AOHP
Government Affairs Newsletter
May 2009
Personal Best E-Bulletin 5-1-2009
Recognizing Stroke F.A.S.T.
From the National Stroke Association … May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Want to help
reduce the impact of stroke? Spread awareness about stroke symptoms so everyone can quickly
recognize them and immediately call 9-1-1. Use the F.A.S.T. method for recognizing symptoms.
FAST Symptoms of Stroke
F = FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A =ARM Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S =SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or
strange?
T =TIME If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1.
Building Positive Attitudes
In today’s unpredictable business climate, maintaining a positive attitude among employees can
be a challenge. Employees no longer automatically trust their employers, and a truly devoted
employee may be hard to find. However, there’s plenty you can do to boost a positive attitude and
loyalty in your workplace.
1.
LOOK ahead. Negative news headlines of the past may stick in your employees’ minds
and bring down their attitudes. Share your company’s future plans with workers and let them see
that the future looks bright.
2.
REVAMP your approach. The same old mission statement and communication
strategies might not continue working forever. Periodically revisit how managers relate to
employees and re-tool your company vision to keep it fresh.
3.
ENGAGE in meaningful work. Employees want to feel that they are part of a
company that respects both its workers and the community. Consider engaging in companywide
service projects and find ways to bring broader meaning to everyday work wherever possible.
4.
SET goals together. Involve employees in planning for the future and make both
individual and companywide goal setting a regular exercise that everyone participates in.
Welcome employees’ ideas.
5.
SHOW your commitment. Make sure every manager stands behind your ethical and
professional policies and sets a good example. A positive attitude starts at the top.
Use these tips to keep your employees working strong and staying positive.
10 Ways to Lower Absenteeism
It’s no surprise that health insurance premiums continue to rise. Are you doing all you can to keep
your costs under control? The following are 10 ways you can make a difference.
1.
Provide ongoing education about disease prevention and workplace safety.
2.
Post safety signs in high-visibility locations and have first-aid kits on hand.
3.
Make sure work areas and workstations are ergonomically sound.
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
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4.
Have — and enforce — a no-smoking policy.
5.
Arrange discounts for health club memberships.
6.
Allow flexible scheduling to help employees strike a healthy work-family balance.
7.
Encourage employees to schedule vacations well ahead of time — so they can
schedule their work to completion before taking off, and you can plan for adequate coverage
while they’re gone.
8.
Advise sick employees to stay home so that you avoid “presenteeism” and the
spread of infection.
9.
Watch for signs of alcohol or drug abuse and take action when an employee is at
risk.
10.
Promote a supportive environment where workers believe they are listened to.
Doing even a few of these action items can make a difference in your rates of absenteeism and
employee productivity. More than that, if your organization a
Cal OSHA Reporter News 5-1-2009
Swine Flu First Test of California Response Efforts
Whether it turns out to be a pandemic or a close call, the swine flu outbreak is a "teaching moment" for
California, says a safety and health professional who has worked for years to help get businesses ready for
just such an event. Cal-OSHA Reporter
Go to the Full Story...
Labor and Employers Duke It Out over Indoor Heat Illness Standard
Employees who work indoors feel the heat, too, but will cooler heads prevail on how best to address the
issue now that legislation addressing it has been floated? Read on in Cal-OSHA Reporter.
Go to the Full Story...
Worker’s Comp Executive NewsDesk 5-4-2009
Expert: Swine Flu Likely to Chiefly Affect Workers' Comp Lines
The property-casualty insurance sector most likely to see any swine flu claims would be the workers'
compensation line, according to insurance expert Steven Weisbart, senior vice president and chief
economist at the Insurance Information Institute, who has studied influenza pandemics reports. Weisbart
also says, however, that bringing such comp claims would probably be difficult. National Underwriter
Go to the Full Story...
Cal-OSHA Reporter News 5-4-2009
OR-OSHA Urges H1N1 Flu Efforts
Oregon's Occupational Safety and Health Division is encouraging employers in the state to develop and
implement procedures to control the spread of the H1N1 flu, including providing employees with plenty of
hand soap that includes both a cleaner and disinfectant. Salem-News.com
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
Go to the Full Story...
2
AANP SMARTBrief 5-4-2009
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WHO confirms 898 cases of H1N1 virus worldwide
The World Health Organization has confirmed 898 cases of the H1N1 virus across 18 countries and warned
that the virus could become more virulent in the following months despite statements from Mexico that
the virus "is in its declining phase." U.S. Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius also warned against being
complacent, saying the virus "could come back with greater force in the winter and fall, when we get into
flu season." CNN (5/3) , Google/The Associated Press (5/3)


CDC expert says H1N1 virus may be similar to seasonal flu: The CDC is
seeing "encouraging signs" that the H1N1 virus may be no more severe than the seasonal flu viruses that
affect the country every year, said CDC Acting Director Dr. Richard Besser. Besser, however, clarified that
U.S. health officials did not over-react by taking an aggressive approach in responding to the new virus.
Reuters (5/3)
WHO asks Roche to distribute stockpiles of Tamiflu
Roche Holding is deploying rapid-response stockpiles of its antiviral drug Tamiflu in response to a request
from the World Health Organization, which said the threat of an H1N1 flu pandemic remains "imminent."
The Swiss drugmaker said it has increased production of the drug during the past week to meet growing
demand for the treatment. Reuters (5/2)

