Confused about the new OSHA testing rules for unvaccinated?
Thread:
A few options but if using Rapid Tests, the tests must be:
- Observed by the employer OR
- via a Certified Telehealth Proctored session (There are a few companies enabling this)
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wsj.com/amp/articles/n…
Thread:
A few options but if using Rapid Tests, the tests must be:
- Observed by the employer OR
- via a Certified Telehealth Proctored session (There are a few companies enabling this)
1/
wsj.com/amp/articles/n…
The rule applies to any companies with 100 or more people…
In these companies, employees must be vaccinated or test weekly.
A hefty fine of $14,000 can be placed upon companies out of compliance
So here are the testing options and pros/cons
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In these companies, employees must be vaccinated or test weekly.
A hefty fine of $14,000 can be placed upon companies out of compliance
So here are the testing options and pros/cons
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First off, that $14k fine is PER individual out of compliance, and possibly per infraction (though Im not positive about the per infraction part).
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For the testing:
The test used can be a PCR or a rapid test and can be performed under observation at work or w a (simple) virtual proctor at home.
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The test used can be a PCR or a rapid test and can be performed under observation at work or w a (simple) virtual proctor at home.
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If lab PCR, swab must be shipped to the lab and reported back to individual and employer. Surely labs will set up programs for this.
These PCR lab tests will likely be costly and if delayed, won’t offer all too much to actually limit spread.
An important consideration…
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These PCR lab tests will likely be costly and if delayed, won’t offer all too much to actually limit spread.
An important consideration…
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Importantly for employers considering a lab PCR test, PCR tests can stay positive for weeks or longer after transmission is complete
So if the goal is to keep employees working safely, w minimal interruption, PCR can have this negative consequence of staying pos too long
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So if the goal is to keep employees working safely, w minimal interruption, PCR can have this negative consequence of staying pos too long
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There are quite a few PCR service companies that will help set up PCR based testing for employers. But these will likely be pricier than rapid tests. The latter, I argue, are absolutely the more appropriate tool for this sort of public health testing
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If using Self Rapid tests, the tests must be observed. This means that people can come to work and use the test under employer supervision OR the test can be performed at home under virtual telehealth proctor guide
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Speaking with many companies, Ive heard very few with interest in turning themselves into laboratories and having people test themselves w observation on site.
Indeed this just doesn’t make sense - particularly if a goal is to not have infectious people showing up at work.
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Indeed this just doesn’t make sense - particularly if a goal is to not have infectious people showing up at work.
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So another option, I would argue is the best option, is a rapid home-test with verified proctored use & results/reporting
By far the most experienced for this is eMed
eMed has been working w Abbott/CDC for almost a year and is the original approach that led to Abbotts EUA
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By far the most experienced for this is eMed
eMed has been working w Abbott/CDC for almost a year and is the original approach that led to Abbotts EUA
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Through this mechanism, the testing and verification/observation is much less expensive and effort is taken entirely off of the employer - no testing on site. (Good for travel & schools for test-to-stay too)
eMed is most experienced & has most capacity, but others too
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eMed is most experienced & has most capacity, but others too
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Azova has worked w Ellume and Lucira to enable virtual proctored sessions for travel. I am admittedly less familiar with their exact protocol
Other telehealth proctored testing companies will likely pop up as a result of OSHA
It’s Important is to see which have the tests
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Other telehealth proctored testing companies will likely pop up as a result of OSHA
It’s Important is to see which have the tests
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A problem that will arise is going to be a limit of tests available in the US
A good thing is that FDA has recently authorized an additional group of rapid tests and this will drive up supply and down costs.
For businesses looking to stay in compliance, may start looking
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A good thing is that FDA has recently authorized an additional group of rapid tests and this will drive up supply and down costs.
For businesses looking to stay in compliance, may start looking
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I’ll keep updating this thread as information evolves…
1) this goes into effect January 4.
2) just today a federal
Court has put a temporary halt on the law going into effect. OSHA and Biden admin feel confident that this law is lawful and will continue.
I’m not a lawyer
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1) this goes into effect January 4.
2) just today a federal
Court has put a temporary halt on the law going into effect. OSHA and Biden admin feel confident that this law is lawful and will continue.
I’m not a lawyer
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Also, if looking to use an over the counter test w a proctor - the test must be associated w a verified proctoring company (ie eMed or Azova)
Unless set up before hand, you generally can’t just go buy OTC tests, pass them to employees and tell them to get them Proctored
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Unless set up before hand, you generally can’t just go buy OTC tests, pass them to employees and tell them to get them Proctored
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