INFECTIOUS DISEASE/ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE: (A3.08a,b)

The Francis Marion University Department of Physician Assistant Studies has a commitment to protect the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and patients. As part of their training, students may encounter exposure to infectious and environmental hazards. This may include being exposed to human donors and preservative chemicals such as formaldehyde in the anatomy lab, latex or other products such as gloves that may contain allergens, and exposure to communicable infectious disease which may be transferred via airborne, mucous membrane splashes or needle-stick exposures in the clinical setting. While the risk of transmission is small, the Program has a number of policies and procedures in place to minimize risk.

  • Students in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies are required to show proof of appropriate immunity, or documented immunization, as part of their matriculation requirements and prior to the onset of actual patient contact. Ultimately, each student is responsible for his/her health and safety in the educational and clinical settings. Therefore, it is the goal of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies that all students learn appropriate policies and procedures to follow in the event that they are injured or potentially exposed to blood-borne pathogens or other communicable diseases. Examples of blood-borne pathogens and communicable disease may include tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Women of child-bearing age may also have additional considerations, such as minimizing exposure to infectious diseases, possible teratogens or chemical exposures, or exposure to ionizing radiation.
    • During the academic year of training, presentations are given on universal blood and body fluid precautions, infection control, and prevention of the spread of communicable disease. In addition to instruction on how to prevent exposures, students will receive instruction on what constitutes an “exposure” and the procedures for care and treatment after an exposure. In the event of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, students are advised to follow health provider recommendations to self-isolate at home until they are no longer potentially infectious to others. Additional instruction on procedures for care and treatment of exposures in the clinical setting will be provided as part of orientation to the clinical education phase.
    • The student is financially responsible for any costs incurred secondary to infectious and/or environmental hazardous exposures. (A3.08c)
    • Effects of infectious or environmental disease or disability acquired during the program may impact student learning activities and outcomes. Students must be able to meet published health requirements and Technical Standards at all times in order to continue matriculation in the Program and to provide care at clinical sites. Based upon outcomes and degree of infectious or environmental hazard exposure, a student’s continued participation in classroom and/or clinical activities as part of the PA Program may be delayed or prevented.
    • In the event that the student contracts a communicable disease which potentially poses a risk to patients or co-workers (e.g., tuberculosis), steps will be taken to prevent dissemination in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols. Certain communicable diseases may also be reported to county or state health authorities, as required by law.

 

POST-EXPOSURE POLICY   (A3.08b,c)

Students are responsible for knowing the protocol outlined by the individual institution where any potential incident may occur.  In the event that a student acquires a needle stick during instruction, laboratory practice, or Infectious disease exposure the following policy must be followed:

  • Wash the affected area immediately with soap and water.
  • Report the incident to your instructor or preceptor immediately.
  • Contact CompEndium (FMU’s worker compensation plan at 877-709-2667) prior to seeking medical care unless immediate medical attention is needed.
  • Students should seek medical care as they deem necessary.
  • CompEndium makes the decision, not FMU, about claim payment.
  • All students are to have healthcare insurance.
  • All exposure incidents must be reported to the Clinical or Academic Coordinator within 24 hours. An Incident Report should be completed and submitted to the Clinical or Academic Coordinator within 24 hours of incident.

 

(**Refer to “Forms” tab for access to “Incident Report” form.)