[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 45 (Monday, November 13, 2000)]
[Page 2810]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act

 November 6, 2000

     Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 5178, the Needlestick 
Safety and Prevention Act. This legislation requires changes in the 
bloodborne pathogens standard in effect under the Occupational Safety 
and Health Act of 1970. Supported by healthcare workers and their 
unions, as well as a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, this bill 
will help to ensure the safety of health care workers who may be exposed 
to disease while handling certain medical devices. The Needlestick 
Safety Act makes clearer the responsibility of employers to lessen the 
risk of injuries to workers from contaminated sharp devices. It also 
encourages manufacturers of medical sharps to increase the number of 
safer devices in the market. This legislation will help to make health 
care occupations safer.

  Note:  H.R. 5178, approved November 6, was assigned Public Law No. 
106-430.