In certain industries, OSHA requires employers to provide a respirator to employees who are at risk of inhaling dangerous vapors, gases, dusts or other substances. First, employers must provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator. According to OSHA, such evaluations can be performed by a "physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP)."
AAOHN is working to make sure that all state boards of nursing officially recognize occupational and environmental health nurses as "other licensed health care professionals" under the standard. Currently, the boards of nursing in 18 states have weighed in on the issue.
View a map to see whether AAOHN has your state board's written determination on the respirator standard on file.
Find tools that will help you obtain a written determination from your state board of nursing.
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. 2920 Brandywine Rd. • Suite 100 • Atlanta, GA 30341 (770) 455-7757 • Fax (770) 455-7271 • Contact AAOHN
