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Student Health Policy S16

Student Health Policy S16

Issue Date: 01/06/2019
Date Approved: 12/15/2025
Responsible Party: Program Director
Minimum Review Frequency: Every 3 years
Approving Body: Program Faculty

ARC-PA Associated Standards (6th Edition)

A1.04 The sponsoring institution provides academic support and student services to PA students that are equivalent to those services provided to other comparable students of the institution.

A3.01 Program policies are published, readily available, and consistently applied to all students, principal faculty, staff and the program director regardless of location.

A3.05 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies policies addressing student exposure to infectious and environmental hazards before students undertake any educational activities that would place them at risk. Those policies clearly define financial responsibility.

A3.06 The program publishes, makes readily available, and consistently applies policies that preclude the program director, medical director, and principal faculty from participating as healthcare providers for students in the program, except in emergency situations.

A3.09 The program publishes, makes readily available to current and prospective students, and consistently applies policies based on current CDC health professionals’ recommendations and applicable state or country mandates for minimum immunization and health screening of students.

A3.16 Student academic records kept by the sponsoring institution or program, in a paper or electronic format, are readily accessible to authorized program personnel only and include documentation that the student met institution and program health screening and immunization requirements.

A3.18 Student health records are confidential and not accessible to or reviewed by program faculty or staff, except for immunization and screening results which may be maintained and released with the student’s written permission.

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this document is to define policies regarding PA student health during the program, outline procedures and availability of health services for students enrolled in the physician assistant program.

Student Health Compliance Expectations (A3.16)

Prior to the Start of the Program (A3.09)

It is the expectation that all students must be up to date in all compliance areas (health insurance, health screening and attestation, immunizations, drug screen, etc.) before starting the program. The program will conduct a formal review of all students prior to the program initial start date. Immunizations, criminal background check, drug screens, and all forms as indicated by the program must be completed and approved before entrance into the program is allowed. If a student is found to not have completed all requirements, they will not be allowed to attend any PA Program activities to include course content until verified unless otherwise allowed by the program’s management team (example: late start applicant).

During the Didactic Phase

As the student progresses through the program, the student must continue to complete all other related forms as they become available (BLS, ACLS, HIPAA, etc.). Yearly immunizations and health screening and attestation must also be maintained, completed, and approved. The program will conduct monthly evaluations of all student records to ensure all documentation is current. If a student is found to have a lapse in any compliance area (for example, expired or not approved), the following will occur until resolved:

  1. The student will not be allowed to attend any lectures or classwork in-person or virtual.
  2. The inability to attend class will result in an unexcused absence.
  3. The Course Coordinator is not required to supply any lecture recordings or material to the student and the consequences related to grading for unexcused absences will follow the course syllabi.
  4. The student will be allowed or required to attend all necessary examinations and assessments, although they must leave campus once completed.
  5. The student will not be allowed to attend outside program events (such as clinical immersions, service learning, community engagement, student society events, etc.) or any university-held events.
  6. Non-compliance will result in a Program Standards and Progress Committee review of professionalism.

During the Clinical Phase

Similar to the didactic phase, the program will conduct monthly evaluations of all student records to ensure all documentation is current. The review will occur before the start of each supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE). If a student is found to have any lapse in compliance area (for example, expired and/or not approved), the following will occur until resolved:

  1. The student will not be allowed to attend their current SCPE and will not be able to progress to their next SCPE. All time missed must be resolved prior to graduation.
  2. The student will not be allowed to attend any “return to campus days” and will receive grades for missed examinations and assessments in accordance with the course syllabi. This includes PAEA End of Rotation Exams. This may result in a delay in graduation. This may result in academic failure for the SCPE.
  3. All missed time will be considered unexcused.
  4. Non-compliance will result in a Program Standards and Progress Committee review of professionalism.

Student Health Insurance and Health Care Costs (A3.05c, A3.09)

All students must provide proof of health insurance prior to matriculation, and maintain health insurance coverage throughout their participation in the UM-Flint PA Program. Assistance with finding health insurance and Flint health care providers can be found online at the UM-Flint intranet site. Students are financially responsible for the cost of all health care services they may require while enrolled in the program, including any health care services required as a result of their participation in scheduled program activities (e.g., TB testing, immunizations, treatment of injuries, pathogen exposure evaluation and treatment).