FDA notes link of diet pill Hydroxycut to liver damage
The FDA issued a public warning against the use of Iovate Health Sciences' dietary supplement
Hydroxycut after receiving reports of liver problems linked to the product. Iovate agreed to recall 14
Hydroxycut products but denied claims that they caused the death of a teenager in 2007. San Francisco
Chronicle/The Associated Press (5/2)
Occupational Health and Safety E-News 5-4-2009
NAOSH Week Gets Underway
The annual seven-day event will be observed in multiple countries and will include the awarding of the
annual "safety-on-the-job" children's poster contest winners.
Barab Spells Out Changes for Enhanced Enforcement Program
He also told members of a House subcommittee that he's suspended the practice of setting goals for
new VPP sites and Alliances to direct OSHA's resources instead to enforcement.
IAC Express Issue No 795 5-4-2009
A web page version of this issue is available at
http://www.immunize.org/express/issue795.asp
New! Laminated child/teen and adult CDC immunization
schedules. Great for exam rooms. Order at
http://www.immunize.org/shop
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
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Cal-OSHA Reporter News 5-5-2009
Fed-OSHA Enhanced Enforcement Program Being Changed
An inspector general's report one month ago criticized Fed-OSHA's administration of its Enhance
Enforcement Program, which was created to focus enforcement efforts on recalcitrant employers. Acting
Assistant Secretary Jordan Barab last week outlined changes that were already being made and some that
respond to the Office of Inspector General's report in testimony before the U.S. House Education and
Labor Workforce Protections Subcommittee. OH&S
Go to the Full Story...
Employers Getting Pandemic Response Plans in Place
When the World Health Organization bumped its pandemic alert level to 5 last week, a Halifax, N.S.-based
electricity company's health and safety team activated a plan that immediately limited travel requests and
meetings bringing large groups together. Like the WHO, companies are bumping up the alert level, having
developed plans in response to crises. Toronto Globe
Go to the Full Story...
NAOSH Week Underway
Thousands of occupational safety, health, and environmental members of the American Society of Safety
Engineers are joining with Fed-OSHA Alliance Program partners, businesses, and organizations during this
week's North American Occupational Safety and Health Week and Occupational Safety and Health
Professional Day, May 6. OH&S
Go to the Full Story...
Hospital Infection Control Weekly Health News 5-5-2009
H1N1 Antiviral Chemoprophylaxis For HCWs
CDC clarifies the difference between pre- and post-exposure
Health care workers or public health workers who were not using appropriate personal protective
equipment during close contact with an ill confirmed, probable, or suspect case of swine-origin
influenza A (H1N1) virus infection during the case's infectious period are indicated for postexposure antiviral chemoprophylaxis with either oseltamivir or zanamivir, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention recommends.
Duration of antiviral chemoprophylaxis post-exposure is 10 days after the last known exposure to
an ill confirmed case of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Post exposure
prophylaxis should be considered for contact during the infectious period (e.g., one day before
until 7 days after the case's onset of illness). If the contact occurred more than 7 days earlier,
then prophylaxis is not necessary. For pre-exposure protection, chemoprophylaxis should be
given during the potential exposure period and continued for 10 days after the last known
exposure to an ill confirmed case of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Antiviral
chemoprophylaxis with either oseltamivir or zanamivir can be considered for the following:
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
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1. Health care workers who are at high-risk for complications of influenza (e.g.,
persons with certain chronic medical conditions, persons 65 or older, and
pregnant women) who are working in an area of the healthcare facility that
contains patients with confirmed swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) cases, or
who is caring for patients with any acute febrile respiratory illness.
2. First responders who are at high-risk for complications of influenza (e.g.,
persons with certain chronic medical conditions, persons 65 or older,
children younger than 5 years old, and pregnant women) and who are
working in areas with confirmed cases of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1)
virus infection.
CDC And FDA: Don't Hoard Masks, Antivirals
Spot shortages may result
During this outbreak of a novel H1N1 flu virus, there is increased demand in the U.S. for a variety
of medical products that may help treat or prevent influenza, including antiviral drugs and
personal protection equipment, such as masks. Consumers may seek to purchase such products,
including, with a prescription, antiviral drugs.
Depending on how this virus spreads and the current situation evolves, consumers and patients
may encounter some shortages of these products, as the demand may occasionally exceed the
supply available directly to consumers in some locations, creating what are often called, "spot
shortages," the Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration warned.
The federal government is purchasing additional supplies of these products to refresh the
Strategic National Stockpile so that it can continue to meet our public health needs. The FDA is
working with manufacturers of these medical products to increase production. While it is
important to be prepared, the FDA and the CDC ask that "individuals avoid purchasing excessive
quantities of medical products that treat or fight influenza so that these products continue to be
available to those most in need," the two agencies said in a joint statement.
Joint Commission Issues Best HH Monitoring Practices
Approach depends on use of the data, workplace culture
The Joint Commission has issued a major new document on the difficult issue of assessing hand
hygiene compliance by health care workers. We'll put the bottom line at the top: there are many
approaches to solve the Achilles "hand" of infection prevention and none of them is a panacea.
"The first thing people have to do is decide why they are monitoring hand hygiene," says leading
hand washing expert Elaine Larson, RN, PhD, FAAN, CIC, who chaired the expert panel that
produced the 262-page document. "Just doing it to be in compliance with Joint Commission isn't
a good reason. What are you going to do with the information?"
For more on this story, see The Joint Commission Update for Infection Control in the June 2009
issue of Hospital Infection Control & Prevention. The Joint Commission report: "Measuring Hand
Hygiene Adherence: Overcoming the Challenges" is available on the commission's website
at:http://www.jointcommission.org/
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
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AANP SMARTBrief

5-5-2009
Researchers hope blood samples will lead to flu
antibodies
U.S. scientists plan to use blood samples from Mexican patients infected with the H1N1 influenza virus to
extract plasma cells, which release antibodies, that can be used to develop monoclonal antibodies. They
plan to send the antibodies to the CDC to test their efficacy in preventing the virus from infecting
laboratory-grown cells. Reuters (5/4)
Health Policy and Legislative News

White House amends guidelines on drug disposal
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy changed guidelines on the disposal of
pharmaceuticals in light of toxic medications discovered in the water supply of cities across the U.S. The
amended guidance advises against flushing drugs down the toilet unless indicated on labels or in patient
information and also encourages consumers to take advantage of community programs for drug takebacks. The Washington Post (5/5)

FDA chief confirmation hearing rescheduled amid H1N1
flu outbreak
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has rescheduled the confirmation hearing of
Dr. Margaret Hamburg, President Barack Obama's pick to head the FDA, for Thursday instead of May 12.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., is prioritizing the immediate confirmation of Hamburg as the country
confronts the H1N1 flu outbreak, said a spokeswoman for the Senate panel's chairman. The Wall Street
Journal (5/4)
AHA News Now 5-5-2009
AHA supports bill extending long-term care hospital provisions
The AHA yesterday expressed “strong support” for the Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement
Act (H.R. 2124). The bill would extend for two years certain provisions of the 2007 Medicare, Medicaid and
SCHIP Extension Act to allow more time to develop LTCH facility and patient criteria. Set to expire Dec.
29, 2010, the provisions delay full implementation of the so-called 25% Rule, which reduces payment for
certain patients transferred to LTCHs from general acute-care hospitals. They also postpone payment
reductions for very short-stay cases and place a moratorium on new LTCH facilities and beds, with certain
exceptions. “Extending these provisions would provide critical regulatory stability to the long-term care
hospital community, and allow an essential segment of the post-acute health care delivery system to
continue providing quality services to the patients who rely on them,” the AHA said in a letter to H.R.
2124 sponsors Reps. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), John Yarmuth (D-KY), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Bill Pascrell
(D-NJ).
Senate roundtable participants debate public health plan option
At a Senate Finance Committee roundtable today on expanding health care coverage, participants debated
the impact a public plan option could have on access to care. Representatives from insurance
organizations voiced concern that a public plan option could “crowd-out” private insurers and lead to the
demise of the employer-based system of coverage, while consumer advocates said government
intervention in the health insurance market could promote competition and individual choice. The AHA has
expressed concern that a new public plan could result in further under-payment to health care providers,
thereby reducing access to care. The committee will hold a roundtable talk on financing health reform May
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
6
14, and could mark up health reform legislation as early as June. For more on the AHA’s framework for
reform, Health for Life: Better Health. Better Health Care., visit www.aha.org.
AANP SMARTBrief 5-6-2009
Health Policy and Legislative News

