OSHA Handling Fees for Biohazard Waste Disposal: HSA Eligibility

What are OSHA handling fees for biohazard waste disposal?

Whether in a medical or similar clinical setting, the importance of removing dangerous biohazard regulated medical waste (RMW) cannot be understated. Biohazardous, biomedical, infectious sharps waste and clinical medical waste are among the materials found in most healthcare facilities that could be contaminated by blood, bodily fluids and other potentially infectious materials that pose a direct risk to medical workers and patients alike. While federal laws do not regulate the disposal of these types of waste materials, most State Departments of Health will regulate which wastes require special handling (Healthcare Environmental Resource Center).

However, for individuals who require needles and other potentially hazardous medical materials in their own homes, this is not subject to the same disposal requirements as hospitals and medical centers, but users still need to dispose of this material properly. However, this again may vary by state. For instance, some states may allow users to dispose of needles in certified sharps containers that can be picked up by local municipal trash pickup, while other states may require these individuals to use the services of a medical waste company.

OSHA handling fees for biohazard waste disposal are eligible for reimbursement with a FSA, HSA or HRA because they directly relate to the individual's treatment of his/her medical condition and proper disposal of these materials is necessary for optimal public health. Any additional fees that are required to assist private individuals in the disposal of their hazardous medical material would be eligible for reimbursement through consumer-directed healthcare accounts.