Which organization establishes guidelines for the safe handling of hazardous drugs in healthcare settings?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the organization that establishes guidelines for the safe handling of hazardous drugs in healthcare settings. NIOSH is a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and focuses on providing recommendations and guidelines to ensure worker safety, especially regarding exposure to hazardous substances, including certain pharmaceuticals. Their guidelines are specifically designed to protect healthcare workers from the potential risks associated with handling drugs that could pose health hazards.

In this context, NIOSH develops and publishes the "NIOSH List of Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings," which serves as a critical resource for healthcare professionals to identify and manage hazardous drugs appropriately, minimizing the risk of exposure.

Other organizations mentioned play different roles: OSHA primarily enforces workplace safety regulations but does not specifically focus on drug handling guidelines; the FDA regulates the safety and efficacy of medications but is not directly involved in setting safety handling procedures for hazardous drugs; the American Pharmacy Association offers resources and support for pharmacy professionals but does not establish federal guidelines for hazardous drug handling.