Is medical surveillance mandatory for all employees handling HDs?

Medical surveillance is not categorized as mandatory for all employees handling hazardous drugs (HDs); instead, it is recommended as a best practice. This approach helps ensure that employees are monitored for any potential health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous drugs, promoting both their safety and well-being.

In the context of USP Chapter <800>, which sets standards for handling HDs in healthcare settings, organizations are encouraged to implement a medical surveillance program as part of their comprehensive strategy to protect employees. However, the regulations do not stipulate that such programs are compulsory for every employee who handles HDs. As a result, while recommendations support the implementation of medical surveillance to enhance workplace safety, it remains a facility-specific decision.

Therefore, the information aligns with the understanding that medical surveillance is a proactive measure to mitigate risk rather than an outright requirement for every individual involved in handling hazardous drugs.