Which agency publishes the bloodborne pathogen standards based on standard precautions that healthcare personnel should treat all human blood and body fluids as infectious?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for publishing the bloodborne pathogen standards, which emphasize standard precautions in healthcare settings. These standards are crucial for protecting healthcare personnel from the risk of exposure to potentially infectious blood and body fluids. OSHA's regulations require that all human blood and certain body fluids be treated as if they are infectious, which helps to minimize the risk of transmission of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B.

OSHA's bloodborne pathogen standards include guidelines for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling and disposal of needles and other sharp instruments, and protocols for exposure control. This comprehensive approach fosters a safer working environment for healthcare professionals by ensuring they are well-equipped to manage risks associated with bloodborne pathogens effectively. Other agencies, while important in the field of health and safety, do not have the same regulatory authority over workplace safety as OSHA does in this context.