STUDENT HANDBOOK

PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT PROGRAM WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

January 2014

I,__________________________, have received the Pathologists’ Assistant (student's name)

Student Handbook.

I understand that this policy is effective throughout the Pathologists’ Assistant

Program and any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

___________________ ______________________________ Date Student's Signature

This handbook is designed to serve as a guide for students enrolled in the Pathologists’ Assistant Program at West Virginia University. The contents of the handbook represent an official communication of the policies and procedures of the Program. Students are expected to be familiar with this handbook and its content. In order to reach the goals and fulfill the mission of the University, the courses, requirements, and regulations contained herein are subject to continuing review and change by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the WVU Board of Governors, University administrators, and the faculty of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program. The Program, therefore, reserves the right to change, delete, supplement, or otherwise amend the information, course offering, requirements, rules, and policies contained herein without prior notice. The Pathologists’ Assistant Program is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, handicap, veteran status, sexual orientation or national origin in the administration of its educational program or activities or with respect to admission and employment.

INDEX PAGE Personnel.......................................................................................................... 6 Ethics................................................................................................................ 7-8 Directory Information……………………………………………………………….. 8 Academic Honesty............................................................................................ 8 Work Policy....................................................................................................... 9 Employment Policy…………………………………………………………………. 9 Confidentiality of Student Records................................................................... 9 Consent to Release Educational Records……………………………………….. 10 Pathologists’ Assistant Policy on Professional Appearance............................. 11-12 Academic and Professional Policies................................................................. 12-14 Promotions and Dismissals…........................................................................... 14-15 Pathologists’ Assistant Program Standards.......................................................... 15 Academic and Professional Policies of the School of Medicine………………… 17-25 Student Appointments with Faculty Members................................................... 26 Use of Telephones…………….......................................................................... 26 Breaks.............................................................................................................. 26 Fire Alarms….................................................................................................... 26 Health Requirements......................................................................................... 27-28 Student Membership in AAPA and ASCP……………………………………….. 28 Hospitals Policies……………………................................................................. 29 Universal Precautions and Laboratory Safety................................................. 30 Social Justice Syllabi Statement....................................................................... 30 AIDS Policy....................................................................................................... 31 Comprehensive Examination........................................................................... 31 University Health Services............................................................................... 31 Needle Stick Injury........................................................................................... 31 Laboratory Accidents....................................................................................... 32 Liability Insurance............................................................................................ 32 Community Service......................................................................................... 32

Completion of Materials for Clinical Laboratory Rotations………………….….. 32 Clinical Rotation Evaluations……………………………………………………… 33 HIPAA Training……………………………………………………………………… 33 OSHA Training………………………………………………………………………. 33 Drug Screening……………………………………………………………………… 33

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APPENDICES

PAGE APPENDIX A....Policy on Academic and Professional Standards........................................ 34 APPENDIX B....Fire Policy for Ruby Memorial Hospital………………………………………. 44 APPENDIX C….Substance Abuse…………………………………………………………………45-46 APPENDIX D....Smoking Policy of HSC........................................................................47 APPENDIX E....Universal Precautions............................................................................48-52 APPENDIX F. Community Service……………...............................................................53-54 APPENDIX G….Social Networking Policies and OIT…………………………………………….55-56 APPENDIX H ….Histology Rotation Objectives and Sign-Off Sheet………………………….57 APPENDIX I……Objectives for Clinical Practicums………………………………………………58-61

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PERSONNEL Program Director: Cheryl Germain, MHS, P.A.(ASCP) 293-0734 Room 2146 H HSN Jen Iacobucci 293-1584 Program Specialist Medical Director: Dr. Vernard Adams, M.D. 293-1628 Faculty: Justin Falcon, MHS, P.A. (ASCP) 293-3357 Clinical Coordinator Michelle Costas, MHS, P.A.(ASCP) 598-4130 Gross Room Supervisor Carie Coffindaffer, MHS, P.A.(ASCP) 598-4130 Dr. Vernard Adams, M.D. 293-1628 Director, Autopsy Service (Erin Osborne) Kymberly Gyure, M.D. 293-1625 Director of Anatomic Pathology Vice-Chair of Pathology Beverly Kirby, Ed.D. CLS 293-2069 Director, Clinical Laboratory Sciences

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Ethics

As students that are enrolled in a program of professional study, all students are expected to abide by professional conduct standards. It is expected that each student will adopt the Code of Ethics of their profession and maintain a demeanor appropriate to that Code at all times. ASCLS CODE OF ETHICS The Code of Ethics of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) sets forth the principles and standards by which clinical laboratory professionals practice their profession. I. Duty to the Patient Anatomic laboratory professionals are accountable for the quality and integrity of the laboratory services they provide. This obligation includes maintaining individual competence in judgment and performance and striving to safeguard the patient from incompetent or illegal practice by others. Anatomic laboratory professionals maintain high standards of practice. They exercise sound judgment in establishing, performing and evaluating laboratory testing. Anatomic laboratory professionals maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and test results. They safeguard the dignity and privacy of patients and provide accurate information to other health care professionals about the services they provide. II. Duty to Colleagues and the Profession Anatomic laboratory professionals uphold and maintain the dignity and respect of our profession and strive to maintain a reputation of honesty, integrity and reliability. They contribute to the advancement of the profession by improving the body of knowledge, adopting scientific advances that benefit the patient, maintaining high standards of practice and education, and seeking fair socioeconomic working conditions for members of the profession. Anatomic laboratory professionals actively strive to establish cooperative and respectful working relationships with other health care professionals with the primary objective of ensuring a high standard of care for the patients they serve.

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III. Duty to Society As practitioners of an autonomous profession, anatomic laboratory professionals have the responsibility to contribute from their sphere of professional competence to the general well being of the community. Anatomic laboratory professionals comply with relevant laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of clinical laboratory science and actively seek, within the dictates of their consciences, to change those which do not meet the high standards of care and practice to which the profession is committed. Pledge to the Profession As an anatomic laboratory professional, I strive to:

• Maintain and promote standards of excellence in performing and advancing the art and science of my profession

• Preserve the dignity and privacy of others • Uphold and maintain the dignity and respect of our profession • Seek to establish cooperative and respectful working relationships with other health

professionals • Contribute to the general well being of the community.

I will actively demonstrate my commitment to these responsibilities throughout my professional life. Directory Information Certain directory information may be released at the discretion of WVU unless the student has completed a request for non-disclosure of Directory Information with the Office of Admissions and Records before the close of the late registration period for the fall term. Academic Honesty

Students in the Pathologists’ Assistant Program are expected to adhere to the to the University's Policy concerning Academic Dishonesty.

Please refer to the policies under Section 1, Article III, Section B of the WVU Student Handbook – the Mountie at:

http://studentlife.wvu.edu/office_of_student_conduct/student_conduct_code.

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WORK POLICY Students enrolled in the Pathologists’ Assistant Program are expressly

prohibited from rendering care or treatment in any form to any patient, including other students or staff of the University, except when rendered as a part of the classroom or laboratory instruction and/or assigned participation. Work Policy for Pathologists’ Assistant Students

The Standards for Pathologists’ Assistant Programs from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences addresses students working in the clinical laboratories. Standard 9C3 states:

"Policies and processes by which students may perform service work must be published and made known to all concerned in order to avoid practices in which students are substituted for regular staff. After demonstrating proficiency, students, with qualified supervision, may be permitted to perform procedures. Service work by students in clinical settings outside of academic hours must be noncompulsory.”

EMPLOYMENT POLICY

The aim of the West Virginia University Pathologists’ Assistant Program is to provide a strong educational background in the anatomic laboratory sciences which includes anatomic laboratory experience in surgical and autopsy pathology. The experiences typically takes place between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

However, senior students in clinical rotations may work in suitable positions that are supervised, voluntary, paid, subject to employee regulations, and outside of the hours (typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday) of their educational experience. At no time can outside employment interfere or replace academic or clinical experiences. CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT RECORDS Please refer to the West Virginia University Policy on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act,: http://ferpa.wvu.edu/policy and the following Board of Governors policies: Policy 10 http://bog.wvu.edu/r/download/4214 Policy 15 http://bog.wvu.edu/r/download/4219 Policy 31 http://bog.wvu.edu/r/download/4236

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Consent to Release Educational Records I __________________________________ hereby give consent to (student name) ___________________________________ of the WVU Pathologists’ Assistant (faculty name) Program to release my educational records to _________________________. (please specify name or agency) Signed _____________________________ Date _____________________________ Examples of who may seek information regarding your educational record include: Licensing Boards Certifying Agencies Possible Employers (when we act as references)

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Pathologists’ Assistant Policy on Professional Appearance Health Sciences students must maintain a professional appearance for infection control, to aid in communication and for cultural sensitivity. A professional appearance will help instill trust in you as a health professional and lead to better patient outcomes. General policy for all students:

1. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn while working in the surgical and autopsy suites. This includes but is not limited to eye/face protection, fluid-proof body covering, and gloves. Additional equipment may be required based on the procedure at hand.

2. Shoes worn in the student laboratory must cover the entire foot. Sandals, flip-flops, high-heeled shoes and canvas shoes are not allowed in the Gross Room, Histology, or Anatomy dissection laboratory. Scrubs can be provided.

3. Good personal hygiene is to be maintained at all times including regular bathing, use of deodorants/antiperspirants, and regular dental hygiene.

4. Avoid distracting perfumes or colognes and cigarette odor. 5. Fingernails should be neatly trimmed to no longer than ¼ inch past the

end of the finger worn without polish or with clear polish without chips or cracks. No artificial nails.

6. Visible body tattoos or visible body piercing are prohibited. 7. Attire should be comfortable and not detracting from the educational

atmosphere. Avoid dress or attire that could be potentially offensive to the public, your peers, and faculty.

Additional policies for senior students in the clinical settings:

1. Scrubs should be clean, neat, and either blue, surgical green, or black, depending on the clinical rotation site and requirements specific to each rotation. NO neon or bright pastel scrub colors are allowed.

2. Shoes must be comfortable, white, all-leather (no canvas shoes) walking or athletic shoes. Shoes must be clean and in good repair at all times. Appropriate hosiery and socks must cover any exposed part of the leg or foot.

3. Denim clothing or pants of a “blue jean” style, regardless of color or fabric, shorts, skorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless attire, tank/tube tops, tee shirts, midriff tops, halters, translucent or transparent tops, sweatshirts, sweatpants, running or jogging suits are prohibited.

4. Personal protective equipment is removed and disposed of following procedures. At no time should this equipment be worn outside of the surgical/autopsy suites. Gloves should be removed before touching phones, door handles, and any equipment that leaves the procedure area. White lab coats are to be worn over scrubs when leaving the surgical suite. At NO time are green scrubs to leave the autopsy suite. Students should change and leave the provided green scrubs in the appropriate receptacle in the autopsy suite.

