NC H644

Commissioner of Labor must adopt rules requiring safe handling of antineoplastic (chemotherapy) agents in health care facilities by January 1, 2016.

Rules must comply with National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations from the 2004 Alert on "Preventing Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Health Care Settings" and any subsequent amendments.

Rules do not apply to entities with permits under G.S. 90-85.21 or G.S. 90-85.21A.

Commissioner shall establish an advisory workgroup including hospitals, health care personnel organizations, and stakeholders to develop rules and determine reasonable implementation timeframes.

Act takes effect upon becoming law and exempts these rules from certain regulatory review procedures under G.S. 150B.