Department of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Program: Policy on Health Clearance and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure

This Policy outlines the Health Clearance and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure protocols and requirements for students (Students) enrolled in the Physician Assistant (PA) Program (Program). It ensures compliance with public health standards, promotes a culture of safety, and provides clear procedures for managing illness and occupational exposures

Unit Policy

Title

Department of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Program: Policy on Health Clearance and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure

Introduction

Purpose

This Policy outlines the Health Clearance and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure protocols and requirements for students (Students) enrolled in the Physician Assistant (PA) Program (Program). It ensures compliance with public health standards, promotes a culture of safety, and provides clear procedures for managing illness and occupational exposures.

Scope

This Policy applies to all Students who matriculate into the Program and Program faculty.

Policy

Policy Statement

Students must uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and personal accountability in relation to Health Clearance and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure protocols and requirements. Students’ responsibilities include:

1. Compliance with the Program’s Health Clearance Protocol (see Appendix A below)
2. Compliance with the Program’s Health Clearance Requirements. Students must:
   1. Submit all required Program-provided immunization and health screening documentation by designated deadlines; and
   2. Maintain up-to-date vaccination records in the Program’s compliance systems (e.g., Exxat) as directed by the Program.
3. Self-Monitoring and Reporting Illness. Students must:
   1. Monitor personal health and refrain from attending class or clinical activities when symptomatic;
   2. Seek medical evaluation when symptoms may pose a risk to others; and
   3. Follow return-to-activity guidelines, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for post-illness precautions.
4. Adherence to Clinical Site Policies. Students must:
   1. Comply with all health and safety protocols of assigned Clinical Site when participating in Rotations, including masking, isolation, and testing requirements; and
   2. Communicate proactively with clinical coordinators and preceptors regarding health status and clearance to return.
5. Compliance with the Program’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Protocol (see Appendix B below)
6. Communication with the Program. Students must:
   1. Notify the Program’s Director of Clinical Education (DCE) of any medical advice received that affects participation in Program activities; and
   2. Ensure timely and accurate communication regarding health status, clearance, and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure incidents.
7. Costs of Care and Treatment.
   1. Students are responsible for the costs of any needed treatment they receive related to an illness or Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure that is not covered by their health insurance.

Faculty as Healthcare Providers 

Program faculty may not serve as healthcare providers for Students except for under emergent circumstances.

Violations

Students who violate this Policy will be referred to the Student Progress Committee for professionalism concerns (see Policy on Student Progress Committee).

Definitions

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure: Contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result in transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

Health Clearance: Documentation of immunization and health screening required for participation in clinical activities.

Campus Health: The University’s student health service.

Clinical Site: An Active Clinical Site (as defined in the Policy on Preceptor and Clinical Site Recruitment and Monitoring)

Follow-Up Care: Medical care that occurs after an initial assessment for an illness or Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure.

Occupational Health Service: A clinical service that provides evaluation, testing, and treatment for individuals who experience a work-related exposure, including Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure.

Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Prophylactic medications provided following potential Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure.

Rotation: A Supervised Clinical Practice Experience for which there are published expected learning outcomes and Student evaluation mechanisms.

UEOHC: University Employee Occupational Health Clinic.

Related Requirements

External Regulations

• Section A3.01 of the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) Accreditation Standards for PA Education
• Section A3.05 of the ARC-PA Accreditation Standards for PA Education
• Section A3.09 of the ARC-PA Accreditation Standards for PA Education

Unit Policies, Standards, and Procedures

• Department of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Program Policy on Student Progress Committee

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Name: Administrative Support Specialist

Telephone: 919-962-8008

Email: paprogram@unc.edu