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Hair Maintenance:

1. Hair should be neat, clean and of a natural human color. 2. Hair should be styled off the face and out of the eyes. 3. Shoulder length hair must be secured to avoid interference with patients and

work. 4. Avoid scarves or ribbons (unless culturally appropriate). 5. Beards/mustaches must be neatly trimmed; certain types of protective

equipment is not effective when used with full beards (i.e. HEPA masks for TB).

Jewelry:

1. Jewelry represents a potential for cross-infection. 2. The following are permitted: a watch, up to four rings, small earrings,

academic pins, and other pins, badges or insignia that represent an award, modest bracelets and necklace chains. Appropriate holiday pin during the holiday is suitable.

Academic Policies A. Examinations

Final examinations will be scheduled during finals week at the end of each semester. Examinations, quizzes and practicals are scheduled at the discretion of each instructor for the courses involved. The instructors will make every effort to schedule examinations so that no more than two examinations will occur per day (Pathologists’ Assistant courses).

All coats, including laboratory coats, books, purses and other personal items are placed in the front of the classroom during the examinations. If a calculator is needed for the examination, the jacket for the calculator must be removed. Cell phones, Ipods, and all other electronic equipment is prohibited at all times during classes and examinations, as well as during clinical experiences.

If a student is absent for a scheduled or unscheduled examination/quiz he/she will

receive a zero (0) for this examination/quiz unless this is an excused absence. An excused absence includes an illness, death in the family or some unavoidable situation beyond your control.

The student must notify the Pathology Professional Programs Office (Christy George, 293-3779 or Cheryl Germain, 293-0734 or Justin Falcon 304-293-3357) prior to the beginning of the examination if they are sick or there has been a death in the family or an unavoidable emergency situation. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the course instructor, program director, and other faculty.

If a student calls in sick or fails to call in on the morning of an examination, he/she

will NOT be allowed to take the examination/quiz later that same day. The student will receive a zero (0) on the examination/quiz unless this is an excused absence.

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If excused from an examination at the scheduled time, the student may be given an alternate form of the examination (essay, oral, etc.) at the discretion of the instructor. The student should be prepared to take this examination on the day of return to classes. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero on that examination.

If a student misses a final examination, a grade of "I" may be used at the discretion of the instructor.

For the Comprehensive Examination see a separate policy. B. Unscheduled Examinations

It is left to the discretion of each instructor to give unscheduled examinations (quizzes) for any course, laboratory and clinical rotation. C. Class Absence/Tardiness

1. Students are required to attend all class and laboratory sessions. Students who are absent from class for any reason are responsible for work missed. In the senior year, students must make up any clinical time lost because of missed time which is caused by unavoidable circumstance. The senior year of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program consists of clinical practicum. Since this experience is intended to teach the students anatomic laboratory procedures and for them to develop stated competencies, it is important that the students be present every day. If a student misses more than two days of a rotation, the student may have to make up the missed work. This is examined on an individual basis and extenuation circumstances will be considered. Any student who misses an excessive amount of time during a clinical laboratory rotation will result in a review of his/her performance by the Pathology Professional Programs Academic and Professional Standards Committee. Competency time will be scheduled by the instructor. If a student needs competency time beyond these scheduled weeks, his/her graduation may be in jeopardy. The Pathology Professional Programs Academic and Professional Standards Committee will decide the dates that these competencies will be completed. Some students who are present for the entire rotation may need to spend extra time in the rotation to obtain the expected competencies. In this event, the instructor will schedule the extra time during the competency weeks.

All students are to notify the Pathology Professional Programs Office (293-2069)

the day before or the morning that they have to be away from class because of sickness or

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other unavoidable reasons; an e-mail must also be sent to the Program Director. Senior students in clinical rotations are to notify their clinical instructor or the laboratory supervisor the morning that they are absent from the lab. This notice should occur before 8:00 AM. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Program Office on his/her return to classes.

It is the responsibility of the student to report to the Program Office all absences due to illness or health care and to report to the office on his/her return.

2. Any student arriving after the classroom door is closed may be denied entrance.

It is up to the discretion of the individual instructor to establish his/her policy pertaining to tardiness and notify the students at the beginning of the course. D. Grades

The following grading scale is in effect for all Pathologists’ Assistant courses in the junior and senior year:

Grading Scale A = 100 - 90 B = 89.99 - 80 C = 79.99 - 71 D = 70.99 - 61 F = 60.99 - 0

Grading scales may be changed at the discretion of the instructor, with full

disclosure to the students. E. Procedural Rules for Handling Cheating Cases

The minimum penalty for all cases of cheating shall be a zero on the examination or paper. When the grade of "failure" in the course involved is a part of the penalty for cheating, the grade is to be entered on the student's permanent record and to remain there even though the student withdraws from the course or from the University. All academic dishonesty will be handled based on the procedure outlined in the Health Sciences Center Catalog. F. Student Employment

The Pathologists’ Assistant Program coursework is very time consuming and demands a concentrated effort on the part of each student. The Faculty recommends that employment is not attempted during the Pathologists’ Assistant Program. Promotions and Dismissals

All student records are reviewed at mid-term and at the end of the semester by the Pathology Professional Programs Academic and Professional Standards Committee. See Policy on Academic and Professional Standards in Appendix A and the WVU Policy

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Regarding Academic Rights and Responsibilities of Students: http://bog.wvu.edu/r/download/4219

Pathologists’ Assistant Program Standards Academics and the clinical experiences are rigorous and demanding in the Pathologists’ Assistant Program. At all times students must maintain a “3.0” average to remain in the program. Students will be verbally warned when their academic performance is less than adequate. Counseling, tutoring, learning/study skills and other tools will be offered and utilized to assist the students towards success in the program. Should the student feel unable to complete a subject, the Program Director must be notified at once. Assistance will be offered, but it is the responsibility of the student to complete coursework and maintain an acceptable grade point average (3.0). Following advisement of the Program Director, if a student cannot maintain an acceptable grade point average, they will be placed on Academic Probation for the following semester. This will give the student the opportunity to increase their grade point average. Weekly meetings with the Program Director or an appointed advisee will occur during this period to advise and assist the student. Please see additional reasons for academic probation under “Academic Penalties”. Hearings will be held only if there are extenuating circumstances such as a death in the family or extensive illness, etc., or if the student requests a hearing believing that he/she has an extenuating circumstance. General Standards Applying to All Students A student with a grade of I (incomplete) regardless of grade point average must satisfactorily remove the incomplete within the following semester unless permission for an extension is granted by the Pathology Professional Programs Academic and Professional Standards Committee. If the grade of “I” is not removed in the next semester, it will be recorded as an “F”. If, in the judgment of an instructor, a student demonstrates a marked lack of understanding of the course material, even though the student has an acceptable didactic average, a grade of “I” (Incomplete) may be submitted for that student. It is the student’s responsibility to consult with the instructor for removal of an incomplete grade. Graduation requires the completion of all academic work in a satisfactory manner and recommendation of the faculty of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program. To suspend a student with an acceptable grade point average requires appropriate documentation and recommendation from the Pathology Professional Programs Academic

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and Professional Standards Committee. Any student repeating a course may not have access to examinations taken at the time that she/he had the academic difficulty. Academic due process will be followed when students are dismissed from the Program. The dismissal is from the Pathologists’ Assistant Program and NOT from West Virginia University. The Academic and Professional Standards Committee after reviewing the records of any student has the right to request that the student appear before the Committee to explain the student’s action or performance. ACADEMIC and PROFESSIONAL PENALTIES Reasons for Probation (may not be all-inclusive and subject to review by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee):

1. Semester grade point average less than 3.0 2. Failure to adhere to dress code (after 2nd warning) 3. Violation of safety practices (after 2nd warning) 4. Failure to report illness or absence to Program Office (after 2nd warning) 6. Failure to respond properly to directives 7. Failure to adhere to professional standards as stated below; maintenance of

a professional demeanor. 8. Horseplay 9. Falling asleep during laboratory (student or clinical) 10. Inappropriate use of computer during laboratory work (Facebook, Fantasy

Football, IMs, etc) Reasons for Dismissal:

1. A grade of "F" in any course 2. Excessive unexcused absenteeism (greater than 10 consecutive school

days) 3. Falsifying laboratory results, dictations, or maliciously tampering with

Pathology reports. 4. Performance not consistent with good patient care or the public interest 5. Repeated failure to follow directives 6. Posting any photos of patient specimens or any patient history or information

on public social networking site.

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Academic and Professional Probation; Expulsion from the program: The Pathologists’ Assistant program adheres to and concurs with the Academic and Professional Standards policies of the West Virginia University School of Medicine:

POLICY ON ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS GOVERNING THE MASTER’S IN HEALTH SCIENCE/ PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT DEGREE AT WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

This policy applies the regulations of the following West Virginia Board of Governors’ Policies: Number 10, dated September 6, 2002, (Student Rights and Responsibilities) Number 15, dated September 5, 2003, (Student Academic Rights) Number 31, dated August 15, 2006, (University Student Conduct Code) And West Virginia University School of Medicine Policy on Academic and Professional Standards: http://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/Students/MediaLibraries/Medicine-Students/Media/Documents/PDFs/Policies/CAPSPolicy2010.pdf Updated: September 19, 2012

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Preamble

The West Virginia University Pathologists’ Assistant Program has an obligation to evaluate students as thoroughly as possible for their cognitive and noncognitive abilities, their academic and professional knowledge and skills, their integrity, and their suitability for the practice as a Pathologists’ Assistant. (Accordingly, this policy incorporates the mandate of the West Virginia Supreme Court that "initial responsibility for determining the competency and suitability of persons to engage in professional careers lies with the professional schools themselves..."*)

This policy on Academic and Professional Standards is limited to students pursuing the Master’s of Health Science/Pathologists’ Assistant Degree at West Virginia University. This policy (1) applies Board of Governors Policies 10, 15 and 31 to Pathologists’ Assistant Program (2) covers all behavior and conduct that demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence that a student lacks the personal qualities necessary for the practice as a Pathologists’ Assistant.

(This policy is limited to conduct and behavior relating to and/or affecting the professional practice of pathology. Conduct and behavior not relating to and not affecting the professional practice as a Pathologists’ Assistant are governed by the West Virginia University Student Conduct Code. Definitions and examples of conduct and behavior relating to and/or affecting the professional practice as a Pathologists’ Assistant are described in this document, course syllabi, course materials, and lectures.) North vs West Virginia Board of Regents

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Chapter I Academic and Professional Standards and Regulations Governing Lectures, Examinations, Laboratories, Recitation Sessions, Clinical Rotations and Other Academic Settings of the Pathologists’ Assistant Curriculum in Conformity with West Virginia Board of Governors Policies 10, 15 and 31.

SECTION 1. ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE: Requirements, Evaluations, Rights and Obligations of Students, Rights and Obligations of the Faculty 1.1 Requirements

Requirements for admission to the Pathologists’ Assistant Program are stated in the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center Catalog and Pathologists’ Assistant web site.