Obama wants $63B over 6 years to fight global health
issues
President Barack Obama launched a $63 billion, six-year global health plan that would address AIDS,
malaria, tropical diseases and other health problems. Obama is seeking approval from Congress for his
fiscal 2010 budget, which includes funding for the initiative. Yahoo!/Agence France-Presse (5/5)

Baucus highlights health IT role in delivery system reform
Investing in health IT will be "strategic" in efforts to fix the U.S. care-delivery system, generating longterm savings in up to 12 years, said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont. Speaking
at a press gathering, Baucus explained that lawmakers are pushing for the passage of "meaningful health
care reform" before next fall, which is later than previously planned. Healthcare IT News (5/5)

Swine flu shots could come with seasonal vaccination
The Obama administration is looking into a multibillion-dollar proposal for the fall flu season that involves
giving Americans three injections -- one for seasonal influenza and two for the swine flu virus.
Government officials also are considering other options, including adding an ingredient to the seasonal flu
vaccine that targets the swine flu virus. The Washington Post (5/6)
AAOHN e-News 5-6-2009
NIOSH Posts Occupational Health Resources for H1N1 Flu
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has posted resources on its Web site
for occupational health issues associated with H1N1 Influenza (flu).
NIOSH is coordinating with other parts of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to
address national health needs associated with preventing the spread of H1N1 Influenza Virus and
providing information to workers and employers. NIOSH provides technical guidance for workers, including
health-care and transportation workers, for whom job-related questions about exposure or infection may
be an occupational concern.
Resources include: H1N1 Influenza Resources for Workers, Other Pandemic Flu Resources for Workers,
Other CDC H1N1 Flu Resources and Related NIOSH Safety and Health Topics.
You can access the resources at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/H1N1flu/.
CDC Updates Healthcare Setting H1N1 Infection Control Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim infection control guidance for
healthcare facilities caring for patients with confirmed, probable or suspected infection with the influenza
(flu) A virus H1N1.
The infection control guidance covers the following topics:
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
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Screening, placement and transport of potentially or confirmed infected patients
Isolation precautions
Respiratory protection
Managing visitors
Duration of precautions
Surveillance and management of healthcare personnel (HCP)
Environmental infection control
Patients with confirmed, probable or suspected cases should be placed in individual rooms with the door
closed, and HCP caring for these patients should follow the recommendations in the guidance.
You can access the guidelines at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_infection_control.htm.
CDC Mounts Ongoing Swine Flu Outbreak Investigation and Response
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively investigating isolated human cases of
swine influenza A (H1N1), working closely with Canada, Mexico and the World Health Organization (WHO)
and continuously updating investigation information.
CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the agency's response to this emerging
health threat. CDC's goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness
severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in
addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus.
CDC has issued a number of interim guidance documents in the past 24 hours. In addition, CDC's Division
of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective
equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak.
For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm.
White Paper Finds Older Workers More Productive, Safety Conscious
While an increase in older workers in the American work force could lead some to suspect a corresponding
decrease in workplace productivity and an increase in accident claims, a new white paper shows the
opposite is true.
The white paper, from PMA Companies "Capitalizing on an Aging Workforce," concluded that older workers
are a benefit to the companies that employ them and examines how employers can capitalize on the
strengths of older adults while minimizing high-severity risks. Even so, however, injuries to older adults
tend to be of higher severity, so U.S. companies should consider making workplace modifications that
prevent injuries.
"Not surprisingly, as people age, their skills and faculties, including strength, range of motion, motor
skills, sensory acuity and ability to heal, diminish," Nogan wrote. "While this may suggest that older
workers would have a negative effect on workplace productivity and safety, statistics prove otherwise."
In fact, the paper notes that as over-55 workers increase in the workplace, so does productivity and
overall workplace safety. Safety professionals, however, must consider that when older workers do
experience injuries, the severity may be more significant. It therefore pays to make medications to work
environments to prevent injuries and limit the severity of injuries commonly sustained by older workers.
A PDF of the white paper can be found at
http://www.pmagroup.com/pdf/PMAInsights/PMAInsightsAgingWorkforce_1-09.pdf.
NIOSH Revises Advice to Protect Responders from Airborne Pathogens
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently revised its recommendations
about personal equipment for protecting first responders from airborne pathogens in potential bioterrorism
situations.
The "Recommendations for the Selection and Use of Respirators and Protective Clothing for Protection
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
8
Against Biological Agents" were updated to reflect changes in equipment ratings and standards since the
previous version was issued in 2001, said John Decker, associate director for emergency preparedness at
NIOSH. The document was published online last week.
The revised version includes respirators rated for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN)
hazards as well as updated National Fire Protection Association standards (NFPA) for protective clothing,
Decker told CIDRAP News.
"A lot of this has changed over the last several years," Decker said. "In 2001 we didn't have CBRN
respirators. This was part of a general review of our site and which documents needed to be updated as
part of a routine process."
For more information, visit
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/bt/bioprep/news/apr0709niosh.html.
The NIOSH recommendations can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2009-132/.
NIOSH Debuts WorkLife e-Newsletter
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) WorkLife Initiative has launched an
electronic newsletter to share information about new research and practice developments and to serve as
a focal point for related activities.
The Initiative was launched in 2004 to identify and support comprehensive approaches to reducing
workplace hazards and promote worker health and wellbeing. The premise of the WorkLife Initiative,
based on scientific research and practical experience in the field, is that comprehensive approaches
addressing health risk from the work environment (both physical and organizational) and from individual
behavior are more effective in preventing disease and promoting health and safety than each approach
taken separately.
One of the effort's goals is to "overcome the traditional separation of the occupational health and health
promotion professional communities."
For more information and to view the first issue of the newsletter, visit
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/worklife/newsletter/NWLnewsV1N1.html.
OSHA Adds Mandatory Respirator Provisions to Existing Standard
Assigned Protection Factors (APF), a new guidance document published by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA), provides employers with vital information for selecting respirators for
employees exposed to airborne contaminants.
OSHA revised its existing Respiratory Protection standard in 2006 to add APFs and Maximum Use
Concentration (MUC) provisions. APF means the workplace level of respiratory protection that a respirator
or class of respirators is able to provide to workers. The higher the APF number (5 to 10,000), the greater
the level of protection provided to the user. APFs are used to select the appropriate class of respirators
that will provide the necessary level of protection against airborne contaminants. Such exposures can
come from particles or a gas or vapor.
Visit http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=17714
for more information.
OSHA Updates Teen Workers Web Resource
In anticipation of the summer hiring season, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
has revamped its Teen Workers Web page to improve access to more resources for teens, parents,
employers and educators on workplace safety and health.
Some of those resources include:


