Advisory and Regulatory Federal Agencies

Federal agencies with advisory (i.e., non-regulatory) responsibilities related to PPE include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).^6,7 The CDC is the nation’s health protection agency. It makes evidence-based recommendations related to the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability. NIOSH conducts research and makes evidence-based recommendations to prevent worker injury and illness. CDC and NIOSH set the standards of care.

Federal agencies with enforcement (i.e., regulatory) responsibilities related to PPE include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).^8,9 OSHA is responsible for setting and enforcing regulations to assure safe and healthy working conditions. The FDA is responsible for setting and enforcing public health regulations to assure the safety, efficacy, and security of the nation’s food supply, drugs, biological products, cosmetics, and medical devices. OSHA and the FDA enforce compliance.