The Pathologists’ Assistant Program requires that all enrolled students: (1) achieve an integrative mastery of the discipline of surgical and autopsy pathology, maintain the motivation to gain such mastery, develop the professional skills required, and demonstrate professional responsibility; (2) be considerate towards instructors, staff, technologists and peers; (3) fulfill the criteria and requirements for satisfactory academic progress and successful completion of the Pathologists’ Assistant Curriculum as stated in the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center Catalog and in the syllabus of each course; (4) comply with the rules of procedure and conduct required by the faculty teaching a course, laboratory or clinical laboratory rotation; and (5) follow the standards, for academic and professional integrity.

By enrolling in the Pathologists’ Assistant Program, the student accepts these academic requirements and criteria for successful completion of the curriculum. It is the student's responsibility to know and meet these requirements and criteria, and promptly inform the Program Director of any serious impediment (such as illness, etc.) hindering satisfactory academic progress.

Failure to meet the requirements listed above as judged by the faculty of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program, may lead to academic penalties and/or remedial changes in the students curriculum as outlined in Sections 2, 3 and 4.

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1.2 Evaluations

Academic and professional performance is evaluated by written, oral, and practical examinations and through the observation of performance in lectures, examinations, laboratory and recitation sessions and clinical laboratory rotations.

Academic evaluations by faculty are not limited to the assignment of examination scores and cognitive evaluations. Grades and laboratory evaluations issued by the faculty are based on all requirements for the MHS degree. The evaluations and grades, therefore, reflect the faculty's judgment about the student's cognitive performance, motivation, clinical laboratory skills, and professional behavior.

Performance in courses and clinical laboratory rotations is described by the grades A, B, C, D or F.

Grades and narrative evaluations are based on a complete evaluation of student performance in view of all requirements and standards of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program and courses or clinical rotations.

The grades and laboratory evaluations are reviewed by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee in order to assess a student's academic progress as outlined in Section 3. 1.3 Rights and Obligations of the Student

Students shall have the right to receive (1) the catalog in which program requirements are stated, (2) the Policy on Academic Standards of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program (this document); (3) Board of Governors Policies; and (4) The Pathologists’ Assistant Student Handbook.

Students have the right to receive a written description of content, requirements, and grading policy for each course or rotation in which they are enrolled.

The student shall be graded or have his/her performance evaluated solely upon performance in the course work as measured against academic standards. The student shall not be evaluated prejudicially, capriciously, or arbitrarily. The student shall not be graded nor shall his/her performance be evaluated on the basis of his/her race, color, creed, sex or national origin. Regarding any academic penalties imposed because of failure to meet academic requirements, the students have the following rights:

1.3.1 Written notice from the Program Director of (1) the student's failure to meet requirements or violation of standards, (2) the methods, if any, by which the student may correct academic deficiencies, and (3) the penalty, if any, to be imposed.

1.3.2 An opportunity to meet with those who have determined that

the student failed to meet academic standards and requirements.

1.3.3 An opportunity to appeal the imposition of any academic penalty. 1.4 Rights and Obligations of the Faculty

It is the faculty's duty and prerogative to evaluate a student's academic performance. This evaluation takes two forms, namely (1) assignment of grades by the faculty teaching a course or laboratory rotation, and (2) review of academic performance by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee.

Academic evaluations are not restricted to the assignment of grades and cognitive evaluations but include the assessment of professional demeanor and conduct.

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The Pathologists’ Assistant Program of the School of Medicine reserves the right to withhold the MHS degree from a candidate who may have technically met formal curricular requirements but lacks the professional skills and demeanor considered necessary for the MHS degree or has demonstrated unwillingness to accept professional responsibility in the practice of anatomic laboratory science.

Grades and evaluations issued by the course faculty, and decisions or recommendations of the Academic and Professional Standards Committee are subject to the provisions of Section 1.3 which describes student rights.

Instructors should issue a written syllabus describing content, requirements, and grading policy for the course or laboratory rotation to all students enrolled in a course or rotation.

The assignment of a grade and evaluation is the responsibility of the faculty teaching the course or rotation.

Concerning a student's performance in a course or rotation, the faculty teaching the course or rotation may impose the appropriate penalties described in Section 2.1 for failure to maintain academic standards. SECTION 2. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO MEET ACADEMIC

REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

Upon failing to meet the academic requirements and standards, a student may be subject to the

following academic penalties: 2.1 A lower grade, an Incomplete (I) final grade or exclusion from further participation in the course or rotation. These penalties are imposed only by the instructor(s) of the course or rotation. 2.2 Probation

This penalty is imposed by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee (Section 3). It may be accompanied by changes in the student's curriculum, such as remedial work and re-examination or repetition of all or part of the curriculum. 2.3 Dismissal

This penalty is imposed by the Dean of the School of Medicine or the Dean's designee after receipt of recommendations by the Academic Standards Committee and Program Director as a result of academic deficiencies found serious enough by the Dean to merit dismissal.

A student may ask for an informal review of any academic penalty or formal appeal according to the appeal procedures in Sections 5 and 6. SECTION 3. ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE : REVIEW OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, PROBATION AND DISMISSAL FROM THE PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT PROGRAM

The Academic and Professional Standards Committee is appointed by the Vice-Chair of Professional Programs, Director of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department. Faculty of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program, the Program Director and Medical Director may be members of the committee. 3.1 Function of the Academic and Professional Standards Committee – Review of Academic Performance

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The Academic and Professional Standards Committees of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program

reviews the academic and professional performance of every student enrolled in the Pathologists’ Assistant Program. In this review, the Committee has to be fair to the student and is obligated to uphold the integrity of the MHS degree in Health Science/ Pathologists’ Assistant. The review takes place at least twice every semester, usually at mid-term and the end of the semester.

This review is based on grades, evaluations and oral and/or written reports from course and clinical laboratory instructors. Committee decisions about advancement to the next academic term, graduation, probationary status, remedial work and recommendations for dismissal from the Pathologists’ Assistant Program to the Program Director are based on a comprehensive review of a student's performance in the whole curriculum.

Regarding recommendations for dismissal for a reason, the Dean of the School of Medicine may accept the recommendation for dismissal, request that the Committee reconsider its recommendation, modify or reject the recommendation for sound academic reasons. 3.2 Recommendations for Promotion and Graduation:

Recommendations for promotion to the next academic term or for graduation from the Pathologists’ Assistant Program are contingent upon the successful completion of all required courses, rotations and other requirements. Promotion requires recommendation by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee. Graduation requires a vote by the Pathologists’ Assistant Faculty and the School of Medicine Faculty. 3.3 Imposition of Probation

The Committee(s) may put a student on probation in the following cases: (1) evaluations indicating serious gaps in knowledge and clinical skills and/or inadequate integration of the content of the curriculum; (2) the appearance of a specific and serious academic deficiency, e.g., an important clinical skill has not been mastered; (3) failure to assume appropriate professional responsibility and behavior; (4) any time a student's semester grade point average falls below 3.0.

The imposition of probationary status is usually accompanied by remedial actions and performance requirements specified by the Committee. These actions are intended to remedy the academic deficiency which triggered the probation. A successful conclusion of the remedial work and/or successful completion of the next academic semester ends the probationary status. Remedial interventions in a student's curriculum by the Committee are designed to fit particular academic deficiencies and may, among other, take one or more of these forms: A specific study or reading program, additional study in an area of clinical skills, repetition of all or part of the curriculum, and self or directed study. 3.4 Imposition of Dismissal

A grade of "F", more than one "D" in required courses, or a final grade of “D” may lead to the recommendation of dismissal.

The Committee expects every student to meet the requirements stated in Section 1.1. Therefore, even without an unsatisfactory grade, a student may incur a recommendation for dismissal for failure to meet these requirements. Dismissal is probable if the student's performance fails to improve in spite of remedial opportunities arranged by course instructor(s) and the Committee.

The student may appeal this dismissal (Section 6). Students who are dismissed may reapply to the Program through the admission process. Prohibited Conduct Students must not engage in (a)disorderly conduct,

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(b) theft or damage of property, (c) disruption, (d) unlawful discrimination, (e) behavior or conduct that demonstrates a lack of personal qualities necessary for the practice of medicine, (f) behavior or conduct adversely reflecting upon the medical profession or the School of Medicine. Students engaging in prohibited conduct are subject to disciplinary action by the School of Medicine. Students involved in criminal matters before local, state, or federal courts may be found by the Student Disciplinary Committee to be unfit for the medical profession and be expelled by the School of Medicine or face lesser disciplinary sanctions. Because of the serious responsibilities of the medical profession and the necessity to maintain public trust in the profession, students face disciplinary action by the School of Medicine if they abuse alcohol or drugs, consume illegal drugs, or possess, distribute or sell drugs illegally. Disciplinary Sanctions : Disciplinary action by the School of Medicine will be commensurate with the severity of the infraction. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Expulsion: Expulsion means the termination of all student status, including the loss of any right to continue in the medical curriculum and the loss of all instructional credit toward the MHS/PA degree. An expelled student may not be considered for admission to another institution governed by the State of West Virginia until at least one year after the expulsion. Expulsion may be imposed by the Dean, or the Dean's designee, for any violation of the standards expressed in Section 2 ("Standards of Conduct") above, including, but not limited to, (1) a conviction for felonious conduct; (2) alcohol or drug abuse; consumption of illegal drugs; illegal possession, distribution, or sale of drugs; (3) stealing, forgery, alteration, or falsification of documents or records; (4) misuse of or tampering with data processing and communication equipment; (5) misappropriation of funds; (6) illegal disruptive conduct in the form of disruptive picketing, protesting, or demonstrating; (7) illegal possession or use of firearms or dangerous weapons; SECTION 5. INFORMAL RECONSIDERATION OF ACADEMIC PENALTIES

To ensure fairness and provide an early hearing, the Pathologists’ Assistant Program offers an optional, informal reconsideration of penalties aside from the formal appeals procedure described in Section 6. Such a review gives a student the opportunity to submit to those imposing or recommending the penalty any substantial reasons why the penalty would be inappropriate. Such reasons may be presented orally or in written form, with a request for reconsideration of the decision. In any meeting with an Instructor or the Academic and Professional Standards Committee for such a review, the student may choose to have a member of the faculty or the student body present as an advisor. The advisor may only consult with the student but not participate in the meeting directly. This review does not preclude the right to pursue a formal appeal according to Section 6.

All requests for informal review of a grade, an evaluation, or a decision or recommendation of the Academic and Professional Standards Committee should be submitted within ten (10) days after being informed of a grade, evaluation, decision, or recommendation. 5.1 Request for Reconsideration of a Grade or Evaluation

The request for the review of a grade or evaluation should be addressed to the Instructor(s) who imposed the grade or penalty. In the case of an evaluation, the student may either ask the instructor(s) for a review or enter a written rebuttal in the student's file.

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Appeals beyond this level of review should follow the procedure for appealing a grade in Section 6.2.

