Final answer:
The federal act that outlines the procedures for emergency response workers to discover possible exposure to infectious diseases is the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, particularly under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part G. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) also mandates employers to communicate hazards to employees, ensuring safety from health hazards including infectious diseases. Workers should consult current OSHA and CDC guidelines for the latest information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal act that establishes procedures by which emergency response workers can find out if they have been exposed to life-threatening infectious diseases is known as the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, specifically under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part G - Early Intervention Services. This part of the CARE Act includes a notification provision for emergency response employees who may have been exposed to infectious diseases in the line of duty. The program not only covers HIV/AIDS but also other potentially life-threatening infectious diseases.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) also plays a crucial role in ensuring the protection of workers from health and safety hazards, including infectious diseases. OHSA requires employers to inform their workers about any potential harms, which could include exposure to infectious diseases, allowing those workers to operate in a safe manner. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as shown in Figure 19.1, is one of the many requirements outlined in workplace health and safety regulations.
Nevertheless, specific details about legislative acts could change over time, and it is essential for workers to stay informed about the most up-to-date protocols and regulations provided by authorities like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).