Frequently asked questions for small businesses hiring young workers
Links to information about common hazards teens typically encounter on the job
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
9
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Guidance on filing complaints with OSHA
Training tools from previous Teen Summer Job Safety campaigns
Video clips of teens demonstrating safe work practices in construction and landscaping
Visit http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html for more information.
AHA News Now 5-6-2009
Bill proposes to create White House quality improvement office
Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) yesterday
introduced the National Health Care Quality Act (H.R. 2252). According to the sponsors, the bill would
create an Office of National Health Care Quality Improvement under the Executive Office of the President,
which would work with public and private stakeholders to establish health care quality priorities for the
nation, and coordinate quality improvement efforts across federal agencies. In addition, they said the bill
would expand the authority of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality “to improve the publicprivate process for health care quality measure development and to streamline the implementation of
quality improvement measures within federal health programs under the jurisdiction of HHS.”
Michigan cuts Medicaid payments to hospitals, other providers
In an effort to close a state budget deficit, Michigan legislators yesterday approved a 4% cut to health
care providers’ 2009 Medicaid payments. According to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, the
payment reduction and resulting loss of federal matching funds amount to nearly $53 million in cuts to
hospitals, physicians, long-term care and mental health providers. “During this time of economic crisis, we
are deeply disappointed that, despite the human toll, elected leaders decided to cut – once again – the
health care community which serves our most vulnerable citizens,” said MHA President Spencer Johnson.
“…Today, the health care safety net became more fragile and our roles as employers have sadly been
weakened – but our commitment to care for all who walk through our doors remains unchanged.”
Cal OSHA Reporter Newsdesk 5-7-2009
Woolsey Introduces Bill to Boost Penalties
Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, has
introduced the Protecting America's Workers Act, which would amend the Occupational Safety and Health
Act and significantly raise civil and criminal penalties for violations. Pit and Quarry
Go to the Full Story...
NIOSH Updates Nanotechnology Guidance
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has updated and expanded its guidance on
workplace safety and nanotechnology. The document reiterates the agency's recommendation that
employers take measures to control occupational exposure in the manufacture and industrial use of
engineered nanomaterials. Risk and Insurance
Go to the Full Story...
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
10
AANP SMARTBrief 5-7-2009

care
WHO issues new guidelines on hand hygiene in health
The World Health Organization has issued new hygiene guidelines for use in any health care delivery
setting to improve practices and reduce transfer of pathogenic microorganisms. The recommendations
specify when soap and water is preferable for hand-washing and when alcohol-based handrubs should be
used. It also outlines surgical hand-washing procedures and the selection of cleansing products. Medscape
(free registration) (5/6)
Health Policy and Legislative News

Sebelius: Health plan would bring competition for private
insurers
President Barack Obama's proposed health plan would spur competition among private insurance
companies and bring down costs instead of damaging the market, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told a
congressional panel on Wednesday. In her testimony, Sebelius emphasized the urgency for health care
reform, citing two studies that revealed a decline in patient safety in hospitals and a "severe and
pervasive" disparity of care among ethnicities. Yahoo!/Reuters (5/6)

FDA official: Path to swine flu vaccine won't be simple
Creating vaccines against the H1N1 flu strain could take longer than expected because of uncertainties
over the mutation of the virus and the appropriate dose needed for protection, said Dr. Jesse Goodman,
the FDA's acting chief scientist. Government officials are working with manufacturers to devise a
production strategy as soon as possible, but they are following the same procedure used in making
seasonal flu shots to ensure safety, Goodman said. Reuters (5/6)
AHA News Now 5-8-2009
House passes bill altering False Claims Act
The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday voted 367-59 to pass the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery
Act (S. 386), sending it back to the Senate with amendments to the False Claims Act section of the bill.
The section retains an AHA-backed provision clarifying that organizations receiving overpayments from
federal programs are only liable for knowing and improper "retention" of those overpayments. It excludes
the extensive FCA changes in H.R. 1788, an AHA-opposed bill passed by the Judiciary Committee last
week.
Bill would establish nurse staffing ratios
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) yesterday introduced legislation (H.R. 2273) that would establish nurse-topatient staffing ratio requirements in hospitals. Co-sponsors of the bill, which was referred to the House
Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means committees, include Reps. Pete Stark (D-CA), Charles Rangel (DNY), John Conyers (D-MI), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Don Young (R-AK), Neil Abercrombie (D-HI),
James McGovern (D-MA), Brad Sherman (D-CA) , Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Tammy
Baldwin (D-WI). The United American Nurses, AFL-CIO, is backing the bill.
Workers’ Comp Executive NewsDesk 5-8-2009
OR-OSHA Amends Standard for PPE
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
11
Oregon OSHA is amending its standards to add language clarifying that the personal protective equipment
and training requirements impose a compliance duty to each and every employee covered by the
standards and that noncompliance may expose the employer to liability on a per-employee basis. Risk &
Insurance
Go to the Full Story...
AANP SMARTBrief 5-8-2009

Sebelius stresses role of interoperability in health care
reform
Efforts to overhaul the U.S. care-delivery system will not be be successful without enabling interoperability
among health IT tools, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. Speaking before a Congressional
committee, Sebelius also touched on privacy issues tied to data from interoperable platforms. Healthcare
IT News (5/7) , Government Health IT (5/6)
Health Policy and Legislative News

