Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q88

Prescription Meds for Diagnostics: is it recordable?

Verdict: Not recordable
Published 2020-09-27

Question

An employee is pushing/guiding an 8 foot section of plastic pipe that is being moved with a crane when the sling fails and whips the employee in the face. At the hospital, an optometrist uses prescription eye drops to better evaluate whether or not there was damage to the eye. Is it recordable?

Answer

NO. The administering of prescription medications used solely for diagnostic purposes is not considered recordable.
1904.7(b)(5)(i) What is the definition of medical treatment? "Medical treatment" means the management and care of a patient to combat disease or disorder. For the purposes of Part 1904, medical treatment does not include:
1904.7(b)(5)(i)(A) Visits to a physician or other licensed health care professional solely for observation or counseling;
1904.7(b)(5)(i)(B) The conduct of diagnostic procedures, such as x-rays and blood tests, including the administration of prescription medications used solely for diagnostic purposes (e.g., eye drops to dilate pupils); or
1904.7(b)(5)(i)(C) "First aid" as defined in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section.

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/interlinking/standards/1904.7(b)(5)(i)

Illustration for the scenario: Prescription Meds for Diagnostics
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This is guidance based on 29 CFR Part 1904 and OSHA letters of interpretation. Facts and details may be altered or fictional. As specified by OSHA, the employer is responsible for the final recordability determination.