5.2 Request for Reconsideration of Actions of Academic And Professional Standards Committee: Probation and Dismissal

The student has the right to appear before the Committee or inform it in writing of evidence or mitigating facts which might persuade the Committee to rescind or alter a decision imposing probation and remedial work, or a recommendation for dismissal. Such a request for reconsideration re-opens the case and may lead to a new decision or recommendation by the Committee.

An appeal beyond this level of review follows the procedure outlined in Section 6.3. SECTION 6. APPEAL OF ACADEMIC PENALTIES

The student may formally appeal all academic penalties by presenting the case in an appeal hearing which, however, may be preceded by mediative steps (Section 5). 6.1 Rules for the Appeal Hearing

The primary purpose of the Appeal Hearing is to ascertain whether the penalty (Section 2) under appeal was imposed in a manner consistent with the requirements and standards of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program (Section 1.1 and 1.2), the rights and obligations of the student (Section 1.3) and the rights and obligations of the faculty (Section 1.4).

The appeal hearing is not adversarial in nature, and the formal rules of evidence do not apply.

The student may choose to have a member of the faculty or student body present as an advisor. The individual(s) who imposed the penalty may also be accompanied by advisors from the University. Such advisors may consult with their advisees, but may neither speak on their behalf nor directly participate in the hearing, unless they are given permission to do so by those conducting the hearing.

Either party to the appeal may call witnesses. Summary minutes of the appeal and relevant attachments shall be provided to either party upon request. 6.2 Appeal of a Grade

The first level of appeal of such a penalty (Section 2.1) is at the academic department sponsoring the course or rotation. Within ten (10) days after receipt of the grade or penalty, the student should submit to the Program Director a written appeal stating the reasons why the penalty was unwarranted. The Program Director and/or Department Chair shall attempt to mediate the dispute between the student and the instructor(s) responsible for the penalty. If within ten (10) working days of receipt of the student's signed document the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and instructor involved, the complaint will automatically be forwarded to the instructor's dean (School of Medicine).

Within one week of receipt of the complaint, the Dean of the School of Medicine shall make a determination regarding the grade, making any recommendation for a grade change to the instructor involved. If the instructor involved does not act on the dean's recommendation, or if the student is in disagreement with the decision of the dean, the case will be referred to a representative body of the instructor's department or college or school for final resolution. The number and make-up of the body are to be determined by the Dean of the School of Medicine. In cases of an appeal to this body, the faculty member involved shall receive written notification of the grade challenge which shall include a statement of facts and evidence to be presented by the student in support of the changes made with sufficient clarity to reasonably disclose the claim for a grade change. The faculty member involved and the student making the appeal shall receive written notification that a hearing will be held before the department or college or school committee together with the

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notice of the date, time, and place of hearing. The final decision of this body shall be forwarded to the instructor involved. If the decision requires a change of grade, the instructor shall take action in accordance with the committee's decision. If the instructor does not act within five days, the dean will make the necessary grade adjustment. Implementation of this decision shall end the appeal procedure. 6.3 Appeal of Probation

If the request for reconsideration (Section 5) to the Academic and Professional Standards Committee fails, the student may appeal the imposition of probation and attendant penalties to the Dean of the School of Medicine within thirty (30) days of the Committee's decision. The Dean may hear the appeal directly, or act upon the recommendation of a faculty committee appointed by the Dean. In either case, the primary purpose of the hearing (Section 6.1) is to determine whether the penalty was imposed in a manner consistent with the requirements and standards of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program (Sections 1.1 and 1.2), the rights and obligations of the student (Section 1.3) and the rights and obligations of the faculty (Section 1.4).

The student may appeal the decision of the Dean to the President of West Virginia University or the President's designee within thirty (30) days after receipt of the decision.

The decision of the President or the President's designee is final. 6.4 Appeal of Dismissal

If the request for reconsideration (Section 5) to the Academic and Professional Standards Committee fails, the student may appeal to the Dean of the School of Medicine within thirty (30) days after written notification of the Academic and Professional Standards Committee decision to dismiss the student.

The Dean may hear the appeal directly or act upon the recommendation of a faculty committee appointed by the Dean. In either case, the hearing of the appeal (Section 6.1) is to establish whether the penalty was imposed in a manner consistent with requirement and standards of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program (Section 1.1 and 1.2), the rights and obligations of the student (Section 1.3), and the rights and obligations of the faculty (Section 1.4).

The decision of the Dean may be appealed to the Vice President for Health Sciences and/or the President of West Virginia University within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Dean's decision. The decision of the Vice President and/or President or the President's designee is final. Professionalism: Please see objectives for a list of standards of professionalism. Common sense rules here! Please remember clinical preceptors are not being paid to have students. They are patient and accommodating; please be respectful of their time and efforts! As well, we have a contract with these sites- your presence is expected and you are graded on your performance, professionally and technically. Please treat faculty with the same level of respect- remember they will be your references for job opportunities!

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Student Appointments with Faculty Members

If a student wishes to see a faculty member outside of class, it is the student's responsibility to schedule an appointment. Faculty may not be able to accommodate unscheduled conferences. Use of Telephones

Students should use a cell phone or pay phone for telephone calls. Permission may be obtained from the secretary for placing urgent telephone calls. It is expected that discretion will be displayed in the use of the telephone and this privilege will not be abused. Breaks

Breaks are given during some classes and in the clinical rotations. These breaks should not be longer than 15 minutes. At no time will refreshments and/or smoking be permitted in the laboratories (student or clinical). Students congregating in the hallways before or between classes should be aware that the noise level of many voices may be distracting. Fire Alarms A possible fire in the Health Sciences Center will be announced with a loud intermittent horn blast. If the alarm sounds, all students, faculty and staff must evacuate the building. Before evacuation turn off all electrical, gas and oxygen equipment and hood fans in your area and take personal items with you. Close doors and windows. Proceed to the nearest exit and completely exit the building. Meet under the trees at steps near the PRT Station. Remain outside until the All-Clear signal is announced over the loud speaker. Do not block the exit or interfere with the emergency personnel. The Fire Policy for Ruby Memorial Hospital is in Appendix B.

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Health Requirements WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS HEALTH POLICY

The WVU School of Medicine has compiled a comprehensive health policy designed to address the multifaceted health needs of your career. DISABILITY INSURANCE The School of Medicine provides a disability policy for all students. Sometime after school starts, each student will receive an individual insurance policy describing the disability insurance. Basically, the policy covers any permanent disability as the result of an injury or illness. The policy pays $1,000.00 per month until age 65 or the disability is resolved. HEALTH INSURANCE Health insurance is required of all students who matriculate at West Virginia University School of Medicine Pathologists’ Assistant Program. If you do not have health insurance through your parents, spouse or personal policy, you may purchase health insurance through the University Health Services. This insurance is in addition to the University Student Health Services, which is available to all university students. The insurance covers 100% of billable service at the Ruby Memorial Hospital with School of Medicine physicians in attendance. Health services away from Morgantown in West Virginia or other states are covered at 80% of billable charges. All students must provide documentation of health insurance annually. To purchase student health insurance, please see the web site at: http://well.wvu.edu/medical/insurance IMMUNIZATIONS AND TITERS All students who utilize teaching hospitals at the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center or any other hospital or clinic must be immunized. This requirement has been mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA). Students must have a skin test for tuberculosis (PPD) within one (1) year of starting school and one annually thereafter. Students who have a positive PPD must have a note from a treating physician as to how the positive PPD was managed and a chest x-ray report. For students who have had the BCG vaccine, please contact Charlene Morgan, RN (304-598-5118) to arrange for a Quantiferon Gold in Tube blood test. Immunization requirements include recent Tetanus/Diphtheria booster within ten (10) years, a date when the last polio booster was obtained, and information about BCG vaccine. Influenza vaccine and pneumonia vaccine must be noted if indicated. Titers are required for proof of immunization and immunity of Measles, Mumps, Rubella,

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Varicella, and Hepatitis B. A copy of these laboratory results must accompany the physical form. Should a titer not be compatible with immunity, specific booster immunization must be obtained followed by a repeat titer. Although this sounds cumbersome, the immuno-compromised acutely ill patients are at risk for infectious diseases and students are at risk for diseases from unusual infections at a tertiary teaching hospital with myriad of diseases. Attempts are made to minimize the spread of any preventable diseases. STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE LISTED IMMUNIZATIONS AND TITERS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN CLINICAL/FIELDWORK ROTATIONS. In addition, individual clinical sites may require additional immunizations. Questions concerning these health issues can be sent to Office of the Dean for Professional Programs, WVU, School of Medicine, PO Box 9225, Morgantown, WV 26506-9225, or by calling (304) 293-1320. Student Membership in the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA) and the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Any person who is currently enrolled in a NAACLS accredited (or Serious Applicant status) Pathologists’ Assistant Training Program is eligible. Student membership in the AAPA is applicable only while the individual is actively enrolled as a fully matriculated student. This status is valid to the close of the calendar year (December 31) in which the student successfully graduates. A student member may not vote, hold an office as an Association officer, Board of Trustees member, be a committee Chair/Vice-Chair or serve on a standing committee. A student member may have access to the job hotline, employment mailings, online forum, CE tracking, member directory and networking. A student member is entitled to receive the AAPA newsletter and a reduced rate for AAPA conference fees. A single one time dues payment of $45 (effective March 2006) covers a student while they are eligible to be in this class of membership. ASCP is the certifying agency for Pathologists’ Assistants. Student membership is free for the time a student is in a training program. To be eligible for any scholarships offered, students must be members of the organization, even if currently in good standing in a training program.

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Hospitals Policies

The Pathologists' students must abide by the University policies as well as the policies of the hospital where they are assigned for the clinical experience. A WVU Hospitals policy concerning substance abuse is in Appendix C.

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UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS AND LABORATORY SAFETY

The student will be collecting, processing, and working with patient and known blood, body specimens, and microorganisms that could be potentially pathogenic during his/her professional education.

The student has been oriented to and understands the use of and need for Universal Precautions and will follow these guidelines both in the student and hospital laboratories (Appendix D).

The student will notify the Pathologists’ Assistant Program office and the course instructor or laboratory supervisor concerning ALL accidents involving breaks in the skin, contamination of mucous membranes (aerosols, splashes, etc.), or ingestion.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER: 1. NO eating, drinking, smoking, mouth pipetting, or application of makeup in

the student or clinical laboratories. 2. NO placing of objects (fingers, pens, pencils, etc.) in the mouth. 3. Wash hands immediately if contaminated and before leaving the laboratory area. 4. Use of laminar flow hoods and other safety equipment where required. 5. FOLLOW UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS AT ALL TIMES.

Social Justice Syllabi Statement

For each course, the Pathologists’ Assistant Program faculty concurs with the following statement:

West Virginia University is committed to social justice. The faculty of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program concurs with West Virginia University's commitment and expect to foster a nurturing learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this program will be appreciated and given serious consideration.

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this program, please advise the program director and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).

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AIDS Policy The WVU Policy on AIDS (Effective December 1992) can be found at http://www.arc.wvu.edu/rightsh.html Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive examination is given near the completion of the work of the senior year to cover all phases of pathology. The examination is one criterion used to determine the student’s eligibility for graduation.

The examination will be scheduled during the Fall semester of the senior year.

Students must pass the program Comprehensive Examination with a minimum score of 80%. Students will be allowed to repeat the examination once without required remediation to either increase their score, or in the case of failing the examination on their first try, to pass. The minimum passing score on the second attempt is 80%. Students must pass the program comprehensive exam to pass the course.

Failure to be on time for the examination will result in the student forfeiting his/her first attempt at the examination. Requests for excused absences must be in writing and reviewed by the Pathology Professional Programs Academic and Professional Standards Committee. This Committee will decide what, if any, penalties may be imposed. The examination will be rescheduled during the week of WVU final examinations for those students not successful on his/her first attempt or for students who missed the first examination. Students who do not meet these standards will be required to do remedial work as determined by the Pathology Professional Programs Academic and Professional Standards Committee. University Health Services

All students enrolled in the Pathologists’ Assistant Program pay the University Health Services fees, including the summer sessions. Students are also covered by a disability insurance included in registration fees. Needle Stick Injury What to do in case of an exposure incident: Thoroughly wash the area with soap and water, unless a mucous membrane exposure, in which case flush copiously with water. Any student sustaining an exposure incident shall report the incident to his/her clinical instructor as soon as possible after the incident occurs. The student shall also fill out a hospital incident report. The clinical instructor shall immediately send the student to the Employee Health Service, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or to the Emergency Department at all other times for evaluation.

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Laboratory Accidents (other than needle stick injury) When a laboratory accident occurs: (1) the instructor in the course is to be notified immediately. (2) the student is taken to the University Health Services if the University Health Services is open. (3) when the student has to be taken to the Emergency Room (because the University

Health Services is closed) a written memorandum must be sent by the Program's Office to the University Health Services explaining that the University Health Services was closed at the time of the emergency.

(4) laboratory accident forms must be completed and filed in the Programs' Office on all laboratory accidents.

Liability Insurance

Students are protected by liability insurance when engaged in recognized, integrated programs which are a part of the course of instruction. This does not include unauthorized work away from the campus or on campus. Community Service

All students at the WVU Health Sciences Center must complete 50 hours of community service. Pathologists’ Assistant students are required to complete the 50 hours by Nov. 30 of their second year such that proper documentation can be forwarded to the Medical School for graduation. Failure to complete the required hours may adversely affect the ability of the student to graduate.

Hours are logged on the Community Service site on SOLE. Hours are periodically approved by the Program Director or Clinical Coordinator and reviewed by program administrators prior to graduation. For further information, please refer to Appendix F. Completion of Materials for Clinical Laboratory Rotations

Students must complete all of the requirements for each laboratory rotation by the end of that rotation unless the student needs to complete competency time. If a student is unable to complete all of the requirements in the stated time frame and no competency time is required, the student must discuss this with the faculty person prior to the end of the rotation. Any student not completing the required elements without needing competency time or discussing this with the faculty person in-charge and/or according to rotational guidelines will be given a grade of ZERO (0) on any uncompleted items such as quizzes, reports, etc.

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Clinical Rotation Evaluations: Evaluations are completed by the site coordinator at the end of each student’s rotation. An example of the evaluation is included as Appendix F. Any problems or concerns should be addressed to the Program Director immediately for remediation. Students are expected to complete an evaluation of each rotation site immediately upon completion of the assigned rotation. Failure to do so will result in the withholding of grades. Please note: the clinical evaluations by the students are used to improve the program and provides critical constructive criticism to the site coordinators. Please maintain a professional demeanor in the evaluations at all times. HIPAA Training All students are required to complete training for awareness and compliance with the patient privacy regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This training will be available to all Health Sciences Center students and must be completed within three months of starting classes. Students who do not complete HIPAA training will not be enrolled for the subsequent semester. OSHA Training All students must be trained in standards for preventing transmission of blood borne and other infectious agents. This training will occur during the first semester of the professional curriculum and again prior to clinical rotations. Drug Screening Students may need to have a drug screen test performed immediately prior (within 10 days) to beginning the clinical internship if required by the hospital where you are assigned. Students who test positive for any of the following drugs of abuse: cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, amphetamines, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines, will not be allowed to begin the clinical rotation and will be dismissed from the program.

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Appendix A

POLICY ON ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS GOVERNING THE MASTER’S IN HEALTH SCIENCE/ PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT DEGREE AT WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

This policy applies the regulations of the following West Virginia Board of Governors’ Policies: Number 10, dated September 6, 2002, (Student Rights and Responsibilities) Number 15, dated September 5, 2003, (Student Academic Rights) Number 31, dated August 15, 2006, (University Student Conduct Code) And West Virginia University School of Medicine Policy on Academic and Professional Standards: http://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/Students/MediaLibraries/Medicine-Students/Media/Documents/PDFs/Policies/CAPSPolicy2010.pdf Updated: July 30, 2012

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Preamble

The West Virginia University Pathologists’ Assistant Program has an obligation to evaluate students as thoroughly as possible for their cognitive and noncognitive abilities, their academic and professional knowledge and skills, their integrity, and their suitability for the practice as a Pathologists’ Assistant. (Accordingly, this policy incorporates the mandate of the West Virginia Supreme Court that "initial responsibility for determining the competency and suitability of persons to engage in professional careers lies with the professional schools themselves..."*)

This policy on Academic and Professional Standards is limited to students pursuing the Master’s of Health Science/Pathologists’ Assistant Degree at West Virginia University. This policy (1) applies Board of Governors Policies 10, 15 and 31 to Pathologists’ Assistant Program (2) covers all behavior and conduct that demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence that a student lacks the personal qualities necessary for the practice as a Pathologists’ Assistant.

(This policy is limited to conduct and behavior relating to and/or affecting the professional practice of pathology. Conduct and behavior not relating to and not affecting the professional practice as a Pathologists’ Assistant are governed by the West Virginia University Student Conduct Code. Definitions and examples of conduct and behavior relating to and/or affecting the professional practice as a Pathologists’ Assistant are described in this document, course syllabi, course materials, and lectures.) North vs West Virginia Board of Regents

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Chapter I Academic and Professional Standards and Regulations Governing Lectures, Examinations, Laboratories, Recitation Sessions, Clinical Rotations and Other Academic Settings of the Pathologists’ Assistant Curriculum in Conformity with West Virginia Board of Governors Policies 10, 15 and 31.

SECTION 1. ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE: Requirements, Evaluations, Rights and Obligations of Students, Rights and Obligations of the Faculty 1.1 Requirements

Requirements for admission to the Pathologists’ Assistant Program are stated in the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center Catalog and Pathologists’ Assistant website.

The Pathologists’ Assistant Program requires that all enrolled students: (1) achieve an integrative mastery of the discipline of surgical and autopsy pathology, maintain the motivation to gain such mastery, develop the professional skills required, and demonstrate professional responsibility; (2) be considerate towards instructors, staff, technologists and peers; (3) fulfill the criteria and requirements for satisfactory academic progress and successful completion of the Pathologists’ Assistant Curriculum as stated in the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center Catalog and in the syllabus of each course; (4) comply with the rules of procedure and conduct required by the faculty teaching a course, laboratory or clinical laboratory rotation; and (5) follow the standards, for academic and professional integrity.

By enrolling in the Pathologists’ Assistant Program, the student accepts these academic requirements and criteria for successful completion of the curriculum. It is the student's responsibility to know and meet these requirements and criteria, and promptly inform the Program Director of any serious impediment (such as illness, etc.) hindering satisfactory academic progress.

Failure to meet the requirements listed above as judged by the faculty of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program, may lead to academic penalties and/or remedial changes in the students curriculum as outlined in Sections 2, 3 and 4.

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1.2 Evaluations

Academic and professional performance is evaluated by written, oral, and practical examinations and through the observation of performance in lectures, examinations, laboratory and recitation sessions and clinical laboratory rotations.

Academic evaluations by faculty are not limited to the assignment of examination scores and cognitive evaluations. Grades and laboratory evaluations issued by the faculty are based on all requirements for the MHS degree. The evaluations and grades, therefore, reflect the faculty's judgment about the student's cognitive performance, motivation, clinical laboratory skills, and professional behavior.

Performance in courses and clinical laboratory rotations is described by the grades A, B, C, D or F.

Grades and narrative evaluations are based on a complete evaluation of student performance in view of all requirements and standards of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program and courses or clinical rotations.

The grades and laboratory evaluations are reviewed by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee in order to assess a student's academic progress as outlined in Section 3. 1.3 Rights and Obligations of the Student

Students shall have the right to receive (1) the catalog in which program requirements are stated, (2) the Policy on Academic Standards of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program (this document); (3) Board of Governors Policies; and (4) The Pathologists’ Assistant Student Handbook.

Students have the right to receive a written description of content, requirements, and grading policy for each course or rotation in which they are enrolled.

The student shall be graded or have his/her performance evaluated solely upon performance in the course work as measured against academic standards. The student shall not be evaluated prejudicially, capriciously, or arbitrarily. The student shall not be graded nor shall his/her performance be evaluated on the basis of his/her race, color, creed, sex or national origin. Regarding any academic penalties imposed because of failure to meet academic requirements, the students have the following rights:

1.3.1 Written notice from the Program Director of (1) the student's failure to meet requirements or violation of standards, (2) the methods, if any, by which the student may correct academic deficiencies, and (3) the penalty, if any, to be imposed.

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1.3.2 An opportunity to meet with those who have determined that

the student failed to meet academic standards and requirements.

1.3.3 An opportunity to appeal the imposition of any academic penalty. 1.4 Rights and Obligations of the Faculty

It is the faculty's duty and prerogative to evaluate a student's academic performance. This evaluation takes two forms, namely (1) assignment of grades by the faculty teaching a course or laboratory rotation, and (2) review of academic performance by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee.

Academic evaluations are not restricted to the assignment of grades and cognitive evaluations but include the assessment of professional demeanor and conduct.

The Pathologists’ Assistant Program of the School of Medicine reserves the right to withhold the MHS degree from a candidate who may have technically met formal curricular requirements but lacks the professional skills and demeanor considered necessary for the MHS degree or has demonstrated unwillingness to accept professional responsibility in the practice of anatomic laboratory science.

Grades and evaluations issued by the course faculty, and decisions or recommendations of the Academic and Professional Standards Committee are subject to the provisions of Section 1.3 which describes student rights.

Instructors should issue a written syllabus describing content, requirements, and grading policy for the course or laboratory rotation to all students enrolled in a course or rotation.

The assignment of a grade and evaluation is the responsibility of the faculty teaching the course or rotation.

