Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards
Medical students and physicians are potentially exposed to patients with infectious disease. All medical students will be educated and trained to prevent or reduce exposure to blood borne pathogens. Students have traditionally represented a large group reporting exposures to blood in hospital and clinical settings. For this reason, procedures have been developed to inform students of potential risk and teach them techniques and procedures designed to decrease or avoid exposure. In addition, follow-up, diagnostic and treatment regimens have been implemented to address exposures after they occur.
Education
HIPAA Training
All medical students are required to complete training for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The training, which addresses the School's specific privacy policies and procedures, is held annually. In addition, you may be asked to complete HIPAA training at individual clinical sites, including the partner hospitals of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Information regarding training and compliance can be found through the HIPAA/Security.
OSHA Training
Students are introduced to the concept of infection control and work-related exposure during their first year of medical school during a mandatory online training. Education and training regarding exposures will be updated annually throughout medical school, including the transition course. Students must attend sessions each year and be certified to continue patient care activities. Students are expected to understand and comply with the following procedures:
- Universal precautions
- Needle/sharp safety
- Use of protective equipment
- Isolation guidelines
Protocol for Student Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens
All exposures must be reported to the Student Health Center in Reno, regardless of where the exposure occurred. Appropriate follow-up treatment will be provided by the UNR Student Health Center (SHC) in Reno.
Please see the Student Fluid Exposure Policy for more information.