The purpose of this policy is to establish a standardized process for the prevention, reporting, evaluation, and management of student exposure to potentially infectious materials and occupational injuries while participating in clinical, field, or capstone internship experiences. This policy is intended to protect student health and safety and to ensure timely and appropriate response following an occupational exposure or injury. 

This policy applies to all students who are participating in clinical, field, or capstone internship experiences and who are functioning in the role of a student at an assigned site. The policy applies when a student experiences an occupational exposure or injury while engaged in activities related to their educational placement. 

This policy addresses exposure and injury incidents including, but not limited to: 

Exposure Incidents 

1. Needlestick or sharps injuries 
2. Blood and body fluid splashes 
3. Mucous membrane exposure (eyes, nose, mouth) 
4. Exposure to non-intact skin (cuts, abrasions, dermatitis) 
5. Exposure to materials from an unknown source 

Occupational Injuries 

1. Motor vehicle accidents occurring during assigned shifts or site-directed travel 
2. Slips, trips, and falls 
3. Sprains, strains, fractures, or other musculoskeletal injuries 
4. Other accidental injuries sustained while acting within the role of a student 

Occupational Exposure: Contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that occurs during the performance of assigned clinical, field, or internship duties. 

Occupational Injury: A physical injury or harm sustained by a student while performing assigned clinical, field, or internship duties, including injuries not involving exposure to potentially infectious materials. 

Potentially Infectious Materials (PIM): Includes blood, body fluids, tissues, and other materials that may carry infectious pathogens. 

Exposure Incident: A specific event involving contact with potentially infectious materials through needlestick, splash, mucous membrane contact, non-intact skin, or unknown-source exposure. 

Students participating in clinical, field, or capstone internship experiences may be exposed to occupational hazards inherent to healthcare, educational, or community-based environments, including biological, physical, and environmental risks. All exposure and injury incidents must be treated seriously and addressed promptly. Students are required to follow site-specific procedures immediately following an exposure or injury and to notify appropriate site and academic personnel in accordance with this policy. 

Students are expected to: 

1. Follow all site-specific safety policies, procedures, and training requirements related to both exposure prevention and injury prevention, including orientation and ongoing safety education 
2. Adhere to standard precautions and infection control practices at all times to reduce the risk of exposure to potentially infectious materials 
3. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment as required by the site, including but not limited to gloves, gowns, eye protection, seat belts, and other protective devices 
4. Avoid performing procedures or tasks outside their approved scope as a student or without appropriate supervision, as doing so may increase the risk of exposure or injury 
5. Immediately report unsafe conditions, hazards, near-miss incidents, or situations that could reasonably result in exposure or injury to site personnel 

Exposure and Injury Response Procedure 

In the event of an exposure or injury incident, the student must take the following actions immediately: 

1. Immediate Care 
2. For exposure incidents: 
3. Needlestick or sharps injury: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Do not squeeze or “milk” the wound. 
4. Blood or body fluid splash to skin: Wash the affected area with soap and water. 
5. Mucous membrane exposure: Flush eyes, nose, or mouth with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes. 
6. Exposure to non-intact skin: Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water.
7. For injury incidents not involving exposure to potentially infectious materials:
8. Follow site-specific first aid or emergency response procedures.
9. Seek immediate emergency care when indicated, including contacting emergency services for serious injuries such as fractures, head injuries, or motor vehicle accidents.
10. Do not continue assigned duties if doing so may worsen the injury or pose a safety risk.
11. Notify the Clinical or Field Site
12. Immediately report the exposure or injury to the site supervisor, preceptor, or designated authority in accordance with site policy.
13. Follow all site-specific exposure, injury, and incident reporting procedures, including completion of any required documentation.
14. Seek Medical Evaluation
15. Obtain prompt medical evaluation and follow-up as directed by the clinical or field site or emergency responders.
16. Students will follow the same procedures as if employed by the site they are attending, unless otherwise directed by the academic institution.
17. Medical evaluation may include documentation of the exposure or injury, assessment of risk or severity, diagnostic testing, treatment, and recommended prophylaxis or work restrictions.
18. Report Exposure or Injury to Academic Institution

In addition to site reporting, the student must:

1. Notify the academic program or designated institutional contact as soon as possible following the exposure or injury via a detailed email to [email protected], explaining the incident in detail and include any steps, tests, or treatments that have been taken by the student up to that point.
2. Complete any required institutional incident, injury, or exposure documentation
3. The institution will communicate with the clinical or field site as soon as possible to gather details of the incident, determine whether additional steps are required, and address any medical or academic related to the exposure or injury.

Responsibility and Financial Considerations

Students are responsible for:

1. Complying with all exposure and injury response requirements outlined in this policy, including timely reporting, medical evaluation, follow-up care, and completion of required documentation 
2. Following all clinical or field site policies related to incident reporting, medical treatment, and return-to-duty requirements as applicable 
3. Any costs associated with medical evaluation, diagnostic testing, treatment, follow-up care, or rehabilitation related to an exposure or injury incident, unless otherwise specified. 

Follow-Up and Clearance 

Students must comply with any recommended follow-up care, treatment, monitoring, or activity restrictions as advised by a healthcare provider following an exposure or injury incident. 

Clearance to return to clinical, field, or capstone internship activities may be required depending on the nature and severity of the exposure or injury, site-specific policies, healthcare provider recommendations, and academic program requirements. Documentation of medical clearance or work restrictions may be required prior to resuming assigned duties. 

Failure to comply with follow-up care or clearance requirements may delay or prevent a student’s return to clinical or field activities and may impact academic progression.