Policy Number: EC.12.04.170815
Applies to: All Medical Students
Date: 09/17/2024
1.0 Policy Statement
It is the Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine policy to provide the infrastructure and support that enables, and requires, medical students to take immediate action following any blood, body fluid exposure or other exposure incident, such as a needle stick injury, that results in the need for medical treatment.
2.0 Definitions
Exposure
State of being exposed to contact with a pathogen.
Immediate
Done at once; nearest time.
Incident
An event or occurrence of contact with pathogens (i.e., needle stick, eye splash, cuts, and burns.)
Medical Treatment
Care provided by healthcare personnel or physician to manage post exposure.
Pathogen
A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
3.0 Responsibilities
Regional Deans-Everett, Spokane, Tri Cities, Vancouver
4.0 Procedures
Medical students are to follow the steps below in the event of any exposure to a potential infectious topical, blood borne or airborne infectious agent. In the event of an exposure, the student is approved for removal from their clinical activities to seek immediate medical treatment.
Medical Students
Immediate Actions
- First aid and initial care at the location where the injury occurred and direction for immediate medical attention needed following the emergency procedures of the medical facility.
- Record detailed description of the exposure (type of injury or exposure, instrument involved, type of fluid, location of injury and setting).
- Record patient demographic data.
- Notify key clinical personnel and college faculty at the site.
- Follow any additional instructions or protocols per clinical site or institutional setting
Actions Within Two Hours
- Obtain any necessary care, testing, assessment and evaluation of risk at the clinical site or nearest emergency department that may include laboratory testing, treatment options, referral or other appropriate actions for the safety and protection of the student, and others who may be at risk. Students are to submit their personal insurance card at the location where emergency care is provided as they are not eligible for workers’ compensation.
- Confirm and follow recommendations from your medical care provider for further diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Action Within 24-Hours
Notify the Regional Dean and Clerkship Coordinator affiliated with the clinical site of the incident. In the case that this exposure outside of the clinical environment, but within the academic setting, the student should make the faculty of record aware of the exposure.
College of Medicine
Actions Within 24-Hours
- Dean, Operations Manager, or Clerkship Coordinator affiliated with the clinical site or institution will complete a workplace injury/illness report. In the case that this exposure outside of the clinical environment, but within the academic setting, the faculty of record or a designee will complete the incident report.
- A representative from the regional campus team (or the faculty of record outside the clinical environment) will notify the college Student Affairs unit of the incident.
Financial Responsibility
Medical evaluation and management costs post exposure:
- The college will reimburse up to $1,000 of medical expenses for counseling and post-exposure treatment for incidents within the first three days (72 hours) of exposure that are not covered by the student’s health insurance. Reimbursement claims must be submitted within 90 days to the college Student Affairs unit. Any additional expenses that exceed $1,000 will be the responsibility of the student.
- After 72 hours, students will be responsible for any other costs related to the incident.
- Students will notify their Regional Dean and the college Student Affairs unit of financial issues pertaining to the pathogen exposure.
Support
If students have unanswered questions or need additional support, they should contact their Regional Dean and/or college Student Affairs unit for assistance.
Any student who needs post-care treatment because of injuries and or medical conditions from pathogen exposure in a clinical setting may be eligible to apply for reasonable accommodations. Students can reach out to the college’s Student Learning Center for guidance on requesting accommodations.
5.0 Related Policies
- Immunizations and Tuberculosis Screening Policy EC.12.05.170516
- Communicable Disease Policy EC.12.07.170815
- Medical Student Training on Universal Precautions and Biohazards EC.12.06.170815
6.0 Key Search Words
Exposure, incident, urgent care.
7.0 Revision History
Original Approval: 8/15/2017
Policy Number: EC.12.04.170815
Review/Revision: 03/03/2020, 9/17/2024