Obama proposes increased funding for FDA
President Barack Obama asked Congress to increase the FDA's budget by $300 million, bringing the
agency's total for the 2010 fiscal year to $2.35 billion. The budget increase would allow the agency to hire
more scientists and inspectors as well as "begin to solve some problems," said William Hubbard, a former
FDA official. The Wall Street Journal (5/7)
Cal-OSHA Reporter Newsdesk 5-11-2009 - 5-13-2009
Fact Sheets Address Biological Safety
Fed-OSHA has released fact sheets, developed by the American Biological Safety Association under a
renewed alliance with the agency, that address various biological safety issues for laboratory employees.
Risk & Insurance
Go to the Full Story...
Fed-OSHA Poised to Strengthen Combustible Dust Rules
In a major policy shift by the Obama administration, federal regulators are moving to adopt tougher rules
for controlling combustible dust in the workplace. Such dust was blamed for the 2003 explosion at CTA
Acoustics in Corbin, Ky., that killed seven and injured 37. Louisville Courier-Journal
Go to the Full Story...
Advocates Fight for Nurses Safety in Taiwan
In Taiwan, a lawmaker and members of the Taiwan Nurse Rights Promotion Association urge the Council
of Labor Affairs and the Department of Health to better address the safety and health of nurses in the
workplace. The poll of 600 nurses found that up to 75% of respondents are surrounded by chemicals such
as sterilizers that could amount to a biohazard. Taipei Times
Go to the Full Story...
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
12
AANP SMARTBrief 5-11-2009 and 5-13-2009
Shalala says NPs can increase access to primary care

Former HHS secretary and University of Miami President Donna Shalala said nurse practitioner-managed
health clinics will help reduce problems caused by the shortage of primary care providers. She said NPs
can dramatically increase access to health care, improve care for chronic diseases and help make the
health care system more efficient. She also urged more federal funding for NP-managed health centers.
Miami New Times (5/8)
Health Policy and Legislative News
Senators to hear 3 options for government health plan

Three options for a government-run health care plan are on the table and senators are expected to
consider them behind closed doors this week, sources told the Associated Press. One plan would create a
system similar to Medicare to be run by HHS, while a second would have the Medicare-like option run by
an outside party. The third idea is to allow states to set up their own public plans for their residents.
Google/The Associated Press (5/9)
Lawmakers consider incentives for wellness programs

U.S. lawmakers are looking at giving companies tax credits or subsidies to encourage them to offer
wellness programs for employees. The plans also call for the government to make it easier for companies
to use financial penalties or rewards to promote healthy behaviors. The New York Times (5/9)
Groups vow to help Obama limit growth in health spending

Executives from the American Medical Association and several other health trade groups plan to announce
today their commitment to helping President Barack Obama limit the growth of health care spending by $2
trillion during the next 10 years, White House officials said. In a letter to Obama, the executives promised
to limit their spending by simplifying administrative costs, reducing hospitalizations and more effectively
managing chronic illnesses, among other things. The Wall Street Journal (5/11) , The New York Times
(5/10)

9 experts to join HHS Office of Health Reform
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that nine experts will join the agency's Office of Health
Reform. The unit will be headed by Jeanne Lambrew, a former associate professor at the University of
Texas at Austin and former member of the Clinton administration. Michael Hash, a consultant on health
policy, will serve as a senior adviser. Health Data Management (5/12)
AANP SMARTBrief 5-14-2009
House promises to pass health reform bill by July 31
House lawmakers, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., vowed to pass a bill on health care reform by
July 31 and send it to the Senate after the August recess. President Barack Obama commended the
pledge, saying it underscores the "urgency" needed to pass the legislation this year. The Washington
Post/44 blog (5/13)
Happy Birthday Ms. Nightingale.
We salute Florence Nightingale, a pioneer nurse, and all the men and women who continue the tradition of
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
13
caring. Nightingale would celebrate her 189th birthday this month. If you're interested in engaging the
300,000 strong SmartBrief community of nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians and health care providers
we look forward to helping you.
Survey shows wide range of views on health care system
A Stanford University study found 62% of 2,000 voters surveyed said the U.S. health care system works
well for them personally. On the other hand, the survey also showed 68% believe the system doesn't work
well for most Americans and 58% were unhappy with the costs. The survey found no consensus among
respondents when asked about six health care reform options. Modern Healthcare (free registration)
(5/13)
AHA News Now 5-14-2009
Joint Commission seeks comments on safety goals, protocol
The Joint Commission is accepting comments on proposed revisions to its 2009 National Patient Safety
Goals and universal protocol for preventing surgical errors. According to the commission, the changes are
intended to clarify language and focus on those issues that are of highest priority to safety and quality.
For more information or to submit comments online, visit The Joint Commission Web site.
Study: Physician practices spend billions interacting with health plans
Physician practices nationally spend an estimated $31 billion annually interacting with private health plans
on billing and other issues, according to a survey published online today by Health Affairs. More than
three-quarters of respondents said the cost of interacting with health plans has increased in the past two
years. On average, physicians spend nearly three weeks per year interacting with health plans, while
their nursing staff spend 23 weeks and clerical staff spend 44 weeks. Physicians spend the most time
dealing with prescription drug formularies, while nursing staff spend the most time on authorizations and
clerical staff on claims and billing.
AANP SMARTBrief 5-15-2009

Obama taps New York health chief to lead CDC
New York City's top health official, Dr. Thomas Frieden, is President Barack Obama's choice to lead the
CDC. Frieden's tenure in New York included the city becoming the first in the U.S. to ban smoking in
restaurants and to eliminate trans-fats from restaurant food. Frieden also oversaw the launching of a
major community-based electronic health records project. Reuters (5/15)

House Dems work on mandatory health insurance bill
House Democrats are creating a plan that would require all Americans to have health insurance, but
families making less than $88,000 a year would be eligible for government help to pay premiums. The
House plan also calls for employers to do more to help workers pay for coverage and increases consumer
protections in health plans. Yahoo!/The Associated Press (5/14)

House bill would expand Medicare telehealth coverage
The U.S. House is considering a bill to expand Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services to urban
and suburban areas. It also would expand the types of facilities eligible for payment. Health Data
Management (5/14)
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
14
AANP SMARTBrief 5-18-2009 and 5-19-2009

Prediabetes guidelines call for aggressive lifestyle changes
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has issued new diet and exercise guidelines for
treating patients with prediabetes. The group called for weight loss of 5% to 10% and at least 30 to 60
minutes of moderate to intense exercise at least five days a week. Increasing fiber, limiting carbohydrates
and salt, and avoiding alcohol also were recommended for certain patient groups. USA TODAY (5/16)

Study: Abnormal heartbeat increases risk of dementia
People with an abnormal heartbeat called atrial fibrillation are 44% more likely to develop dementia than
those without the disorder, a study found. The reason may be related to high blood pressure or
inflammation. Yahoo!/HealthDay News (5/17)

Pfizer's Lyrica decreases hot flashes, study finds
A study backed by the Mayo Clinic showed that 61% of women who took Pfizer's painkiller Lyrica
experienced fewer hot flashes, compared with a third of those who received placebo. The finding suggests
Lyrica is a viable alternative to hormone therapy or antidepressants in treating flashes, the trial's lead
researcher said. Bloomberg (5/15)

