Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/704847
21 Infectious Disease Protections A one-of-a-kind standard in California, the Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standard, was won in 2009 through the efforts of NNU. This standard mandates infectious disease prevention programs for aerosol-transmitted diseases similar to the more familiar federal Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. This is an extremely important tool to leverage for precautionary protections in cases of emerging infec- tious diseases about which little is known. NNU is submitting federal legislation to win this protection for all RNs, and continues to win landmark collective bargaining language for infectious disease protections. The first person infected in the United States with Ebola Virus Disease was a nurse. This is just one high-profile example of the infectious diseases to which RNs can be exposed. Here are the elements of infectious disease protections for which NNU fights: • All plans shall be based on the precautionary principle which holds that lacking scientific con- sensus that a proposed action, policy, or act is not harmful — particularly if that harm has the potential to be catastrophic — such action, policy, or act should not be implemented and the maximum safeguards should be pursued. • The employer shall provide optimal protocols and personal protective equipment based on the type and nature of the infectious disease. • An employer and union task force should be created to en- sure preparedness and prompt response in the event of an infectious disease outbreak or epidemic. • The employer shall provide a medical services program at no cost to the RNs that provides medical evaluation and surveillance for RNs with potential exposure to infectious diseases. The presumption shall be that exposure occurred at the workplace. NNU Fights for the Highest Standards of Protection An important aspect of infectious disease prevention programs is medical surveillance of work- ers. This means that illness and symptoms experienced by workers are monitored so that patterns or common exposures can be identified and removed. Hospitals should also provide easy access to free immunizations for all workers, should they choose to partake.