Infectious & Environmental Hazards Policy

• Prior to matriculation into the program, students must complete a program-approved e-learning module regarding OSHA Blood-borne Pathogens, OSHA Universal Precautions, CDC Standard Precautions, CDC Transmission-Based Precautions, and Other Potentially Infectious Material (OPIM). 

• Once the training module has been completed, a certificate of completion will be issued to each physician assistant student. Certificates will be uploaded to MyRecordTracker as evidence of completion. 

• Prior to beginning the clinical phase of training, students will be required to complete the Tennessee Clinical Placement System General Orientation (TCPS), which includes additional training modules in emergency preparedness, infection control & blood-borne pathogens, and safety in healthcare settings. 

• Students will receive hands-on didactic training regarding the appropriate use and disposal of personal protective equipment required for clinical practice. 

• Students may be required to complete additional OSHA training courses at select rotation sites according to the policy of those sites. 

If a student experiences a needlestick or sharps injury or is exposed to blood or other body fluid during their training at Lipscomb University, immediately follow these steps: 

1. Perform the following immediate measures:

   • Wash needlesticks and cuts with soap and water.

   • Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water.

   • Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants.

2. Report the incident to the appropriate instructional faculty.

   • Didactic: Immediately report the incident to the faculty instructor. 

   • Clinical: Immediately report the incident to your preceptor.

3. Immediately seek medical treatment with a licensed medical professional.

   • Didactic: If the incident occurs on campus during Lipscomb University Health Center business hours, immediately report to the clinic for evaluation and management. If the clinic is closed, you should seek an immediate medical evaluation by a medical professional (e.g., urgent care, emergency department, or primary care provider).

   • Clinical: If the incident occurs at a clinical site, follow the facility’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan (ECP) relating to reporting, medical evaluation, and management. If the facility does not have an exposure control plan, you should seek an immediate medical evaluation by a medical professional (e.g., urgent care, emergency department, or primary care provider).

Complete and submit the Exposure Report Form within 24 hours of the incident.

Any student who has been exposed to blood and body fluids, whether by splash, needle stick, or any other means, must immediately report to the faculty instructor or preceptor. Additionally, the student is required to formally notify the School of Physician Assistant Studies in writing within twenty-four (24) hours through submission of the Exposure Report Form. Exposure reports are not intended as advice or medical treatment. It serves solely to alert the program that an incident has occurred, and the student has sought medical treatment. It is the responsibility of the student to seek ongoing post-exposure care (including recommendations for repeat testing and/or prophylaxis) with their chosen medical provider. 

For more information on exposure, please refer to the following resources: CDC website- Stop Sticks Campaign (e.g., Sharps Injuries: Bloodborne Pathogens)

If you have questions about appropriate medical treatment for occupational exposures, assistance is available from the Clinicians’ Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Line at 1-888-448-4911 or the PEP Quick Guide for Occupational Exposures.

Students are personally responsible for all costs incurred due to post-exposure evaluation and management, including any recommended prophylaxis. However, the university will additionally provide student accident insurance (secondary [excess] coverage) which includes neeedlesticks and blood-borne pathogen exposure in the schedule of benefits. For additional information, please refer to the Insurance Requirements section of this handbook.