What is the required retention period for medical records of employees exposed to blood-borne pathogens?

The required retention period for medical records of employees exposed to blood-borne pathogens is indeed the duration of employment plus 30 years. This guideline is established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

The rationale behind this lengthy retention period is to ensure that, in the event of a future medical condition related to exposure to blood-borne pathogens, employees (or their representatives) have access to their medical records. This can be crucial for ongoing health monitoring and for legal or insurance purposes. These records may contain information about vaccinations, exposure incidents, and any follow-up treatments, which are vital for providing appropriate medical care in the future.

In comparison, the other options listed do not offer sufficient retention time as outlined by OSHA, making them less appropriate for compliance with the relevant regulations regarding medical record retention for employees at risk of exposure to infectious materials.