Skip to Content

Policies - 15.0 - 15.7

15.0 Student Health and Safety

Purpose
To establish policies in the event of student illness or injury.

15.1 Medical Emergencies

Purpose
When a member of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions community incurs, or encounters someone who has incurred, an injury or illness on university property, the incident should be handled expediently, efficiently, and calmly. To accomplish this, employees and students should familiarize themselves in advance of encountering medical emergencies with basic procedures provided herein.

Policy

A. Life-threatening Injuries/Illnesses
If a student incurs an injury/illness that appears to be life threatening, the person reporting the incident should immediately contact The University of Texas Police Department at (713) 792-2890 and provide the dispatcher with:

  • His or her name
  • His or her location
  • Name of the injured/ill person
  • Name of the injury/illness, if known
  • Any special directions regarding the situation

Unless otherwise requested or indicated, the injured or ill student should be transported by ambulance to the appropriate health care facility.

The director or class instructor of the area in which the incident occurred should be informed of the incident immediately.

B. Minor Injuries
If a student is injured, the director/instructor of the area in which the incident occurred must be advised immediately of the incident. If the injured person is a patient or visitor, that director/instructor will request information from the injured person such as name, and nature of the injury, and will advise that person to seek medical attention from a physician of his or her choice.

If a student is injured, the director/instructor will request information and advise the student that he or she may seek medical attention through The University of Texas Medical School Health Services [UTMSHS] or through his or her personal physician. If the student chooses to seek medical attention through UTMSHS, the supervisor/instructor should contact UTMSHS to receive instructions regarding the most expedient method for care.

Contact Information

The University of Texas Medical School Health Services
Hermann Professional Building
6410 Fannin, Suite 1010
Houston, Texas 77030
713-500-5171
UTMSHS Website

 

15.2 AIDS/HIV/HBV Infection


Please see the AIDS, HIV, and HBV section of the Health Information for Students policy, which is published in the Health Professions Student Catalog.

15.3 Treatment of Exposure to Blood or Body Fluids

Purpose
To provide students with immediate evaluation and treatment in the event they have had an exposure to blood or body fluids.

Policy Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions that a student who has come in contact with blood or body fluids, whether on-site or at a clinical affiliate, report to Employee Health to determine if an occupational exposure has occurred. All students are required to wear personal protective equipment at all times while handling patient samples in student laboratories and during clinical rotations on-site as well as off-site at clinical affiliates. Appropriate evaluation of the source patient (if known) will be conducted at no charge to the source patient. Employee Health will provide post exposure follow-up treatment for the students free of charge.

15.4 Immunizations and Health Records

Purpose
All students registering at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center are required to furnish an immunization record signed by a health care provider.

Policy Statement
The following immunizations and screening tests are required for all students in the School of Health Professions who have direct patient contact or who come in contact with human biological fluids or tissues. Students for whom these immunizations are not required by M. D. Anderson are strongly urged to obtain these immunizations for their own protection:

Tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray— one of these must be done within 12 months of registration;

Measles— proof of two doses of measles vaccine administered on or after the first birthday and at least 30 days apart or proof of immunity;

Mumps— proof of one dose of mumps vaccine administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity;

Rubella— proof of one dose administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity;

Tetanus/diphtheria— proof of one "booster" dose of tetanus/diphtheria (within 10 years);

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)— proof of serologic immunity to HBV or certification of immunization with a complete series of hepatitis B vaccine. Students will be required to present a letter or other suitable written certification; and

Varicella (chickenpox)— positive history of disease in the past. If no disease in the past, varicella titer is required. If varicella titer is negative, varicella vaccine series is required.

NOTE: Certain exemptions are allowed from the HBV and varicella immunizations requirement; students should contact the Office of Employee Health for information.

According to the guidelines on the Certification of Immunization form that is provided to all incoming students by the Program Office, anyone born prior to January 1, 1957 need only to show proof of one measles vaccination or proof of immunity to any or all of the above.

Certain exemptions are allowed from required immunizations. These exemptions apply to an applicant for admission who:

  • Submits to an admission official —

    • An affidavit or certificate, signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in the United States, that states that in the physician's opinion the required immunization would be injurious to the health or well-being of the applicant or any member of the applicant's household;

    • An affidavit signed by the applicant stating that the immunization conflicts with the tenets and practice of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the applicant is an adherent or member (this exemption doesn't apply if an emergency or epidemic has been declared by the commissioner of public health); or

  • Who is a member of the US armed forces and who is on active duty

Individuals who have been offered admission to The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions must assume the full cost of the immunizations prior to receiving M. D. Anderson student status. Only hepatitis B and varicella vaccinations are given to registered M. D. Anderson students free of charge at The University of Texas Medical School Health Services (UTMSHS).

M. D. Anderson student health services are provided by the UTMSHS. The UTMSHS will furnish to the students a brochure describing the student health services.

In addition, please see the Contagious Diseases and Immunization Requirements and Bacterial Meningitis sections of the Health Information for Students policy, which is published in the Health Sciences Student Catalog.

15.5 Health Insurance

Purpose
It is the policy of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions to require all students entering into one of the School's programs to carry health insurance.

Policy Statement
Please see the Health Insurance section of the Health Information for Students policy, which is published in the Health Professions Student Catalog.

