In an interpretation letter to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association dated July 6, 2015, OSHA reversed its earlier interpretation that the use of kinesiology tape is considered medical treatment for recordkeeping purposes.

Late 2014, OSHA issued an interpretation letter to Ms. Linda Ballas, which stated that the use of kinesiology tape is considered medical treatment for OSHA recordkeeping purposes and is, therefore, recordable when used to treat a work-related injury.

In its most recent letter, OSHA indicated that it “reevaluated its classification of the application of kinesiology tape as constituting medical treatment.” According to the letter, OSHA reviewed information associated with kinesiology tape, such as patent applications, relevant instructional materials, directions on proper use, and assessments on the tapes effects and the nature of its medicinal, neurological and physical properties.

After this reevaluation, OSHA has now concluded that “[t]he use of kinesiology tape and other types of elastic taping is included within the definition of first aid treatment, and thus the use of such tape alone would not be considered medical treatment.”

The July 6, 2015 letter of interpretation may be found online.