By Olivia Loeffler, network director, Medical Staff Services and Credentials Verification Office

Mask fit testing, particularly for N95s and other tight-fitting respirators, is a standard part of working in a hospital. Beyond the annual requirement, there are clear clinical and regulatory reasons for this process.

Fit testing ensures your equipment actually works when you need it most, keeping both you and your patients safe.

Regulatory standards: OSHA and ADOSH

Hospitals must comply with the federal OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, which is enforced locally by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH).

Because these regulations are based entirely on your clinical job function rather than your title, any physician or APP whose role includes potential exposure to airborne hazards must complete fit testing.

Why we do mandatory fit testing

• Respirators are not one size fits all: Masks vary significantly by brand, model, size and design. A respirator that creates a perfect seal for one person might fail on another. Physical changes, like a weight fluctuation or facial hair, alter how a mask sits on your face, meaning you need a retest.
• Protection against airborne hazards: You’re routinely exposed to airborne risks, including tuberculosis, COVID-19 and influenza. An N95 only protects you if it forms an airtight seal. Without that proper fit, contaminated air can leak in through microscopic gaps.
• Patient safety: When you’re protected, your patients are as well. Ensuring a proper mask seal minimizes the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and keeps our teams healthy. This continuity of care is vital in high-risk zones like emergency departments, ICUs and operating rooms.
• Accreditation and hospital standing: To maintain accreditation with organizations like The Joint Commission and avoid OSHA citations, HonorHealth must document fit testing compliance for all active Medical Staff.

When is fit testing required?

To maintain safety and compliance, fit testing must happen:

• Before you use a specific respirator model for the first time
• At least once a year
• Anytime a physical change occurs that could alter your mask’s seal

Fit testing is not just an administrative formality. It’s a practical safeguard that allows you to safely deliver care in environments where airborne exposure is a daily reality.

Schedule your appointment

If you have not completed your fit testing for this year, please schedule an appointment by calling 480-323-1880 or emailing Jillian Cantu at employeehealth@honorhealth.com.