NIOSH safe handling of hazardous drugs guidelines becomes state law.

Although guidelines for protecting health care workers from the dangers of hazardous drugs have been in existence for more than 25 years, there is tremendous inconsistency in compliance by oncology professionals. One reason for the discrepancy is the voluntary, nonpunitive nature of these guidelines. In 2012, Washington State became the first in the United States to mandate and enforce the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health guidelines.