GSK aims to develop vaccine against H1N1 flu virus
GlaxoSmithKline said it will start developing a vaccine against the H1N1 flu virus once it receives a sample
of the virus from the World Health Organization. The drugmaker said it is negotiating with Great Britain,
France and other European countries about producing 128 million doses of the vaccine, which the
company said could take as long as six months to develop. Los Angeles Times (5/16) , American City
Business Journals/Raleigh/Durham, N.C. (5/15)
Health Policy and Legislative News

Senate confirms Hamburg as FDA chief
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Dr. Margaret Hamburg as FDA commissioner. During her
confirmation hearing, Hamburg vowed to improve product safety and access to laboratory tests and other
medical products as the country confronts the H1N1 swine flu strain. Forbes/Reuters (5/18)

Md. legislation to support EMR adoption, HIE creation
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is scheduled today to approve legislation aimed at boosting EMR adoption
and the development of a statewide system for health information exchange. House Bill 706 enables the
state to use funding from the stimulus plan to give incentives to hospitals that deploy EMRs and requires
two groups -- the Maryland Health Care Commission and the Health Services Cost Review Commission -to create a state HIE by Oct. 1. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (5/18)
AHA News Now 5-18-2009
NYC health commissioner to direct CDC
New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden will become director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention early next month, President Obama announced Friday. Acting CDC Director Rich Besser, M.D., will continue
to lead the CDC’s Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response, as he has for the past four
years. Frieden has served as the city’s health commissioner since January 2002. From 1990-2002, he worked for the
CDC, where in the early 1990s he investigated the spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and other issues as an
epidemiologic intelligence service officer.
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
15
Senate panel issues health reform financing options
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today released
policy options for financing comprehensive health care reform, which they plan to "walk through" at a committee meeting
Wednesday. The paper explores three areas of potential funding: savings achieved from within the health care system
through reduced spending levels; reevaluating health tax subsidies; and changes to non-health tax provisions. Comments
on the options paper may be e-mailed to Health_Reform@finance-dem.senate.gov through May 26. Today’s paper is the
last of three issued by the committee to spur discussion before it marks up comprehensive health care reform legislation
next month. The other papers addressed options for reforming the health care delivery system and expanding health
coverage. “We encourage Congress to carefully consider the complete picture as they choose options that could affect
hospitals’ ability to care for patients,” said AHA Executive Vice President Rick Pollack. The AHA is reviewing the policy
options and plans to submit comments as well as communicate its concerns to senators. In addition, members can watch
for an advisory with more information and further advocacy messages.
AANP SMARTBrief 5-20-2009
Health Policy and Legislative News

Some senators consider delaying proposal for public
health insurance
A bipartisan group on the Senate Finance Committee is thinking about postponing for several years a
"public option" health insurance plan to test whether policy changes involving private insurers would result
in the coverage of more Americans at a reasonable cost. Several lawmakers supported the idea, saying a
public plan can be a fallback alternative. Bloomberg (5/19)

Vermont passes comprehensive payment-disclosure bill
The Vermont Legislature passed a disclosure bill that would require drug and medical-device makers to
report all payments made to health care providers. The law, which is scheduled to go into effect July 1,
would impose more limitations on payments compared with disclosure rules in other states. The New York
Times (5/19)
AAOHN e-News 5-20-2009
DOL FY 2010 Budget Includes Increased OSHA Funding
On May 7, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis outlined President Obama’s FY 2010 U.S. Department of Labor
(DOL) budget, which she said will begin to restore worker protection programs and revitalize employment
opportunities for the American workforce.
The budget requests a total of $104.5 billion for DOL, with the majority to be used for unemployment
insurance benefits for displaced workers and federal workers' compensation. DOL’s discretionary request
of $13.3 billion allocates $1.7 billion for worker protection programs, a 10 percent increase over the prior
year's budget.
The budget requests $564 million for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is
$51 million, or 10 percent, more than that agency received in FY 2009.With this funding, DOL plans to hire
160 new enforcement staff, many of whom will be bilingual to communicate with staff in the changing
workplace.
Read more about the budget at http://ehstoday.com/standards/osha/dol-fy-2010-budget-increased-oshafunding-0508/.
NIOSH Updates Guidance for Protection Against Biological Agents
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued, “Recommendations for the
Selection and Use of Respirators and Protective Clothing for Protection Against Biological Agents,” the first
update in eight years.
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
16
The document is based on current understanding of the potential agents and existing recommendations
for biological aerosols and is oriented toward acts of terrorism. The recommendations provided do not
address and are not applicable to controlled use of biological agents in biosafety laboratories. (For
information on precautions in the laboratory settings, please consult
http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/biosfty.htm.)
For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2009-132/.
AAHN SMARTBrief 5-21-2009

CDC looks at early start to flu vaccination campaign
CDC officials are considering an earlier start to the nation's flu vaccination campaign this year to allow for
a potential second round of shots against H1N1 influenza. A CDC official also said it is possible that people
born before 1957 may have been infected with an older H1N1 strain, giving them some added protection
against the new flu strain. Yahoo!/Reuters (5/20) , USA TODAY (5/20)
Health Policy and Legislative News

Congress to consider bill to create loan forgiveness plan
Rep. Allyson Schwartz, D-Pa., has introduced a bill in Congress to increase funding for scholarship
programs and to create a student loan forgiveness initiative for medical providers. The measure also calls
for Medicare payment incentives to encourage better care coordination and new reimbursements for
providers who create a medical home practice structure. Modern Healthcare (free registration) (5/20)
Workers’ Comp Executive Newsdesk 5-22-2009
NIOSH to Review Medical Charts of Former IBM Workers
Former IBM workers could soon see the link between chemical contamination and health problems. The
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health will review medical records of more than 25,000
former IBM employees. The study will begin this fall; it's expected to take three to five years to complete
and cost $3 million. WBNG-TV (Binghamton, N.Y.)
Go to the Full Story...
Cal-OSHA Reporter Newsdesk 5-22-2009 & 5-26-2009
Wal-Mart Tagged over Needle Sticks
After a worker develops hepatitis in Yuba City, Cal/OSHA investigates a superstore and finds a troubling
practice. The latest developments in the tagging gun saga, in this week's Cal-OSHA Reporter.
Go to the Full Story...
Commitment to a Committee
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
17
The Appeals Board faces a state Senate committee delving into complaints about the way Cal/OSHA
citations are resolved. But the board and DOSH both urged the legislature to let Cal/OSHA work out its
problems with stakeholders. Here's what everybody had to say. Cal-OSHA Reporter.
Go to the Full Story...
Leg Counsel: Appeals Board Can't Lower Reporting Penalties
2006 DAR that established board authority to lower $5,000 ﾧ 342(a) penalties was wrong, Legislative
Counsel Bureau tells a Senate committee. Details in Cal-OSHA Reporter.
Port of Portland Joins SHARP
The Port of Portland's property maintenance and marine facilities join OR-OSHA's Safety and Health
Achievement Recognition Program. With 724 employees, the port owns four airports, four marine
terminals, and four commercial and industrial parks in the Portland area. OH&S
Go to the Full Story...
AANP SMARTBrief 5-26-2009

