Bodily Fluids Exposure and or Injury during Clinical Experiences
United States University acknowledges the inherent risks associated with working around or with patients and health care organizations, including potential exposure to blood and body fluids. Once in a patient care setting, you will have access to and are expected to utilize appropriate bloodborne pathogen barriers, proper sanitary precautions, and appropriate biohazard disposal equipment and procedures at your practice immersion site. The following policy outlines your responsibilities in this area:
• You must have and maintain current health insurance and show verification of coverage each year while matriculated in the program.
• United States University and the Practice Immersion agencies that provide practice immersion experiences for students are not responsible or liable for the costs of medical follow-up or expenses incurred.
• If evaluation and treatment is required by the facility where you are completing practice immersion experiences, the student is responsible for all costs and associated follow up.
In the event that you are injured or exposed to blood and body fluids, you will:
• Immediately notify your Project Mentor.
• Wash the area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
• Within 24 hours, follow-up with your own Primary Care Provider, who will decide on immunization status and give appropriate prophylaxis or referral for appropriate prophylaxis.
• Assume full responsibility for disease sequelae.
• Follow the policies of the agency (if any).
• Complete an incident report with the practice immersion faculty or Project Mentor. A copy of this report will be given to the Office of Field Experience and placed in the student’s file.