Concerning a student's performance in a course or rotation, the faculty teaching the course or rotation may impose the appropriate penalties described in Section 2.1 for failure to maintain academic standards. SECTION 2. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO MEET ACADEMIC

REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

Upon failing to meet the academic requirements and standards, a student may be

subject to the following academic penalties:

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2.1 A lower grade, an Incomplete (I) final grade or exclusion from further participation in the course or rotation. These penalties are imposed only by the instructor(s) of the course or rotation. 2.2 Probation

This penalty is imposed by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee (Section 3). It may be accompanied by changes in the student's curriculum, such as remedial work and re-examination or repetition of all or part of the curriculum. 2.3 Dismissal

This penalty is imposed by the Dean of the School of Medicine or the Dean's designee after receipt of recommendations by the Academic Standards Committee and Program Director as a result of academic deficiencies found serious enough by the Dean to merit dismissal.

A student may ask for an informal review of any academic penalty or formal appeal according to the appeal procedures in Sections 5 and 6. SECTION 3. ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE : REVIEW OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, PROBATION AND DISMISSAL FROM THE PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT PROGRAM

The Academic and Professional Standards Committee is appointed by the Vice-Chair of Professional Programs, Director of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department. Faculty of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program, the Program Director and Medical Director may be members of the committee. 3.2 Function of the Academic and Professional Standards Committee – Review of Academic Performance

The Academic and Professional Standards Committees of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program reviews the academic and professional performance of every student enrolled in the Pathologists’ Assistant Program. In this review, the Committee has to be fair to the student and is obligated to uphold the integrity of the MHS degree in Health Science/ Pathologists’ Assistant. The review takes place at least twice every semester, usually at mid-term and the end of the semester.

This review is based on grades, evaluations and oral and/or written reports from course and clinical laboratory instructors. Committee decisions about advancement to the next academic term, graduation, probationary status, remedial work and recommendations for dismissal from the Pathologists’ Assistant Program to the Program Director are based on a comprehensive review of a student's performance in the whole curriculum.

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Regarding recommendations for dismissal for a reason, the Dean of the School of Medicine may accept the recommendation for dismissal, request that the Committee reconsider its recommendation, modify or reject the recommendation for sound academic reasons. 3.2 Recommendations for Promotion and Graduation:

Recommendations for promotion to the next academic term or for graduation from the Pathologists’ Assistant Program are contingent upon the successful completion of all required courses, rotations and other requirements. Promotion requires recommendation by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee. Graduation requires a vote by the Pathologists’ Assistant Faculty and the School of Medicine Faculty. 3.3 Imposition of Probation

The Committee(s) may put a student on probation in the following cases: (1) evaluations indicating serious gaps in knowledge and clinical skills and/or inadequate integration of the content of the curriculum; (2) the appearance of a specific and serious academic deficiency, e.g., an important clinical skill has not been mastered; (3) failure to assume appropriate professional responsibility and behavior; (4) any time a student's semester grade point average falls below 3.0.

The imposition of probationary status is usually accompanied by remedial actions and performance requirements specified by the Committee. These actions are intended to remedy the academic deficiency which triggered the probation. A successful conclusion of the remedial work and/or successful completion of the next academic semester ends the probationary status. Remedial interventions in a student's curriculum by the Committee are designed to fit particular academic deficiencies and may, among other, take one or more of these forms: A specific study or reading program, additional study in an area of clinical skills, repetition of all or part of the curriculum, and self or directed study. 3.4 Imposition of Dismissal

A grade of "F", more than one "D" in required courses, or a final grade of “D” may lead to the recommendation of dismissal.

The Committee expects every student to meet the requirements stated in Section 1.1. Therefore, even without an unsatisfactory grade, a student may incur a recommendation for dismissal for failure to meet these requirements. Dismissal is probable if the student's performance fails to improve in spite of remedial opportunities arranged by course instructor(s) and the Committee.

The student may appeal this dismissal (Section 6). Students who are dismissed may reapply to the Program through the admission process.

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SECTION 5. INFORMAL RECONSIDERATION OF ACADEMIC PENALTIES

To ensure fairness and provide an early hearing, the Pathologists’ Assistant Program offers an optional, informal reconsideration of penalties aside from the formal appeals procedure described in Section 6. Such a review gives a student the opportunity to submit to those imposing or recommending the penalty any substantial reasons why the penalty would be inappropriate. Such reasons may be presented orally or in written form, with a request for reconsideration of the decision. In any meeting with an Instructor or the Academic and Professional Standards Committee for such a review, the student may choose to have a member of the faculty or the student body present as an advisor. The advisor may only consult with the student but not participate in the meeting directly. This review does not preclude the right to pursue a formal appeal according to Section 6.

All requests for informal review of a grade, an evaluation, or a decision or recommendation of the Academic and Professional Standards Committee should be submitted within ten (10) days after being informed of a grade, evaluation, decision, or recommendation. 5.1 Request for Reconsideration of a Grade or Evaluation

The request for the review of a grade or evaluation should be addressed to the Instructor(s) who imposed the grade or penalty. In the case of an evaluation, the student may either ask the instructor(s) for a review or enter a written rebuttal in the student's file.

Appeals beyond this level of review should follow the procedure for appealing a grade in Section 6.2. 5.2 Request for Reconsideration of Actions of Academic And Professional Standards Committee: Probation and Dismissal

The student has the right to appear before the Committee or inform it in writing of evidence or mitigating facts which might persuade the Committee to rescind or alter a decision imposing probation and remedial work, or a recommendation for dismissal. Such a request for reconsideration re-opens the case and may lead to a new decision or recommendation by the Committee.

An appeal beyond this level of review follows the procedure outlined in Section 6.3. SECTION 6. APPEAL OF ACADEMIC PENALTIES

The student may formally appeal all academic penalties by presenting the case in an appeal hearing which, however, may be preceded by mediative steps (Section 5). 6.1 Rules for the Appeal Hearing

The primary purpose of the Appeal Hearing is to ascertain whether the penalty

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(Section 2) under appeal was imposed in a manner consistent with the requirements and standards of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program (Section 1.1 and 1.2), the rights and obligations of the student (Section 1.3) and the rights and obligations of the faculty (Section 1.4).

The appeal hearing is not adversarial in nature, and the formal rules of evidence do not apply.

The student may choose to have a member of the faculty or student body present as an advisor. The individual(s) who imposed the penalty may also be accompanied by advisors from the University. Such advisors may consult with their advisees, but may neither speak on their behalf nor directly participate in the hearing, unless they are given permission to do so by those conducting the hearing.

Either party to the appeal may call witnesses. Summary minutes of the appeal and relevant attachments shall be provided to either party upon request. 6.2 Appeal of a Grade

The first level of appeal of such a penalty (Section 2.1) is at the academic department sponsoring the course or rotation. Within ten (10) days after receipt of the grade or penalty, the student should submit to the Program Director a written appeal stating the reasons why the penalty was unwarranted. The Program Director and/or Department Chair shall attempt to mediate the dispute between the student and the instructor(s) responsible for the penalty. If within ten (10) working days of receipt of the student's signed document the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and instructor involved, the complaint will automatically be forwarded to the instructor's dean (School of Medicine).

Within one week of receipt of the complaint, the Dean of the School of Medicine shall make a determination regarding the grade, making any recommendation for a grade change to the instructor involved. If the instructor involved does not act on the dean's recommendation, or if the student is in disagreement with the decision of the dean, the case will be referred to a representative body of the instructor's department or college or school for final resolution. The number and make-up of the body are to be determined by the Dean of the School of Medicine. In cases of an appeal to this body, the faculty member involved shall receive written notification of the grade challenge which shall include a statement of facts and evidence to be presented by the student in support of the changes made with sufficient clarity to reasonably disclose the claim for a grade change. The faculty member involved and the student making the appeal shall receive written notification that a hearing will be held before the department or college or school committee together with the notice of the date, time, and place of hearing. The final decision of this body shall be forwarded to the instructor involved. If the decision requires a change of grade, the instructor shall take action in accordance with the

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committee's decision. If the instructor does not act within five days, the dean will make the necessary grade adjustment. Implementation of this decision shall end the appeal procedure. 6.3 Appeal of Probation

If the request for reconsideration (Section 5) to the Academic and Professional Standards Committee fails, the student may appeal the imposition of probation and attendant penalties to the Dean of the School of Medicine within thirty (30) days of the Committee's decision. The Dean may hear the appeal directly, or act upon the recommendation of a faculty committee appointed by the Dean. In either case, the primary purpose of the hearing (Section 6.1) is to determine whether the penalty was imposed in a manner consistent with the requirements and standards of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program (Sections 1.1 and 1.2), the rights and obligations of the student (Section 1.3) and the rights and obligations of the faculty (Section 1.4).

The student may appeal the decision of the Dean to the President of West Virginia University or the President's designee within thirty (30) days after receipt of the decision.

The decision of the President or the President's designee is final. 6.4 Appeal of Dismissal

If the request for reconsideration (Section 5) to the Academic and Professional Standards Committee fails, the student may appeal to the Dean of the School of Medicine within thirty (30) days after written notification of the Academic and Professional Standards Committee decision to dismiss the student.

The Dean may hear the appeal directly or act upon the recommendation of a faculty committee appointed by the Dean. In either case, the hearing of the appeal (Section 6.1) is to establish whether the penalty was imposed in a manner consistent with requirement and standards of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program (Section 1.1 and 1.2), the rights and obligations of the student (Section 1.3), and the rights and obligations of the faculty (Section 1.4).

The decision of the Dean may be appealed to the Vice President for Health Sciences and/or the President of West Virginia University within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Dean's decision. The decision of the Vice President and/or President or the President's designee is final.

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Appendix B Fire Policy Ruby Memorial Hospital ALARMS

1. In Ruby Memorial Hospital there is an audio alarm followed by an announcement of Dr. Mortimer Red/Dr. Red/or Code Red and location.

NON-FIRE AREA

a. Close the doors and windows. b. Remain in the laboratory until further instructions are given.

IF IN AN AREA WHERE THE FIRE OCCURS

a. Alert others in the area. b. Confine the fire. c. Send the alarm (dial 9-911 in Health Sciences Center). d. Fight the fire. e. If unable to aid the situation, leave the building by the nearest exit.

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Appendix C WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL

Policy V.231 1st Effective 4-18-90 Revised 1-30-95; 4-4-03

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICIES Substance abuse by employees, staff, residents, or students at West Virginia University Hospitals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Our patients have a right to care by providers who are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Federal law entitles all employees the right to work in a drug free environment. It is everyone's responsibility to report suspected use of alcohol or drugs to the appropriate supervisor. For residents, students, and medical/dental staff, suspected substance abuse should be reported to the Department Service Chief, Chief-of-Staff, or Hospital Administration. For hospital employees, suspected substance abuse should be reported to the Department Manager/Director, Human Resources, or Hospital Administration. Uniform policy statements are provided in order to create uniform responses to questions of physician impairment due to alcohol or drug abuse. At the same time, other Health Science entities should implement similar policies. 1. Treatment of physicians and dentists, other health professionals, and all other

employees with drug or alcohol abuse will not be punitive, so long as the individual voluntarily complies with treatment, aftercare, and monitoring.

