[MCOH-EH] restrictions for pregnant HCW’s in morgues or autopsy suites?

[Belinda D. Mead]

Hello:
I talked with our pathologists (one just finished last year) and they are not aware of any restrictions.  The situation may have been related to ventilation for formaldehyde etc. at that site when the manual was written (the opinion of one of the older pathologists).

Belinda Mead RN, MSN, PLNC
Education Coordinator/Occupational Health Nurse
Williamson Medical Center
4321 Carothers Parkway
Franklin, TN. 37067
Phone 615-435-5128
FAX  615-435-7403
Email:bmead at wmed.org

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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Sparhawk, Dana P MD
Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2016 2:19 PM
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net
Cc: Arrighi, James a
Subject: [MCOH-EH] restrictions for pregnant HCW’s in morgues or autopsy suites?

Hi all,

Does anyone know of restrictions for pregnant HCW’s in autopsy suites or morgue areas?  The Department of Pathology “Autopsy Manual” at one of our hospitals states that individuals  “who are pregnant are not permitted to enter the autopsy suite at any time”.  (The manual was last revised in 1995.)   I have been asked to check out if there is any basis for such a restriction.  One of the pathology residents raised the concern because of what is in the manual vs what is actual practice.

Is anyone aware of any standards pertaining to pregnant HCW’s in morgues or autopsy suites?

Thanks

Dana


Dana Sparhawk, MD, MPH, FACOEM
Director, Lifespan Employee and Occupational Health Services
Clinical Assistant Professor, Alpert Medical School, Brown University
593 Eddy Street
Providence, RI  02903
(401) 444-7412

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