WESTON, Mass., March 31 /PR Newswire/ -- Health care workers suffer over half a million needlestick injuries each year in the US. Infection from a contaminated needlestick may lead to HIV, hepatitis-B, and hepatitis-C disease. Who pays the cost of treating these infected nurses, aides, and physicians, which can run as high as $30,000 a year in workers' compensation and insurance payments? 

An article by attorney Patti Tereskerz in the current issue of the Journal of Healthcare Safety, Compliance & Infection Control warns that the time is ripe to target hospital executives as criminally negligent if they fail to supply their staff with safety needles or needleless devices. A CEO or department head may face fines and imprisonment. If a needlestick injury ends in the death of a caregiver from HIV or hepatitis, the charge is murder.

Today, state and federal legislation is trying to bring about investment in safety devices to prevent needlestick injuries. However, criminal law cases have established the precedent of criminal liability for employers, owners, and managers, and those managing health care institutions should consider this risk.

ST: Massachusetts

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