New OSHA Rules on COVID Won't Apply to Most PTs and PTAs

The much-anticipated emergency standards exempt non-hospital ambulatory outpatient settings that follow certain protocols.

PTs and PTAs in most settings are likely to be exempted from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's recently released standards on workplace safety related to COVID-19 — provided the setting is non-hospital ambulatory care, proper non-employee screening is in place, and anyone suspected of confirmed COVID-19 isn't allowed to enter.

"This rule is aimed at protecting workers facing the highest COVID-19 risks, such as those in facilities where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated," said Kate Gilliard, APTA senior policy and regulatory affairs specialist. "It won't apply to the vast majority of physical therapy settings."

But that doesn't mean there are no standards to be met....

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