Infectious and Environmental Hazard

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff during the PA Program
didactic and clinical phases, it is the policy of BUPAP to require students to attend training
related to blood borne pathogen exposure and HIPAA. During orientation week, prior to the
start of the didactic and clinical year, students receive training related to infectious and
environmental hazards, including methods of prevention and procedures for care and
treatment after exposure, should an accidental exposure or needle stick occur. As part of the
curriculum, the student is instructed in the use of standard and transmission-based precautions
which include handwashing, the use of personal protective equipment, safe handling and
disposal of sharps, and environmental safety practices. The student is expected to adhere to
all institutional and clinical site infection control policies and procedures at all times.

Blood borne pathogen training also covers the definition of financial responsibility and the
effects of infectious and environmental disease or disability on student learning activities.

Both the didactic and clinical handbooks clearly indicate that the student is financially
responsible for any occurrence following student exposure to infectious and environmental
hazards.

The Agreement for Appropriate use of Medical Equipment is signed by all didactic students to
acknowledge the appropriate use of medical sharps. This form also explains to follow this policy
should an incident occurs.

A body fluid/needle stick exposure report is completed and filed in the individual’s working file. If
the exposure results in an environmental disease or disability, then the effects on the student’s
ability to proceed in the program will be addressed as with any other medical illness. A medical
provider’s note indicating the ability to proceed in the program would be required. If a student
misses more than one week (5 days) consecutively due to illness, then options may include
deceleration.

In the event of an injury, an accident/incident report is filed and becomes part of the student,
faculty, or staff folder. If medical attention is required, a medical provider’s note indicating the
ability to proceed in the program would be required. If a student misses more than one week (5
days) consecutively due to illness, then options may include deceleration.

Procedure (Didactic Phase)

1) If a student is in a lab class and receives a needle stick, other exposure, or accident, the
student is to contact the course instructor to report the incident. The student must then
complete an incident report form and submit it to the Academic Manager. If necessary,
they will be taken to the local emergency department or medical clinic for immediate care
and subsequent follow-up. The student will be responsible for any costs incurred.

2) An incident report/accidental exposure form must be completed for any accident or
incident that occurs. This form is available in the Academic and Clinical offices as well as on
Google Classroom. A copy of the form is sent to the Security Office for historical perspective.

3) Students have access to the building and lab resources after hours to practice skills. If an
accident or needle stick occurs, the student should immediately inform the program
director and administrative staff associated with didactic phase of the program.

Note: Health insurance must be maintained through the entirety of the program. Students
should notify the Program Director if the insurance company does not cover the entire cost.

The program will inquire about possible reimbursement on the student’s behalf; however,
this request may be denied.

Procedure (Clinical Phase)

1) The student is to report the incident immediately to the appropriate person at the clinical
rotation site. The clinical site will follow the policies and procedures to provide proper care
immediately, and any necessary follow-up care. The student will be responsible for any
costs incurred.

2) If the student is on-campus and receives a needle stick, other exposure, or accident,
he/she should report the incident to program personnel.

3) Complete an exposure report form or accident/incident form and submit it to the clinical
office. If necessary, the student will be taken to the local emergency department for
immediate care and subsequent follow-up. The student will be responsible for any costs
incurred.

4) Accident/Incident forms are located on the Google Classroom, and at the end of this policy.
An accident/incident report or body fluid/needle stick exposure form must be completed for
any accident or incident that occurs. A copy of the form is sent to the Security Office for
historical perspective.