Kentucky Biohazard Waste Regulations

Highlighted Requirements

Kentucky does not have specific environmental regulations applicable to medical/infectious wastes generated at healthcare facilities except for air quality regulations pertaining to medical waste incineration.

Overview

Kentucky’s medical waste disposal regulations are managed by the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Waste Management. Kentucky’s Division of Waste Managment provides a summary of medical waste rules on their website: Kentucky Medical Waste Summary .

OSHA Regulations

There are some Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules that apply to medical/infectious waste. Kentucky is one of 21 states operating an approved occupational safety and health program. This program is operated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Employment. OSHA rules (Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standards) impact various aspects of medical/infectious waste, including management of sharps, requirements for containers that hold or store medical/infectious waste, labeling of medical/infectious waste bags/containers, and employee training.