Following blood exposure, what must an employer do concerning personal health information?

Employers have a responsibility to protect the personal health information of employees following any exposure to blood. This includes being transparent about certain information. When an employee is exposed to bloodborne pathogens, the employer must notify the affected individual of specific details related to the exposure, which may include the source individual’s test results or the status of their health if known. This duty ensures that employees can make informed decisions about their health management and any necessary follow-up care.

Keeping information secret or simply filing it away does not comply with regulations concerning transparency and employee rights. Similarly, destroying any relevant data would violate the rights of the exposed employee to have access to important health information, as well as potentially violate legal obligations surrounding health records. Thus, properly notifying the affected employee aligns with both ethical practices and legal standards in managing personal health information after blood exposure incidents.