The nurse is concerned about the frequency of hospital-acquired infections occurring in a care area. The regulatory body that would investigate this issue would be the:

Question

1. Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
2. Joint Commission.
3. Centers for Disease Control.
4. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

Answer 1

Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Rationale: OSHA oversees numerous health and safety requirements within health care facilities. Examples of this oversight include bloodborne pathogen control programs, control of biological hazards, ergonomic health/safety issues, and chemical and radiological safety. OSHA produces guidelines and reports that help hospitals and other care facilities meet state and national regulatory standards. The Joint Commission is the accrediting body for hospitals focusing on patient care and safety, competency of staff, and responsibilities of the administration and governing boards. The Centers for Disease Control focuses on protecting the health and safety of people within and outside of health care environments. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid certify hospitals that want to participate in the federal Medicare and state Medicaid programs.