OSHA

No. For initial and periodic examinations, employers may choose to use any health care provider that meets the definition of a PLHCP in paragraph (b) of the standard, including a qualified in- house health care professional. Similarly, if an additional examination by a specialist is required by 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1153(h)(7), an employer with a specialist on staff may elect to have the additional examination(s) performed by that in-house physician. Employers must ensure that in- house PLHCPs, like all PLHCPs performing medical surveillance examinations and procedures under the silica standard, adhere to the standard’s confidentiality requirements. See 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1153(h)(6)(ii), (7)(iv).