Practice Management Alert

Question: I know N95 respirators are the best model of respirator to use, but can we safely use other respirators, like KN95?

Alabama Subscriber

Answer: Yes, under an emergency use authorization, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA reports that it “is working diligently to mitigate any potential shortages in the supply chain and taking action to assure health care personnel on the front lines have sufficient supplies of respiratory protective devices. The FDA concluded, based on the totality of scientific evidence available, that certain imported respirators that are not National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved are appropriate to protect the public health or safety.”

Stay up to date on the emergency use authorization by checking with the FDA’s website: www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/faqs-shortages-surgical-masks-and-gowns-during-covid-19-pandemic.