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LTC Connections September 30, 2026

OSHA Mandates a Respiratory Protection Plan and Staff Training for N95 Use

A respiratory protection plan isn’t just a regulatory checkbox. It’s part of operational safety and health where health standards and emergency preparedness rules converge on one truth – airborne hazards like those seen during the pandemic demand readiness.

Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and ID/DD centers are required by OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) to establish and maintain a respiratory protection program when employees are exposed to airborne hazards, including infectious agents such as COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Additionally, CMS health standards (42 CFR 483 Subpart B) mandate a safe environment for residents which starts with healthy employees, and emergency preparedness rules (42 CFR 483.73) require an annual hazard vulnerability assessment to identify risks including airborne infections. Meeting OSHA’s standard also helps demonstrate compliance with the CMS health and emergency preparedness mandates.​

The OSHA mandate includes performing medical evaluations, conducting fit testing, providing appropriate respirators, and ensuring proper training for all employees who are at risk. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines, penalties, and increased liability, as well as serious health risks to employees.

To assist care providers in meeting these federal requirements, AHCA/NCAL, in collaboration with MCA Consulting, LLC, has developed a comprehensive Respiratory Protection Plan training and toolkit. This all-in-one resource contains everything needed for full compliance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, including a customizable template plan, essential forms, training videos, and detailed reference guides. View this 90-second video​ for more information.​

Resources include: 

  • Access to OSHA-mandated forms for program documentation 
  • Step-by-step fit testing instructions and video to ensure proper respirator use 
  • Customizable templates tailored to your facility’s specific needs 
  • Practical guides and tools for straightforward implementation 
  • Video training for managerial staff and program administrators on respiratory protection requirements  
  • Video training for employees, meeting all annual OSHA training requirements

AHCA/NCAL offers a deeply discounted 3-year subscription to this complete all-in-one resource package valued at $4,000+ if purchased through consulting firms. The 3-year subscription is $499 for AHCA/NCAL members and $699 for non-members, and includes everything providers need for federal OSHA respiratory protection plan compliance.

Members will need to login with their AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords to subscribe. For assistance obtaining usernames and passwords, members should email [email protected] with their name and facility contact information. 

Posted in Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Facilities
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