Healthcare Gets More Time on COVID Safety Standards
Published Date: 8/20/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
OSHA is giving healthcare workers and employers 60 more days to share their thoughts on new COVID-19 safety rules at work. This extra time helps everyone gather info and make sure the rules protect people well. No money changes yet, just a longer deadline to get it right!
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11093, Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators
OSHA wants to make it easier for workers using certain respirators by removing some medical check-ups for filtering facepiece and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators. This change affects workers who wear these masks and could save time and money on medical evaluations. The public can share their thoughts until July 6, 2026, before the rule is finalized.
2026-10456, Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-06578, Walking-Working Surfaces
OSHA is proposing to remove the deadline that requires all fixed ladders over 24 feet to have personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems. They’re also asking if employers should be allowed to keep using ladder cages instead of these newer safety systems. This affects employers with tall ladders and could change safety rules, with comments due by June 5, 2026.
2026-19833, Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc.: Application for Expansion of Recognition
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. wants to expand its official status as a trusted safety tester recognized by OSHA. This means they can test more products to keep workers safe. If you have thoughts or info about this, you have until October 14, 2026, to speak up—no cost changes announced yet, but more testing means more safety!
2026-19268, TUV SUD America, Inc.: Application for Expansion of Recognition
TUV SUD America, Inc. wants to expand its official testing powers by adding two new test standards to its recognized list. This change affects companies relying on TUVAM for safety testing and could speed up product approvals. You’ve got until October 6, 2026, to share your thoughts or ask for more time to comment.
2026-19267, RETC, LLC.: Application for Expansion of Recognition
RETC, LLC. wants to expand its role as a trusted safety tester recognized by OSHA. This means they could test more products to keep workers safe. If you have thoughts or info, speak up by October 6, 2026, so OSHA can consider it before making a final call.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15912, Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators
OSHA is giving everyone 60 more days to share their thoughts on new medical check rules for certain respirators. This extra time helps workers, employers, and safety pros gather info and give better feedback. No cost changes yet, just more time to weigh in before final decisions.
Next: 2025-15914, Ethylene Oxide
OSHA is giving everyone 60 more days to send in their thoughts on the new Ethylene Oxide safety rules. This extra time helps workers, businesses, and experts gather all the info they need to share their opinions. If you’re involved with Ethylene Oxide, now’s your chance to speak up before the deadline!