Comment from Tichenor, Gregory; Gregory A. Tichenor, MD

In theory, regulations trying to protect physicians, nurses and other health care workers are a good idea, I fear that they will simply add to our already overwhelming regulatory burden. As an emergency physician I can assure you we already have plenty of incentive to protect ourselves. We have hospital infection control people and corporate spys to make sure we wash or gell our hands. We have the Joint Commission making sure we don't eat or drink anywhere near patient care areas. Of course no one seems to be able to explain why it is OK for patients and families to eat and drink in their rooms but we can't have a cup of coffee at our desk. Lastly, we have our own sense of self-preservation and altruism to protect us and the patients. I fear all we will see is rules forcing front-line workers to do more busy work while allowing management (where I spend half my time) to escape responsibility. If you want to help you should concentrate on encouraging facilities to explore enviornmental, technological and facility design solutions to infection control. Otherwise we will just get more of the same.