N95 Fit Testing and Medical Evaluation of Vermont Department of Corrections Staff

The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) Facility Operations Unit is seeking proposals to conduct medical reviews of questionnaires to attest that staff are certified to don N95 masks.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I - 1910.134 requires an annual respirator medical evaluation questionnaire as a mandatory component for wearing respiratory protection. All new hires and any other staff required by the DOC to wear an N95 respirator are required to complete the OSHA questionnaire annually. The questionnaire will be sent at the expense of the DOC to the contractor.

The proposal requires the contractor to provide separate billable expenses for: (1) a medical review and evaluation of the responses on the OSHA questionnaires, telephone surveys of all DOC employees where concerns are raised, or further clarification is needed regarding the answers on the questionnaire; and (2) when required, the contractor will conduct medical

examinations of DOC employees to determine they are cleared or need further medical evaluation. The medical examination provided by the contractor must be conducted by a physician or other licensed heath care professional (PLHCP), per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134. This examination may be at a DOC location.

Billable expense one is to conduct medical reviews of questionnaires for all current and newly hired correctional officers through medical clearance or further referral of DOC staff – steps A to C

Billable expense two is to provide medical clearance or further referral of DOC staff – steps D to F
Medical review of a completed OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire within one week.
A. If needed conduct follow up with staff, this process can be done over the phone with staff.
B. Notify the Department of any staff that will need a medical follow up.
C. Conduct a face-to-face visit with any staff that need follow up evaluation which may be at a DOC location.
D. Clear staff to be fit tested or refer staff to see their primary care for further evaluation.
E. Send all clearance forms for all staff that are cleared to the Department within one week of clearance.
Anticipated contract period will be for two years with the option to renew for two consecutive one year periods. The option to renew will be based upon performance of contactor, need and funding. It is possible at some point during the contract, steps A to C will be absorbed by the state and only steps D to F will be required from the contractor.