title: Ethical issues in the handling of bloodborne pathogens: evaluating the Occupational Safety & Health Administration Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.
abstract: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration Bloodborne Pathogen Standard is designed to help provide protection from contamination in the workplace. Healthcare professionals must evaluate the standard and the behaviors mandated therein, according to the basic professional ethical principles of professional autonomy, beneficence, and cost-benefit considerations. The patient's wellbeing provides the focus for making such an assessment.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Purtilo
mesh_terms: D026686:Beneficence; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D035082:Federal Government; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000592:standards*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D012935:Social Justice; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration