TB Testing and Hepatitis B Immunizations
These policies were enacted to protect the health and safety of employees and students who may be exposed to certain biohazards in the campus and clinic working environments. Screening and testing for tuberculosis (TB) is a key strategy for controlling and preventing infection at Bastyr University Kenmore, BCNH, and Bastyr University San Diego. Early detection provides an opportunity to promote the health of affected individuals through prompt diagnosis and treatment while preventing potential spread to others. Implementation of a screening and testing program not only addresses this public health concern in campus communities but also contributes to the larger public health goal of reducing the burden of TB in the United States.
Tuberculosis Screening
All incoming students and new employees at Bastyr University Clinics (BCNH and Bastyr University Clinic) will be screened for risk factors for TB through an annual screening questionnaire and will be tested, preferably with Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) TB blood test, once upon hire/entry into a clinical program. In some cases, students and employees may need additional screening on a case-by-case basis. Students with a documented previous positive test may not need to be re-tested but still must be screened.
Students or employees that have had prior TB screenings and/or testing should contact the Clinic Compliance Specialist to see if any prior screenings might be applied toward Bastyr’s policy.
The Quantiferon TB blood test is available for students enrolled in clinical programs at a discounted cash price at Sound Medical Lab (WA) or LabCorp (CA).
TB screening begins the first week of work for all faculty and staff and must be completed before students in clinical programs begin their clinic rotations. Any positive TB test/questionnaire requires additional follow-up with a BU resident or external physician to assess for further testing and/or treatment. Information about TB screening is given to students in one of their required clinic courses. Questions regarding TB screening can be addressed to the Clinic Compliance Specialist.
Hepatitis B Immunizations
The following groups of people are required to provide documentation of either a complete hepatitis B immunization series (two or three doses depending on manufacturer) or immunity to hepatitis B (titer), or complete the online waiver form along with a release of liability: all students in clinical programs, all clinical faculty, and all laboratory and operations assistants who are category I (those who have daily exposure to blood or body fluids) and category II (those who have occasional exposure to blood or body fluids). Offsite and preceptorship locations may not allow a waiver and may require additional immunizations.
Bastyr University agrees to pay 50 percent of the cost of the hepatitis B immunization series for students. A reimbursement form should be completed and is available at the Student Services Resource Center or on Sharepoint. Request for reimbursement must be received within 60 days of the date of service.
Note: All students are required to pay in full the cost of testing antibody levels for any of the agents listed above if they choose to check for individual immunity, prior to waiving or taking any immunizations.
Anyone who has elected to waive the immunization series has the option to change that election, at any time, and take the immunization series and submit documentation to the clinic compliance specialist who will update their record.
Commencement of the immunization series (or submission of a waiver) shall occur before the first day of work for all faculty and staff and before students in clinical programs begin their clinic rotations. Hepatitis immunization information and location of the online waiver are distributed to students in one of their required clinical courses. Hepatitis immunization questions can be directed to the clinic compliance specialist.
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