At a time when health care workers face increased threats from SARS and other infectious agents, it is appalling and shameful that the Bush Administration has decided to abandon the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) tuberculosis rule requiring hospitals and workplaces to implement effective control measures. While Big Business in health care has pushed to block these safeguards, the Administration should value people over profit and provide workers the regulations they desperately need to protect themselves and patients from a serious health hazard.

Tuberculosis continues to be a significant threat to health care workers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of TB cases actually increased in 20 states from 2000 to 2001. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia had TB rates above the national average in 2001.

As health care workers prepare for potentially fatal diseases such as SARS and the government’s bio-terrorism warnings, now is not the time to roll back on TB regulatory actions that could reduce the risk of exposure to workers and patients.

Contact: Suzanne Ffolkes 202-637-5018