Which organization regulates bloodborne pathogens?

The regulation of bloodborne pathogens falls under the jurisdiction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions by enforcing standards and regulations. The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, created by OSHA, specifically protects workers who may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials in the workplace. This standard includes provisions for exposure control plans, employee training, and personal protective equipment, aimed at minimizing the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidance and recommendations on handling bloodborne pathogens and conducts research in public health, it is not a regulatory body and does not enforce safety standards. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) focuses primarily on the regulation of food safety and agricultural practices, which do not typically include oversight of bloodborne pathogens. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports biomedical research and is involved in funding and conducting studies related to health and disease, but again, it does not have the regulatory authority that OSHA possesses in this area. Therefore, OSHA is the correct choice for the regulatory agency concerning bloodborne pathogens.