CDC Finally Updates Ancient Pink Eye Prevention Rules
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The CDC is updating rules to help healthcare workers prevent and control pink eye (conjunctivitis) infections at work. These new guidelines aim to keep both healthcare staff and patients safe by improving infection control practices. Comments on the draft are open until February 9, 2026, so healthcare leaders can weigh in before changes take effect.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New guidance on postexposure care
The CDC released a draft updating the 1998 guidance that gives Occupational Health Services (OHS) new recommendations on postexposure management for healthcare personnel (HCP) with conjunctivitis, including postexposure prophylaxis. The draft is open for comment and related materials are available in docket CDC-2025-0651; comments are due February 9, 2026.
Work restrictions for infected staff
The draft guideline includes recommendations on work restrictions for healthcare personnel who are exposed or infected with conjunctivitis to prevent spread to coworkers and patients. These work restrictions are intended for use by OHS leaders and staff and are part of the draft posted in docket CDC-2025-0651, with comments due February 9, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10039 — Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
The CDC is asking for your thoughts on a new survey project to make health care data better and easier to collect. If you or your agency deals with health info, now’s the time to share your feedback—there’s a 30-day window to comment. This review aims to cut down paperwork hassle and keep costs in check, so everyone wins!
2026-10012 — Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP); Notice of Charter Re-Establishment
The CDC is officially bringing back the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for another two years after a paperwork mix-up caused a brief pause. This committee helps guide vaccine decisions that affect everyone’s health, so its return keeps important vaccine advice on track without extra costs or delays. The re-establishment shows the CDC’s commitment to keeping us safe and informed about immunizations.
2026-09770 — Meeting of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
The Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health is meeting on June 18, 2026, to discuss important updates about helping workers exposed to radiation get fair compensation. Workers affected by radiation exposure and their families can share written comments by June 11. This meeting helps make sure the rules and science behind compensation stay accurate and fair, with no new costs or delays expected.
2026-09434 — Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations
The CDC wants your thoughts on their plan to keep collecting important data about infections caught in healthcare settings through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). This helps hospitals and health officials spot problems and stop infections. If you have ideas or concerns, send them by July 13, 2026—no extra costs or big changes, just smarter tracking!
2026-09436 — Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations
The CDC wants your thoughts on their plan to keep collecting important data about respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV to help protect public health. This affects hospitals and health agencies who share this info, and your feedback can shape how the data is gathered. Comments are open until July 13, 2026, with no new costs announced, just a chance to make the process better and easier.
2026-09245 — World Trade Center Health Program; Petitions 032, 033, and 068-Peripheral Neuropathy; Finding of Insufficient Evidence
The World Trade Center Health Program reviewed requests to add peripheral neuropathy as a covered health condition but found not enough proof to do so. This means people affected by 9/11 won’t see changes to their benefits for this condition right now. The decision was made official on May 11, 2026, with no new costs or coverage updates planned.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22535 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Rule 32a-4
The SEC is asking for comments on extending a rule that lets investment funds skip a shareholder vote when picking their independent auditor—if they have an independent audit committee instead. Boards just need to adopt and keep an audit committee charter, which takes about 2.75 hours one time. This keeps things smooth and saves time without extra yearly paperwork or costs.
Next: 2025-22541 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
The cities of North Salt Lake and Salt Lake City want to keep their quiet zones safe without adding new flashing lights and gates right now. They’ve asked for more time to follow the rules about warning devices at railroad crossings. If you have thoughts, speak up by January 12, 2026—this affects local drivers and could save the cities money and hassle for a bit longer.