Ontario

The Government of Ontario provided funding to enable a conversion of acute care facilities to safety devices in 2005. This announcement was followed by a new regulation mandating the use of safety-engineered hollow-bore needles in 2007. The regulation came into effect in September, 2008.

A consultation process is being considered in 2009 for expansion of the regulation coverage to other health care workplaces.

Below is an excerpt from the Ontario regulation:

Application of the regulation applied to:

1. Every hospital as defined in the Public Hospitals Act.
2. Every private hospital as defined in the Private Hospitals Act.
3. Every institution as defined in the Mental Hospitals Act.
4. Homewood Health Centre Inc. O. Reg. 474/07, s. 2.

On April 1, 2009, section 2 is amended by adding the following paragraphs:

5. Every laboratory or specimen collection centre as defined in the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act.
6. Every psychiatric facility as defined in the Mental Health Act.
7. Every nursing home as defined in the Nursing Homes Act.

For more information, please read the News Release from the Ontario Government regarding expanded regulation.

Complete regulations also available from the E-Laws Website.