The student health insurance program is offered to registered students through a private company selected by The University of Texas System office. This plan is designed to supplement student health services provided in the Student Clinics. In addition, it also assists with expenses not covered by the student services fee and those incurred outside that setting such as prescriptions, hospitalization, etc. Students have the option of enrolling their families in this plan at an additional cost. This plan is reviewed each year and revised to meet the current needs of the students.

In addition, the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System requires all international students holding nonimmigrant visas and living in the United States to have coverage for repatriation and medical evacuation while enrolled at component institutions of The University of Texas. The required health insurance fee assessed by the University includes coverage for repatriation and medical evacuation. International students with coverage outside of the plan can contact Auxiliary Enterprises via telephone (713) 500-8400, website (http://ae.uth.tmc.edu/) or e-mail (studentinsurance@admin4.hsc.uth.tmc.edu) to provide the information needed to waive the insurance fee and, if needed, purchase coverage for repatriation and medical evacuation.

15.6 Fitness for Duty

Purpose
It is the policy of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center that all students report in a condition that will allow them to perform their duties safely. All students must be free of illegal drugs or alcohol and not be impaired or unable to perform job duties because of medical or emotional problems while on M. D. Anderson property or while on institutional business.

Directors, educational coordinators and faculty of the School of Health Professions are responsible for taking immediate action to remove from duty any student suspected of behaving in an unsafe or potentially impaired manner. Employee Health or the Employee Assistance Program (EH/EAP) will determine the appropriate course of action.

The student must comply with all aspects of the fitness for duty assessment (which may include drug and alcohol testing) or be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

NOTE: Students taking prescription medications that impair their ability to work safely are subject to the conditions of this policy.

Policy Statement

NOTE: If a student's behavior does not require immediate action (e.g., declining performance or absenteeism but working safely), the manager may choose to consult with Employee Assistance Program personnel regarding a possible referral to the EAP.

Observation
Fellow students or others whose observations lead them to question a student's fitness for duty must report their observations to the director of the program in which the student is enrolled.

Whether questionable on-duty behavior is reported by a student's fellow student, or through personal awareness, the program director will investigate and document observations.

Evaluation
If the student appears to be unfit for duty:

The director should immediately call The University of Texas Police at (713) 792-2890 if:

  • There is evidence that a crime may have been committed;
  • The student makes threats to harm himself or others; or
  • The student is behaving in a way that is dangerous to those around him

The University of Texas Police will investigate and take any necessary action.

If The University of Texas Police involvement is unnecessary, the director:

  • Removes the student from duty
  • Notifies the student that the observations made
  • Asks the student to explain the appearance of impairment
  • Documents the student's response
  • Contacts EH/EAP
  • Follows the guidance of the EH/EAP regarding actions to be taken; EH/EAP will advise the director regarding a course of action that may include:

    • Immediate assessment;
    • Further evaluation at a later time by the EAP or other appropriately licensed personnel; or
    • Transporting the student home

NOTE: If transportation home is recommended, the director makes the arrangements (e.g., a relative of the student). If such transportation is not possible, or if the student refuses assistance, the director contacts The University of Texas Police. The student must not drive, nor can a fellow student or director transport the student.

EH/EAP will arrange for any evaluation that may include EAP, psychiatric, or medical assessment; and/or drug/alcohol testing.

The director will determine any disciplinary action needed.

Return to Duty
The student will not return to school until all aspects of the fitness for duty evaluation are completed. The Director of EH (or designee) must medically release the student prior to a return to school. The Director of EH or the EAP contacts the director prior to the student's return to school.

15.7 Employee/Student Assistance Program

Purpose
It is the policy of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides confidential assistance to employees, educational appointees and their immediate family members to resolve problems that affect their personal lives and performance. The EAP also includes legal assistance with all personal legal matters except those involving employee-employer concerns and issues regarding a personal business.

The EAP offers professional assessment, guidance, and referral services. Directors may also consult with and make a referral to the EAP of a student with known or suspected behavioral or personal problems that may be affecting work performance.

M. D. Anderson recognizes that an individual with mental health, drug and/or alcohol problems may be rehabilitated. A student's school status will not be jeopardized because they seek assistance from the EAP. Seeking help, however, will not necessarily prevent disciplinary action up to and including termination when performance or conduct warrants such action.

EAP information, like other medical information, will be treated in confidence according to applicable law.

Procedure

A. Referral
All EAP referrals begin by calling the EAP. During the initial contact, callers will be given instructions on how to proceed. There are three types of referrals:

 

  1. Self-Referral — the person seeking assistance contacts the EAP directly.

  2. Director-Suggested Referral — a director suggests or recommends the EAP to a student as a resource for assistance. If the student chooses to follow through on the recommendation, the employee contacts the EAP directly.

  3. Formal Supervisor Referral — a formal request by the manager for intervention by the EAP based on work performance problems (if immediate signs of possible impairment are observed refer to the Fitness for Duty Policy, Volume V).

For EAP to make a referral for legal assistance, the client must complete a release form.

B. Release of Information
In the case of a self-referral or program director-suggested referral, information will not be released to anyone without the authorized consent of the client.

In the case of a formal program director referral, the EAP will notify the program director to confirm only whether or not the student has contacted the EAP and whether EAP recommendations have been followed. The information shared will not disclose the nature of the problem or the kind of treatment recommended.

 


© 2009 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center