Is there a requirement to maintain an incident exposure plan and vaccination program?

• A. No such requirement exists
• B. Only post-exposure evaluation is required
• C. Yes; facilities must have an exposure control plan and offer Hepatitis B vaccination, post-exposure evaluation, and prophylaxis as appropriate
• D. Only for healthcare facilities

Answer: (C)

Managing exposure risk means proactively protecting workers who may come into contact with bloodborne pathogens. Facilities that handle potentially infectious materials are required to have an exposure control plan. This plan identifies where exposure could occur, the controls and work practices used to minimize risk, and how training, evaluation, and reporting are carried out. In addition, a Hepatitis B vaccination program must be offered to employees with potential exposure, along with post‑exposure evaluation and, if appropriate, post‑exposure prophylaxis. Together, these measures prevent infection, support timely medical care after exposure, and reduce the impact of any incidents. This requirement isn’t limited only to healthcare facilities; any setting with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens should have them in place.