Post-Exposure Therapy

If you are exposed to HIV-infected blood, most medical facilities offer short-term therapy called Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). This involves taking HIV medicines soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent becoming infected with HIV. This therapy must begin as soon as possible after the exposure. PEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV by as much as 80 percent.

The evaluation will also include counseling and education regarding the testing process and the ramifications of the exposure. This includes sexual practices information for the six month post-exposure evaluation period.

The employer must obtain and provide the worker with a copy of the evaluating healthcare professional’s written opinion within 15 days of completion of the evaluation.

According to OSHA’s standard, the written opinion should only include:

• whether hepatitis B vaccination was recommended for the exposed worker;
• whether or not the worker received the vaccination; and
• a statement that the healthcare provider informed the worker of the results of the evaluation and any medical conditions resulting from exposure to blood or OPIM which require further evaluation or treatment.

Any findings other than these are not to be included in the written report.