Policy on

Medical Student Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards

(Visiting Students)

Methods of Prevention

Prior to the start of their rotation at the Zucker School of Medicine, visiting medical students are provided with education on how to protect themselves and their coworkers from exposure to infectious and environmental hazards. Additionally, students from medical schools outside of New York State are required to complete the online New York State infection control training. Lastly, in order for a student to be eligible to apply to an elective at the Zucker School of Medicine, a student's home institution must verify that the student is in compliance with their OSHA/HIPAA training requirements.

Care and Treatment after Exposure

Prior to the start of the student's rotation at the Zucker School of Medicine, students receive instructions for what to do if they are exposed to infectious or environmental hazards. In the event of an exposure, students are instructed to (1) wash the affected area with soap and water or rinse with copious amounts of water if the eyes and/or mouth are involved, (2) inform their team and get the patient ID number, (3) notify their school's Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Student Records by emailing SOMRegistrar@hofstra.edu, and (4) immediately report to the closest Northwell Health emergency facility, and identify themselves as a visiting medical student. The policy for care and treatment after exposure is fully described in Northwell's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Control Management Policy.

Effects of Infectious and/or Environmental Disease or Disability on Medical Student Educational Activities

The School of Medicine fulfills its obligation to educate future physicians while adhering to procedures that maintain the health and safety of patients and that protect the personal rights of students with infectious diseases or immunocompromised conditions. The Office of Student Records will work with the Office of Academic Success and the clinical departments to modify the clinical activities of immunocompromised visiting students for whom patients may pose unwarranted risks or infected visiting students who may pose unwarranted risks to patients. Infections that must be reported include, but are not limited to, viral hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, varicella, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis and scabies. In all instances, every effort is made to maintain the integrity and equivalency of the student's modified educational experience.

References to Regulations and/or Related Policies:
LCME Element 12.8: Student Exposure Policies/Procedures
Northwell Health Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Control Management Policy

Last Updated: April 2019