Study: Whooping cough making a comeback
A study in Pediatrics found one in 20 children who skipped the pertussis vaccine developed whooping
cough, compared with one in 500 vaccinated children. The lead researcher said a recent resurgence in the
disease is a result of more parents choosing not to vaccinate their children. USA TODAY (5/26)

NPs help fill gaps in primary care
Nurse practitioner Susan Smith says, "We are not trying to replace primary care providers, but we fill the
void for patients primary care providers may not want to see." Patient Ilse Herbek says having Smith
available to guide her through diagnosis, surgery and recovery made a positive difference in her physical
and emotional health. News 10 Now (Syracuse, N.Y.) (5/23)
Occupational Health and Safety E-news 5-26-2009
DOL Further Extends Rules on Investment Advice Effective
Date
The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) recently announced
publication of a notice further extending the applicability and effective dates of the final rule on
investment advice under the Pension Protection Act to Nov. 18, 2009.
Workplace Injuries Rise Following Daylight Savings Change
Using U.S. Department of Labor and Mine Safety and Health Administration data, Christopher Barnes
and David Wagner, both doctoral candidates studying industrial and organizational psychology at
Michigan State University, found that the number of workplace accidents spikes after Daylight Savings
Time changes every March
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
18
Cal-OSHA Reporter Newsdesk 5-27/28--2009
Keeping Young Workers Safe
Nationally, about 158,000 teens suffer work-related injuries and illnesses each year.
About a third of them require treatment in emergency rooms. Most of these incidents
occur in the retail and service sectors. According to Fed-OSHA, young workers are at
risk because of their inexperience, as well as their physical and developmental
characteristics. Safety.BLR.com
Go to the Full Story...
CCOHS Offering Pandemic Awareness E-Course
The recent outbreak of the human swine influenza has prompted the Canadian Centre
for Occupational Health and Safety to remind Canadians of the resources that are
available to help them plan for an influenza pandemic, including a free, 20-minute
introductory e-course. Cien Magazine
Go to the Full Story...
AIHA Supporting Rep. Woolsey's Bill
American Industrial Hygiene Association President Lindsay Booher sends a letter to
U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, offering support for her bill. Called the Protecting America's
Worker's Act, HR 2067 would increase penalties for willful violations that result in a
fatality; it also would extend Fed-OSHA's coverage to public employees. OH&S
Go to the Full Story...
Standards Board has Second Labor Member
Gov. Schwarzenegger has appointed Guy Prescott, safety director for Operating
Engineers Local 3, as the second labor member on the Cal/OSH Standards Board.
Prescott, 54, replaces former member Steve Rank, who recently resigned the board
after being appointed to the board of directors for State Compensation Insurance
Fund. The Standards Board now has all of its seven seats filled. Prescott joins Jose
Moreno of the Laborers International Union in the two labor positions.
Prescott, a Citrus Heights resident, has worked as the director of safety for Local 3
since 2005. Prior to that, he was the president of Common Sense Safety, construction
safety program manager for Sandia National Laboratories and a safety consultant and
fire prevention specialist. Early in his career, Prescott was a safety coordinator and a
part-time senior fire fighter for the Byron Fire Protection District.
The appointment does not require state Senate confirmation.
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
19
AANP SMARTBrief 5-27-2009
Leaders say FDA must focus more on public health

The FDA should work to modify its reputation from that of an organization that merely approves drugs or
inspects production facilities to a public-health agency focused on preventing illness, FDA Commissioner
Dr. Margaret Hamburg wrote in an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine. The article, coauthored by FDA Deputy Commissioner Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, also emphasized the need for policies to
ensure safety in product approval, including conducting post-market studies of drugs and devices. The
Wall Street Journal (5/26)
FDA drafts guidelines for disclosing risk data in TV ads

The FDA has proposed guidelines on how drug and device manufacturers can adequately present risk
information on their products in TV ads. The guidelines advise against using distracting music and
frequently changing scenes, which the agency said tend to "misleadingly minimize the risks of the product
being promoted by detracting from the audience's comprehension." The Wall Street Journal (5/27) ,
Reuters (5/26)
AAOHN e-News 5-27-2009
Mayo Clinic Offers Tips to Reduce Home, Workplace Eyestrain
A few simple adjustments in how you read, work or surf the Internet can give your eyes a much-needed
rest.
Follow these simple tips to reduce eyestrain at home:



When doing close-up work, make sure you have light that's well directed on what you're doing.
Use a brighter light source if you need one, especially if you have reduced vision from an eye
condition such as macular degeneration.
When reading, try to position the light source behind you and direct the light onto your page. If
you're reading at a desk, use a shaded light positioned in front of you. The shade will keep light
from shining directly into your eyes.
When watching television, keep the room softly lit. Too much contrast between the TV screen and
the surrounding environment can cause eyestrain.
For tips on reducing workplace eyestrain, visit
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eyestrain/DS01084/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies.
CDC Reports Seasonal Flu Vaccines Likely Ineffective with H1N1 Virus
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination with seasonal flu vaccines
made for the 2005 to 2009 seasons is unlikely to protect people against infection by the new H1N1 flu
virus.
Using stored serum specimens from vaccine studies, CDC assessed the level of cross-reactive antibody to
the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in specimens from children and adults collected before and after they
had received vaccines for the 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08, and 2008-09 influenza seasons. The
results suggest that recent seasonal influenza vaccines are unlikely to elicit a protective antibody response
to the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.
More information can be found in CDC’s Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report May 22, 2009 / Vol. 58 /
No. 19 at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/.
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
20
DOL FY 2010 Budget Includes Increased OSHA Funding
On May 7, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis outlined President Obama’s FY 2010 U.S. Department of Labor
(DOL) budget, which she said will begin to restore worker protection programs and revitalize employment
opportunities for the American workforce.
The budget requests a total of $104.5 billion for DOL, with the majority to be used for unemployment
insurance benefits for displaced workers and federal workers' compensation. DOL’s discretionary request
of $13.3 billion allocates $1.7 billion for worker protection programs, a 10 percent increase over the prior
year's budget.
The budget requests $564 million for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is
$51 million, or 10 percent, more than that agency received in FY 2009.With this funding, DOL plans to hire
160 new enforcement staff, many of whom will be bilingual to communicate with staff in the changing
workplace.
Read more about the budget at http://ehstoday.com/standards/osha/dol-fy-2010-budget-increased-oshafunding-0508/.
CDC Updates Healthcare Setting H1N1 Infection Control Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim infection control guidance for
healthcare facilities caring for patients with confirmed, probable or suspected infection with the influenza
(flu) A virus H1N1.
The infection control guidance covers the following topics:







Screening, placement and transport of potentially or confirmed infected patients
Isolation precautions
Respiratory protection
Managing visitors
Duration of precautions
Surveillance and management of healthcare personnel (HCP)
Environmental infection control
Patients with confirmed, probable or suspected cases should be placed in individual rooms with the door
closed, and HCP caring for these patients should follow the recommendations in the guidance.
You can access the guidelines at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_infection_control.htm.
Worker’s Comp Executive Newsdesk 5-28-2009
Congress Considers Employee Protection Bill
A measure pending in Congress that would increase federal penalties for workplace safety violations is a
step in the right direction, says an Oklahoma City labor law attorney. The measure would allow workers to
have input in Fed-OSHA investigations and index some penalties to inflation, among other changes.
Journal Record (Oklahoma City)
Go to the Full Story...
Maryland Firefighter Wins Workers' Comp After K-9 Partner Injured
A Montgomery County, Md., firefighter has been given a month's disability leave because she became
depressed after her search-and-rescue dog suffered a career-ending injury, according to court records and
her attorney. Examiner (Washington, D.C.)
Go to the Full Story...
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
21
How to Reduce Workers' Comp Costs in a Recession
Amid a slumping economy, there still are opportunities for organizations to reduce workers' compensation
costs and save money through savvy risk management practices. A comprehensive, well-executed
workers' compensation program tailored to an organization's specific needs can provide benefits beyond
insurance and services - such as improving worker safety programs and reducing both the incidence of
workers' compensation claims and claims severity. EHS
Go to the Full Story...
NIOSH Expands Study of New York IBM Workers
National Institution of Occupational Safety and Health researchers are expanding their health study of
more than 21,000 former IBM employees in central New York by adding kidney failure to the list of
ailments they're tracking. WTEN-TV (Albany)
Go to the Full Story...
NIOSH Studies Links Between Hand Tools and Cardiovascular Risks
Studies being conducted in NIOSH and elsewhere are quantifying cardiovascular risks associated with the
use of power hand tools. Epidemiological studies and some other experiments suggest that higherfrequency vibrations can trigger subtle damage that may actually kill tissue. Science News
Go to the Full Story...
SHRM HR Issues Update 5-29-2009
Leave Policy
SHRM Advances Workplace Flexibility on "Fox & Friends"
On May 22, Government Affairs Director Mike Aitken appeared on
"Fox & Friends" promoting SHRM's new public policy initiative on
Workplace Flexibility, which was announced publicly two weeks
ago. "Fox & Friends" has more than 1 million viewers nationwide
and the largest morning cable show audience, particularly among
policymakers and opinion leaders in Washington, DC.
To watch the 5-minute video, visit
http://messaging.shrm.org/ct/H7eSmZs1qRcH/.
To read more about SHRM?s Workplace Flexibility proposal, visit
http://messaging.shrm.org/ct/HpeSmZs1qRcG/.
Supreme Court Developments
New Haven Firefighter Case Likely to be Showcased During Obama
Supreme Court Nominee Confirmation Hearing
What do SHRM and Obama Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor
have in common? A case, currently pending before the U.S.
Supreme Court, entitled Ricci v. DeStafano.
--Read this article:
http://messaging.shrm.org/ct/G1eSmZs1qRcF/
SHRM Files Brief Asking Supreme Court to Interpret
Labor-Management Relations Act
On Friday, May 22, 2009, SHRM and the National Federation of
Independent Business Small Business Legal Center (NFIB)
submitted a brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
22
case Adcock vs. Freightliner LLC. SHRM and NFIB believe that
Supreme Court review of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth
Circuit's interpretation of section 302 of the Labor-Management
Relations Act (LMRA) is necessary to ensure fairness in union
organizing campaigns.
--Read this article:
http://messaging.shrm.org/ct/GdeSmZs1qRc-/
Domestic Partner Benefits
Legislation Targets Tax Treatment of Health Care Benefits
On Thursday, May 21, 2009, legislation was introduced in both
chambers of Congress to remedy the tax inequity incurred by
employees who receive a domestic partner benefit. --Read this
article: http://messaging.shrm.org/ct/G7eSmZs1qRcJ/
For more information about these and other public policy issues,
please visit www.shrm.org (c) 2009 Society for Human Resource
Management
AANP SMARTBrief 5-29-2009

Minimum interval DTaP schedule helps vaccine
compliance
A minimum interval DTaP schedule during a pertussis outbreak could increase the number of children who
get polio and pneumococcal vaccines, according to Arizona public health researchers. The study, which
included 45,129 Arizona children, found those in the minimum interval group were more likely than those
in the standard group to receive all three doses of DTaP, IPV and PCV. Medscape (free registration) (5/28)

Council revises guidelines on using anti-clotting drugs
during stroke
The American Heart Association Stroke Council revised its guidelines to extend the time during which
patients can get anti-clotting drugs upon experiencing stroke symptoms. The change to 4¼ hours comes
after a European study showed that anti-clotting treatments benefit stroke patients beyond the current
three-hour window. The revision could increase the number of people who get these drugs, experts said.
Google/The Associated Press (5/28)

HHS to pay $180M for H1N1 vaccines from CSL
Biotherapies
The HHS signed a $180 million contract with CSL Biotherapies to supply its Novel A H1N1 vaccine antigen
in bulk form. The agency will fund CSL's clinical trials of the vaccine, which might be ready for widespread
use by October. Reuters (5/28)
Stimulus plan will broaden HIPAA rules to include other
associates
The stimulus package contains provisions on health information security that will expand HIPAA
regulations to include consultants from outside the health care industry, such as lawyers and accountants,
an expert said. Speaking at a conference, attorney Mark Garsombke explained that the provisions could
force care providers to revise agreements with such professionals to address concerns regarding their
exposure to personal health data. Wisconsin Technology Network (5/27)
AOHP Government Affairs Newsletter May, 2009
23