California will next month implement the first law in the US designed to
prevent “needlestick” injuries among health workers. The law will require
syringes to be fitted with retractable needles or plastic sheaths to reduce the
risk of infection by HIV, hepatitis viruses or other bloodborne pathogens. Until
now, safety needles haven’t been widely used because they cost more. Similar
legislation is in the works in 22 other states.
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