Occupational Health Records (OHRs) in Electronic Health Records (EHRs)?
August 27, 2012

The Electronic Health Record (EHR) system that takes effect in 2014 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) does not encompass Occupational Health Records (OHRs). Advocates suggest that inclusion of OHRs will ensure more complete, useful records and could help correct cost-shifting problems between health and workers’ compensation insurers.

In its request for comment, NIOSH addresses questions to three groups: (1) providers of primary health care, (2) providers of occupational (specialty) health care and (3) developers/vendors of HER/software. Guidance for submitting responses is provided, and the deadline is August 27, 2012.

Safe-in-Sound Awards
September 3, 2012

Each year, the Safe-in-Sound Excellence and Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards honor excellent hearing loss prevention practices in the work environment by NIOSH and the National Hearing Conservation Association. Outstanding programs in the construction, manufacturing and services work sectors are recognized along with a model program that may be from any work sector.

Nominations for the 2013 awards are now in order and can be made for companies that have exceptional programs. Nominations are due by September 3, 2012. Rules, eligibility and applications are available at the Safe-in-Sound website.

American Psychological Association
October 1, 2012

This year, the LHSFNA serves as a collaborating organization for the American Psychological Association’s (APA) tenth international conference on occupational stress and health. Titled Work, Stress and Health in 2013: Protecting and Promoting Total Worker Health, the conference will be held May 16-19, 2013, at the West Bonaventure Hotel and Suites in Los Angeles.

The APA has issued a call for presentation proposals, and the LHSFNA encourages readers to consider submissions. The formal, 19-page Call for Proposals details the scope of the conference and what is required of a presentation proposal. The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2012.