EDUCATION: Do I Need a Biomedical Waste Permit for my Healthcare Clinic?

Biomedical waste is the inevitable outcome in most health care offices. Professionals in the health care field need to keep up to date information on the regulations for handling any type of biomedical or hazardous/chemical waste that is a result of services provided. While the most obvious concerns are those of public safety and possible health risks, if not stored or disposed of properly, this waste can also result in thousands of dollars in fines.  There are many types of health care waste to consider: biohazard, chemical, pathological, chemotherapy waste, etc. The waste produced by each office will determine the proper treatment and disposal. The Department of Health along with the state’s environmental and health departments regulate the storage, containment, treatment, and disposal of biomedical waste. According to the State of Florida’s Bureau of Community Environmental Health, Biomedical waste is defined as any solid or liquid waste that may present a threat of infection to humans. The term includes, but is not limited to, nonliquid human tissue and body parts; laboratory and veterinary waste that contains human-disease-causing agents; discarded disposable sharps; human blood and human blood products and body fluids; and other materials that in the opinion of the Department of Health represent a significant risk of infection to persons outside the generating facility. The term does not include human remains that are disposed of by persons licensed under Chapter 497. Web: www.JonesHealthLaw.com Phone: (305)877-5054 Instagram: @JonesHealthLaw Facebook: @JonesHealthLaw Youtube: #JonesHealthLaw