Effective 28 Aug 2012

292.655. Definitions — needles used by employers in conduct of business, any commercially available may be used. — 1. For purposes of this section, the following terms mean:

(1) "Engineered injury protection device", a mechanical device or feature to a device that renders the needle incapable of inflicting a needlestick injury either by:

(a) Destruction of the medical needle sharp metal point at the point of procedure or use; or

(b) Covering the sharp end of the needle at the time the needle is removed from the skin of the subject human or animal.

­­Recapping the medical needle with the original needle packaging cover is not considered an engineered injury protection device.

(2) "Medical needles", hypodermic needles or other similar hollow-bore needles, syringes, or blood extraction apparatus with a primary function to penetrate the skin of a living human or animal.

2. Employers that use medical needles in the routine course of conducting business in the state may use any commercially available engineered injury protection device that can be reasonably expected to reduce the risk of accidental needlestick injuries to employees, patients, or customers.

3. This section shall not apply to needles for sewing dead animal skins or parts, fish hooks, gaffs, animal tags, or other similar sharp objects related to animals but unrelated to health care or testing of live animals. This section shall not apply to any veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian or veterinary care provider in or outside of a designated veterinary office, including but not limited to a ranch, farm, or private residence being provided in the scope of veterinary practices under chapter 340.

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(L. 2012 H.B. 1647)