
 Key take-aways:

What’s New Why It Matters
Risk-based PPE selection is now embedded in the “Standard Precautions” table. Facilities must document a task-by-task hazard assessment to decide when gloves, gowns, eye/face protection, or respirators are required.
Leadership accountability language was strengthened—governing bodies are explicitly responsible for PPE resources and staffing. Budget constraints are not an acceptable reason for lapses in PPE availability or training.
Annual competency-based training for all staff (paid and unpaid) is mandatory. Written curricula and skills validation must be retained for surveyors.

(CDC)

2. CDC: Updated Isolation & Respiratory Virus Guidance (2024-25)

  • Appendix A—Isolation Precautions was refreshed in Feb 2025 with clarified recommendations for viral hemorrhagic fevers, Nipah, and Andes viruses. (CDC)
  • COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 IPC was consolidated into a flexible, community-transmission-based framework; universal N95 use is now required only during high or substantial respiratory-virus activity. (CDC)
  • Seasonal Influenza IPC (May 2025) stresses airborne-plus-contact precautions and eye protection for any aerosol-generating procedure—even when caring for vaccinated patients. (CDC)

3. OSHA: Shift from Disease-Specific to Comprehensive Infectious-Disease Standard

  • COVID-19 Healthcare ETS withdrawn (Jan 15 2025). OSHA formally ended its COVID-specific rulemaking, signalling that a single-pathogen rule “isn’t the best long-term approach.” (OSHA)
  • Infectious-Diseases Standard nearing publication. In Nov 2024 the draft rule entered White House OIRA review—normally the last step before OSHA issues a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Expected elements include:

    • Written exposure-control plan covering airborne, droplet, and contact pathogens.
    • Mandatory PPE hazard assessments and documented respirator-fit programs.
    • Engineering controls (AIIR rooms, UVGI) prioritized over PPE when feasible. (Safety+Health Magazine)
  • Employer impact. Experts anticipate recordkeeping, training, and supply-stockpile requirements similar to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard but broader in scope. (VertiSource HR | HRIS and HR Outsourcing)

4. Action Items for Healthcare Facilities

  1. Update your written PPE policy to reflect CDC’s risk-based approach and ensure alignment with Appendix A categories.
  2. Inventory and validate stock of ASTM Level 3 surgical masks, N95 respirators, eye protection, and impermeable gowns to meet the forthcoming OSHA supply-readiness requirements.
  3. Document annual PPE competency training for every worker role—clinical and non-clinical.
  4. Prepare for OSHA’s Infectious-Disease rule by integrating PPE hazard assessments into your broader infection-control plan now.

5. How USA MedPro Helps

USA MedPro’s American-made ASTM Level 3 surgical masks exceed CDC filtration benchmarks and are manufactured in FDA-registered facilities—ready to keep you compliant with both current guidance and the forthcoming OSHA standard.

Need support updating your PPE program? Contact USA MedPro for customized policy templates, audit checklists, and staff-training materials.

Staying ahead of evolving regulations protects patients, staff, and your reputation. USA MedPro is committed to being your trusted partner in that mission.