Physician Assistant Studies: Immunizatio

Physician Assistant Studies: Immunization Policy
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Immunization
Physician Assistant Studies: Immunization Policy

Upon admission, students will be required to submit proof of immunization for hepatitis
B and MMR in accordance with University policy. Additionally, the program requires
that all students maintain immunizations as recommended by the CDC for healthcare
providers. In compliance with the executive order 14214, the University cannot require
the COVID-19 vaccination, but in an effort to protect the health and safety of our
students, other providers, and the patients they see we strongly recommend that students
are up to date on the most recent COVID-19 vaccine. Refusing this vaccine will not
result in punitive actions by the program, but the student may not be able to progress
in the program due to clinical site requirements regarding vaccines.
All PA students must have proof of immunization to the recommended CDC vaccine preventable
illnesses, to include Hepatitis B, influenza, MMR, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria,
and pertussis, on record with the program prior to matriculation. Immunizations and
health screenings must be updated prior to direct patient contact, before starting
the clinical year of the program, and yearly thereafter for any student extending
enrollment in the program. [1]
Although the meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine is not required by the PA program,
it is required by the State of Oklahoma for students living in college-owned and operated
residence halls. Therefore, students who are living on the Tahlequah campus must either
provide written documentation of meningitis immunization or sign a waiver to indicate
they have been informed about this disease and vaccine and have chosen not to be immunized.
This form is provided by Student Health Services. Otherwise, the meningococcal vaccine
is only for those who are routinely exposed to isolates of N. meningitidis.
Flu vaccines will be expected to be completed at the appropriate time of each year
the student is enrolled in the program.
The COVID-19 vaccination may be required by rotation sites and if not properly vaccinated,
may prevent a student from being assigned to that site. The program cannot guarantee
that a student will satisfy requirements for completion of the degree without this
and other vaccinations.
Facilities and hospitals may require additional immunizations and titers which students
must obtain prior to starting SCPEs at those sites. Information regarding these additional
requirements will be made available to students on the student SCPE tracking site.
Failure to comply with the immunization policy for the Physician Assistant Studies
Program or any additional immunizations and titers for SCPEs may result in the inability
to enter, continue with, or complete the program.
All costs incurred in complying with the above policies and the Tuberculosis Screening
and Management Policy are the responsibility of the student.
The immunization policy is subject to change at any time in order to comply with ARC-PA
Standards, Northeastern State University policies, hospital policies, the CDC guidelines,
or state and federal laws.
The NSU Physician Assistant Studies Program will make every attempt to notify its
students of these changes in a timely manner. Current guidelines and recommendations
are reviewed annually at the faculty retreat.
Tuberculosis (TB) Screening and Management Policy
All students are required to complete TB screening upon matriculation and annually
thereafter, using either a tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release
assay (IGRA). In the event of a positive TST or positive IGRA, the following steps
must be followed:
Procedure
Immediate Medical Evaluation
The student must refrain from attending didactic courses in person (remote access
to lectures and course material will be provided) or clinical rotations until medically
cleared.
The student must obtain a chest X-ray to rule out active tuberculosis.
The student must consult with their primary care provider or a public health authority
to determine appropriate clinical follow-up and/or treatment.
Documentation
Results from the evaluation, including a chest X-ray report, TB Medical Clearance
form, and provider letter of medical clearance, must be submitted to the Program’s
Clinical Director.
Students must provide written documentation of:
TB Medical Clearance Form
Chest X-ray report
Letter of medical clearance from healthcare provider
Ongoing Monitoring
If diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), the student may continue in
the program with medical clearance from the student’s provider, only if there is no
evidence of active TB.
The student must comply with any ongoing monitoring or treatment plan as directed
by their healthcare provider.
Annual TB Medical Clearance Form and letter of medical clearance from the student’s
healthcare
provider must be completed in lieu of repeat TSTs or IGRAs.
Clinical Site Requirements
Some clinical rotation sites may have additional documentation requirements for students
with a history of a positive TST or IGRA. It is the student’s responsibility to comply
with all clinical site policies. Failure to comply with clinical site requirements
may prevent the student from progressing through the curriculum.
Confidentiality
All health records and evaluations will be maintained in accordance with HIPAA and
FERPA regulations.
Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this policy may result in removal from didactic courses or
clinical rotations and referral to the Student Progress Committee for review, which
may result in a remediation plan, deceleration, or dismissal from the program.
[1]
ARC-PA Standard A3.07
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