2. For physicians and dentists, consultation with the Physician Health Committee is

required immediately for all suspected cases of drug or alcohol abuse. 3. Any suspected problem shall be immediately reported to the Service Chief, Chief-of-

Staff, or Hospital Administration. The individual will be removed from patient care responsibilities pending further investigation. Reports of suspected problems must be reported to the WVUH President.

4. Immediate "on the spot" drug and alcohol testing is expected and appropriate after

any incident or report suggesting drug or alcohol abuse. Incidents that justify testing may include the discovery of evidence such as improperly disposed of syringes and missing or improperly accounted for drugs. In such cases, the

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testing must be performed in a nondiscriminatory manner, with all individuals in a particular department, on a particular shift or in a particular job classification, as the Service Chief, Chief-of-Staff or Hospital Administration determines is appropriate, evaluated on the same basis and in the same manner.

STRUCTURE The Physician Health Committee will be made a standing committee and will have status in the Medial Staff Bylaws. Its charge includes: a) Education, b) Assessment, c) Intervention, d) Contracts of Treatment, e) Monitoring, and f) Aftercare Supervision. TESTING Confidential, independent urine and blood testing will continue to be available 24 hours a day. The Physician Health Committee and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will ensure that testing and reporting methods continue to support this policy. PROGRAMS Educational programs will be broadened and must be repeated on a regular basis in all departments. APPLICATION These standards are to be followed by all Hospital and Medical Staff Departments. 1. At the discretion of the Chief-of-Staff, Department Service Chief, or Hospital

Administration, an individual department may establish more stringent standards, including, but not limited to, additional testing and educational programs.

2. Similar programs for allied health professionals and other hospital employees are to

be available, including education, awareness, and appropriate reporting. Bruce McClymonds President

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Appendix D

SMOKING POLICY OF THE PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT PROGRAM West Virginia University School of Medicine June, 2010

HSC Campus Tobacco-Free As a result of widespread support from employees and students, and the action of the WVU Board of Governors on June 4, 2010 use of tobacco products in any form is now prohibited anywhere on the Health Sciences campus. This includes all buildings, sidewalks, roads, parking areas, and green spaces. As a supervisor, is it imperative that you communicate the new policy immediately and clearly to those under your direction so that they can avoid violations and potential disciplinary action. Future students and prospective employees will be notified of the policy during the application process. The new policy applies to all employees, students, and visitors to the campus. The BOG policy complements tobacco-free policies adopted by WVUH, UHA and HealthSouth Mountainview in 2009, and existing regulations at NIOSH, to create an all-campus tobacco-free zone. There are no designated smoking areas, indoors or out. The full policy will posted online by the Board of Governors at: http://bog.wvu.edu/policies. (Until this site is updated, the draft version of the policy can be viewed at http://bog.wvu.edu/bog_policies_pending_adoption.)

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Appendix E UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

Prior to 1987, known biohazard samples, especially HBV and HIV positive samples, were identified by flagging specimens. Since that time, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has adopted a "Universal Precautions" policy that considers blood and body fluid specimens from all patients as potentially infectious agents of HIV, HBV, or any other blood-borne pathogens.

A. Universal precautions should be used while handling the following body products:

1. blood 2. semen 3. vaginal secretions 4. cerebrospinal fluid 5. synovial fluids 6. pleural fluid 7. peritoneal fluid 8. pericardial fluid 9. amniotic fluid

B. CDC states that universal precautions do not apply to the following body products, unless any of these contain visible blood. The reason for not using precautions with these specimens is that risk of transmission of HIV and HBV is very low or nonexistent. These body products are:

1. feces 2. nasal secretions 3. sputum 4. sweat 5. tears 6. urine 7. vomitus

C. Universal precautions for all health care workers:

1. Use appropriate barrier precautions to prevent contact with blood or body fluids.

a. Wear gloves when touching blood, body fluids, and contaminated specimen vials; when working in contaminated work areas; when performing invasive procedures such as venipuncture; or when

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coming in contact with non-intact skin of patients. Gloves should be changed before handling specimens from a different patient.

b. Wear a mask, eye coverings, or face shield to protect the facial area if splashing of blood and body fluids is possible.

c. Wear gowns or other suitable protective clothing when spraying or splashing of body fluids is likely to occur.

d. Wash hands or other contact areas immediately if contaminated with blood and body fluids. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves and before leaving work area.

2. Avoid accidental injuries due to needles, other sharp items

and laboratory instruments.

a. Place contaminated needles, lancets, and other sharp items in a puncture resistant container. Never recap, bend, or break needles or other sharp items by hand.

b. Place reusable large bore needles in a puncture resistant container before transporting for decontamination and reprocessing.

3. Minimize mouth-to-mouth resuscitation contact. Use appropriate

ventilation devices.

4. If exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis exist on the health care worker, he or she should abstain from all patient contact and handling of patient care equipment, unless the skin lesions are covered. The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) has proposed covering the skin lesions with an occlusive bandage, along with other necessary precautions, to prevent contamination.

5. Pregnancy is not known to place the health care worker at a

greater risk to infection. However, HIV infection developed during pregnancy does cause a grave risk of HIV perinatal trans- mission. If conditions such as tuberculosis are suspected or diagnosed, isolation precautions for that condition should be used.

D. Supplemental precautions for laboratories:

1. Transport a body fluid specimen in a secure, well-constructed

container to prevent leakage.

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2. Wear gloves when processing specimen. Wear protective face gear if splashing is anticipated. Change gloves and wash hands after specimen processing is completed.

3. Use a biological safety hood (Class I or II) if a procedure is likely to

generate droplets or aerosols.

4. Use mechanical pipetting devices. Never mouth pipette.

5. Follow universal precautions for usage of needles and syringes. 6. Decontaminate work area with chemical germicide after spillage

or when work is completed. 7. Decontaminate laboratory materials before reprocessing or prepare

materials for disposal according to the facility's waste disposal policies.

8. Remove protective clothing and thoroughly wash hands after

completing work activities and before leaving the laboratory. 9. Decontaminate and clean equipment and/or instrument before

repairing. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY PRACTICES FOR COLLECTING, TRANSPORTING, PROCESSING, TESTING, AND DISINFECTING OF ALL BLOOD AND BODY FLUID SPECIMENS

A. Blood Collection

1. Wear gloves and a laboratory coat/gown during the collection process.

2. Place contaminated gauze in biohazard container.

3. Place contaminated needles in puncture resistant containers.

4. Tubes contaminated on the outside should first be decontaminated with a fresh 1:10 dilution of bleach then placed in transport container (baggie). The container should be left for 10 minutes with the disinfectant on the container before wiping and bagging.

5. Change gloves between patients. Wash hands after removing gloves.

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6. Wear gloves when performing heel sticks or finger sticks.

B. Transportation

1. Transport in leak proof primary containers. Place these in a secondary container such as a baggie or plastic bag before transporting. NOTE: Some facilities do not accept leaking or contaminated specimens.

2. Urine and other body fluids should be placed in screw cap containers then placed in a secondary container before transporting.

3. Transport personnel should be trained in safety practices such as handling and decontamination and should wear gloves.

4. If spillage occurs, primary containers should be decontaminated before sending to work area.

5. Replace contaminated requisition slips.

C. Processing, Testing

1. All centrifuged specimens should be capped.

2. Laboratorians must wear gloves and lab coat/gown when handling/ processing specimens. Eye and facial apparel should be worn if splashing is likely to occur.

3. Unused portions of specimens and any materials used to aliquot specimens should be discarded in biohazard bags.

4. Accidental spillage of a specimen should be promptly cleaned up with a 1:10 solution of bleach, prepared fresh daily, or with a tuberculocidal agent such as amphyl, a phenolic product.

5. Centrifuges and other laboratory instruments should be on preventive maintenance programs to prevent accidental spraying of specimens.

6. Centrifuges should be placed in a work area that presents minimum exposure to personnel. The centrifuges should be decontaminated regularly, especially after a specimen container has broken in the centrifuge.

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7. Use a large, clear, sturdy glass or plastic shield to minimize spillage or spraying of a specimen when the top is removed.

8. Follow previously stated CDC universal precautions and supplemental precautions for laboratories.

D. Sterilization and Disinfection

1. Present hospital sterilization and disinfection procedures are adequate to sterilize or disinfect devices or instruments contaminated with blood and body fluids.

2. During decontamination of spills:

a. wear gloves and a gown;

b. use disposable towels to absorb blood;

c. clean contaminated area with detergent

d. disinfect area with disposable towels soaked with dis- infectant (hospital disinfectants; bleach or amphyl);

e. discard all contaminated materials in biohazard container.

3. For large spills of infectious agents, flood with 1:5 dilution of bleach, allow to stand 20 minutes, then decontaminate as previously stated in (2) above.

4. All work areas and countertops should be disinfected daily with a fresh 1:10 dilution of bleach (sodium hypochlorite; made daily) or with acceptable mycobacteriocidal agents.

Reference:

"Recommendations for Prevention of HIV Transmission in Health Care Settings", Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 21, 1987, Vol 36, No. 25.

"Update: Universal Precautions for prevention of Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B, and Other Bloodborne Pathogens in Health Care Settings", Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 24, 1988, Vol 37, No. 24, pp 377-382, 387-388.

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Appendix F

HSC STUDENT COMMUNITY SERVICE POLICY, PROCEDURE, AND GUIDELINES DEFINITION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE: A method under which students actively participate in organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of a community. It is monitored by their program/school at the Health Sciences Center and the community. This service actively helps foster civic responsibility and may be integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students. GENERAL GOAL: All Health Sciences Center students should have an approved community service experience. The community service is required of ALL Health Science students, this includes part-time as well as full-time students and graduate students. • Health Sciences Programs of 2 years or less - students must complete 50 hours of

community service. • Health Science Programs of over 2 years students must complete 100 hours of

community service. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster civic responsibility. 2. To enhance the hands-on learning experience of the student. 3. To assist the student in identifying and meeting health and social needs of the community. EXAMPLES OF ACCEPTABLE COMMUNITY SERVICES ARE: (Not an all inclusive list.) • Read-a-loud at school • Health Education Sessions in a school or community • Visiting the elderly (i.e., Nursing Homes, Hospitals, etc.) • Habitat for Humanity (building homes for people without shelter) • Hospice • Morgantown Health Right • Soup Kitchen, Bartlett House, Meals on Wheels, etc. • Child Life Program in a Children's Hospital • Ronald McDonald House • Big Brothers/Big Sisters • American Red Cross and Blood Donation Center • Salvation Army • United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties – call 296-7525 or email:

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UnitedWay@teamunitedway.org • Christian Help • Health Fair • Activities through churches, sororities, fraternities, etc. (i.e. Adopt-A-Highway) • Working with soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. • Asthma and Diabetic Camps • Youth Development camps (i.e. 4-H) • RHI-Kellogg community service experience will apply toward the 50 to 100 hours,

but only the community service not the clinical or research activities. COMMUNITY SERVICE IS A THREE-STEP PROCESS:

1. Students complete the approved community service under appropriate supervision. 2. Students record the community service activity on SOLE. 3. The designee of the program/school approves the service.

DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Review and approve community service hours. • Keep student records of approved community service hours. • Summer time and vacation/break time are good times for students to perform

community service. • Approval of the community service activity resides with the dean or designee. POLICIES:

1. Students' graduation/diploma may be withheld if community service hours are not completed.

2. Community Service appeals should follow the University/HSC standard appeal procedures.

3. Academic credit is provided through a special topics course in the final semester which accumulates the student's community service components. The grade is pass or fail.

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APPENDIX G POLICIES, PROCEDURES, & GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

Use of Social Networking Sites, Blogs, and Instant Messaging Policies

• In accordance with HIPAA, FERPA, and WVU Health Sciences Center IT policy, please be advised that faculty, staff, residents, and students are not permitted to post confidential patient information, including protected health information (PHI), educational records protected by FERPA, institutionally-owned asset data, confidential, proprietary, or private information on any social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, etc.), personal / business related blogs, and /or via instant messaging service.

• Make sure you understand the permanency of published material on the Web, and that all involved in health care have an obligation to maintain the privacy and security of patient records under HIPAA and that WVU fully complies with protecting the privacy of education records under FERPA policy.

• Always comply with the current institutional policies with respect to the conditions of use of technology and of any proprietary information such as university logos.

• Finally, please note that Facebook, MySpace, and other social networking sites are increasingly being targeted by cyber-criminals drawn to the wealth of personal information supplied by users. Data posted on the sites (i.e. name, date of birth, address, job details, email and phone numbers) is a windfall for hackers. Viruses on these networks can hijack the accounts of social networking site users and send messages steering friends to hostile sites containing malware, a malicious software often designed to infiltrate a computer system for illicit purposes. Malware can be used to steal bank account data or credit card information once installed on a personal computer. Another danger of social networking sites are the popular quizzes, horoscopes and games made available for free to users which can sometimes be used to hide links to hostile sites.

Examples of information that should not be shared on social networking, blog sites, and instant messaging services are:

• Reporting on or about official medical activities and/or patient’s personal health information.

• Requiring patients to participate in “social networking” activities to influence or maintain the provider/patient relationship.

• Posting of and/or the discussion of student grades, evaluations, course feedback, etc.

• Reviewing profiles of patients.

• Participating in activities that may compromise the provider/patient or faculty/student relationship.

• Providing medical advice on social networking sites.

From the HSC IT Training Policies SOLE site. September, 2010

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APPENDIX H: HISTOLOGY ROTATION OBJECTIVES AND SIGN-OFF SHEET West Virginia University Pathologists’ Assistant Program 1st Year Histology Rotation Students have multiple didactic lectures and assignments prior to the beginning of the Histology rotations including the following subjects:

a. Fixation and processing b. Formalin and laboratory safety c. Instrumentation of Histology and Surgical Pathology d. Troubleshooting sections in Frozen Section and Microtomy

Following the didactic lectures and the Histology rotation the student will:

a. Differentiate between embedding “on edge” and embedding a tube- “on end” b. Describe why linear set-up is important for:

a. Gi bxs b. Prostate bxs c. Lung bxs d. Any soft tissue core biopsies

c. Illustrate importance of quality assurance checks concerning: a. Cassettes (marking) b. Logs c. Various “check off” systems

d. Explain the use and action of each chemical used in the processor a. Fixation b. Dehydration c. Clearing

e. Troubleshoot processing problems f. Demonstrate proper coverslipping of a microscopic slide without bubbles or “run over”. g. Demonstrate proper placement of tissue block on head of microtome h. Discuss importance of avoidance of waterbath contamination i. Recognize and troubleshoot sectioning problems

a. Nick in knife b. Loose block on microtome head c. Dull knife

j. Review and discuss application of basic stains a. H&E b. Periodic Acid Schiff(PAS) c. AFB/GMS (Acid Fast Bacterial stain/ Gomori’s Silver Stain

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HISTOLOGY ROTATION CHECK OFF SHEET

Name: ______________________ Tech Sign Off: ________________ Attendance Dates: H1:________________ H2:_______________ H3: ________________ Arrive:_____________ Arrive:_____________ Arrive:_____________ Leave: _____________ Leave: _____________ Leave: _____________ Student can:

a. Correctly embed an indicated “on edge” tissue. ____________ b. Correctly embed an indicated “on end” tissue. ____________

c. Discuss why correct placement of tissue in cassette is important. __________

d. Discuss quality assurance steps during grossing and handling cassettes._______

e. Explain chemicals used in processing and effects on tissues. _________

f. Differentiate the uses of basic stains in the Histology lab.

a. H&E ______ b. AFB ______

c. GMS ______

d. PAS ______

g. Demonstrate basic microtomy skills.

a. Correct placement of block on head _____ b. Correct sectioning technique. _______

c. Correct waterbath usage and section pick-up _____

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Objectives for Clinical Practicums

PATH 627, 628, 629 Pathologists’ Assistants Program

West Virginia University School of Medicine Goals of the Clinical Practicums: The clinical rotations of the Pathologists’ Assistant program aim to provide students with the clinical skills pertinent to the duties of a Pathologist Assistant. The students will become proficient at the techniques used in Surgical and Autopsy Pathology in order to assist the Pathologist in diagnosis of disease and abnormalities. Objectives of the Clinical Practicums:

I) Behavior and Attitude: The student will: a. Demonstrate punctuality and attendance by:

i. Arriving at the clinical site at the specified time, prepared to start on time. ii. Returning from breaks at the specified time iii. Performing tasks at assigned time iv. Delivering assignments on due date.

b. Exhibit appropriate interpersonal skills by: i. Communicating thoughts clearly ii. Asking appropriate questions iii. Maintain a non-judgmental attitude iv. Adhere to phone etiquette v. Shows respect through good listening skills and courteous prompt responses.

c. Internalize the value of a professional appearance and neatness by: i. Maintaining personal cleanliness and hygiene ii. Adhering to dress code iii. Cleaning work area after performing procedures iv. Consistently and routinely maintaining organization

d. Demonstrate an attempt to improve by: i. Not repeating mistakes ii. Investigating problem areas and asking for help to make it better iii. Requesting additional assignments or repeat work to improve performance iv. Following directions

e. Accepts constructive feedback by: i. Changing behavior/activity as suggested (willingly) ii. Not getting defensive iii. Encouraging feedback

f. Responds to laboratory pressures and stress by: i. Staying focused ii. Prioritizing work iii. Doing things without being told iv. Anticipating department needs v. Maintaining acceptable performance

g. Demonstrates professional ethics in these ways: i. Does not discuss patients’ condition, diagnosis, or treatment unless necessary in the performance of duties. (Confidentiality)

ii. Does not divulge confidential information iii. Does not remark about physicians or care of individual iv. Offers constructive criticism v. Is honest about mistakes and results vi. Will record tasks only if done vii. Will total correct clinical hours viii. Will maintain accurate specimen log to assist in correct evaluation

h. Demonstrates safety measures by:

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i. Washing hands frequently ii. Utilizing correct personal protective equipment for grossing

specimens, preparing frozen sections, and other procedures. iii. Wearing lab coat as lab policy dictates iv. Avoiding touching face with hands v. Wiping up wet spots on floor vi. Disposing of all contaminated materials appropriately vii. Processing specimens and biohazard material as lab policy dictates viii. Adhering to fire drills

II) Performance: The student will: a. Complete procedures in a self-directed manner, ahead of schedule, with a high degree of

competency, and seeks additional tasks. b. Maintain accuracy using excellent work habits, rarely needing to repeat work. c. Problem solve by correlating, sorting and organizing information to recognize and resolve

problems in a timely fashion. d. Become proficient at procedures and perform work in a reasonable amount of time for level

of expertise. e. Organize and triage specimens so the work to be performed is done in a timely manner. f. Maintain an organized, clean, safe work area. g. Strive to work independently once procedures are mastered, handling most situations and

making good decisions. h. Work cooperatively with appropriate personnel in problem solving and decision making,

seeking assistance when necessary. The students will be seeking constructive feedback at 3 week intervals during their rotations. Please be constructive, as this is an attempt to improve their skills. They have been instructed to make note of these conversations in their specimen log. If possible and your lab system allows, please give the students a printout of specimens they have completed. If this is not possible, it is the student’s responsibility to keep record of specimens grossed.

Professionalism Evaluation (See Key to Evaluation of Psychomotor Objectives) 1. Punctuality/ Attendance

2. Interpersonal Skills

3. Appearance

4. Attempts to Improve

5. Accepts Feedback

6. Handles Stress

7. Professional Ethics

8. Adheres to Safety Measures

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Comments on Professionalism:

III) Medical Skills/Knowledge: The student will be proficient in: a. Basic skills, such as:

i. Correct evaluation and identification of specimen information on the specimen container and requisition for accuracy.

ii. Compile a correct dictation for the specimen being examined. iii. Correctly processing an uncomplicated frozen section within 7 minutes, providing the

Pathologist with a diagnostic slide. iv. Seeking Pathologist assistance when appropriate v. Taking useful and appropriate photos of specimens vi. Independently processing simple specimens:

1. GI biopsies 2. simple skin biopsies (punch, shave, simple excisions) 3. endocervical/endometrial curettage 4. artery biopsy 5. bone marrow biopsies 6. calculi/ surgical hardware (gross only) 7. cervical cone biopsy 8. Fallopian tube/ vas deferens for sterilization 9. heart valves 10. hemorrhoids 11. hernia sac 12. Intervertebral Disc 13. breast core biopsy 14. lymph node for lymphoma protocol 15. pediatric thymus resection 16. parathyroid resection 17. POC 18. prostate biopsies

b. Moderate skills, such as: i. Independently processing less complex specimens correctly (including, but not

limited to): 1. appendix 2. gallbladder 3. TURP/TURB 4. oriented and wide skin excisions 5. prolapse uterus 6. extremity amputation, non-tumor 7. Fallopian tube 8. femoral head for osteoarthritis 9. oriented breast lumpectomy 10. placenta 11. Hysterectomy for leiomyomas 12. Thyroid resections 13. prostate resections 14. colon for tumor 15. colon for non-tumor

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c. Complex skills, such as: i. Independently processing complex specimens correctly (including, but not limited to):

1. larynx resection 2. pneumonectomy 3. radical neck dissection 4. mastectomy 5. colon resections 6. Total hysterectomy for cancer 7. pelvic exenteration 8. stomach resection 9. esophageal resections

Comments on Skills: ABSENCES Hours/Days Course of Action

Evaluator:______________________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________________________

Skills Basic Moderate Complex Final 1. Knowledge/Ability to Complete Specimen

Independently

2. Accuracy 3. Problem Solving 4. Production/ Efficiency 5. Neatness/ Organization 6. Works Independently 7. Works Cooperatively

8. Asks Appropriate Questions

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