"These rules are a testament to the outspoken efforts of nurses
who have repeatedly pressed for the highest level of mandatory safe-
ty precautions to protect nurses, patients, and the public. Nurses
have raised their voices, and California has now listened, acted, and
once again set a benchmark for the nation," said NNU and CNA
Executive Director RoseAnn DeMoro.
The new California standards, an elaboration of existing Cal-
OSHA regulations on Aerosol Transmissible Disease and other
existing regulations, go well beyond the faulty procedures and pro-
tective gear employed by hospitals across the country and the cur-
rent, unenforceable recommendations of the federal Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
By contrast, the California regulations are mandatory. The
guidance under existing standards, which are effective immedi-
ately, stipulate the optimal level of personal protective equipment,
rigorous training and drills, and break additional ground in iden-
tifying modes of possible transmission of the virus and when safe-
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 W W W . N A T I O N A L N U R S E S U N I T E D . O R G N A T I O N A L N U R S E 13
Opposite page from top: RNs held an action at the White House Nov. 12
to demand highest Ebola standards; nurses held press conference in front
of federal OSHA offices. This page clockwise from top: RNs at University
of Chicago Medical Center rally for Ebola protections; UCMC RNs at
candlelight vigil; Chicago RNs walk the picket line for Ebola safety.