Immunization Requirements (A3.09a)

UM-Flint PA Program immunization requirements must be fully complied with within the first 30 days post-matriculation, or the student will be withdrawn from classes without credit. Students are responsible for keeping their immunizations and health records updated, ensuring compliance with all of the following requirements as directed by the PA Program. This policy will be updated yearly based on CDC recommendations for health professionals and state specific mandates for the immunizations listed below.

Students can receive immunizations from any health care or public health facilities. UM-Flint also recommends these providers:

  • Genesee County Health Department Immunization Clinics
  • Once enrolled in UM-Flint, students are eligible to use UM University Health Services.

Required Immunizations

Students must be current on all required immunizations. Either record of immunization or serologic proof of immunity must be provided for all conditions listed below as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for healthcare personnel, to include, but may not be limited to:

Hepatitis B: Records of the three-dose immunization against Hepatitis B or positive antibody titer. This series must be started within 30 days of matriculation. Following completion of the Hepatitis B series, a positive (immune) titer must be completed prior to patient contact. If the titer is negative, repeat booster and re-do titer in 4 to 8 weeks or may require additional immunizations per the CDC recommendations.

Mumps: 2-dose live attenuated mumps vaccine or two MMRs administered on schedule of which first must be given after one year of age. Documented positive titer is acceptable as proof of immunization.

Rubeola (Measles): 2-dose live attenuated vaccine or two MMRs administered on schedule of which first must be given after one year of age. Documented positive titer is acceptable as proof of immunization.

Rubella (German Measles): 1-dose live attenuated rubella vaccine, or one MMR administered after one year of age. Documented positive titer is acceptable as proof of immunization.

Varicella: 2-dose vaccine series being administered on schedule. Note: History of previous infection is not sufficient evidence of immunity. In these cases, titer validating current immunity must be included.

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis: Documentation of a completed primary series. All students must get a one-time dose of Tdap as soon as possible if they have not received Tdap previously (regardless of when the previous dose of Td was received) and must get Td boosters every 10 years thereafter.

Influenza: Will be required to obtain influenza immunization annually while enrolled in the program.

COVID-19: Documentation of completed vaccination series according to the recommended schedule for FDA approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccine.

Proof of Immunization Requirements

Historical documentation without primary source evidence of tuberculosis screening, immunizations and/or serologic proof of immunity will not satisfy the program’s documentation requirements.

The following qualify as legitimate proof of immunization/TB testing status:

  • Copies of the applicant’s medical record(s) on which administration and results of tuberculosis screening data is recorded.
  • Copies of the applicant’s medical record(s) on which administration of the immunization series is documented by the immunization provider (including immunization cards signed by the administering health care professional/agency).
  • Copies of the laboratory report(s) documenting results of serologic testing for immunity (antibody test results).
  • Copies of the applicant’s medical record(s) or a letter from the applicant’s health care provider documenting immunization non-conversion and explaining the process by which that conclusion was reached.
  • Students may occasionally be involved in patient care activities that require additional immunizations or disease prophylaxis (e.g., international rotations). It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the UM-Flint PA Program Director/Clinical Team to determine if any additional precautions are necessary.

Additional Program Requirements

The following health requirements are mandatory prior to any experiential education course at off-site facilities:

  • Tuberculosis test: All students must have a two-step tuberculin skin (TST), CXR, or Quantiferon testing (if applicable) performed 6 months prior to matriculation. If any TB testing is positive, evaluation (and treatment if indicated) must be completed in accordance with CDC guidelines. ALL students must provide annual proof of a PPD Tuberculin skin test.
  • Yearly health screening and clearance from a healthcare provider (e.g., MD, DO, PA or NP)
  • Flu shot (annually)
  • Drug screen
  • Criminal Background Check
  • Current BLS and ACLS certification
  • HIPAA Certificate
  • Blood Borne Pathogen Training Certificate

Completed health attestation form, immunizations (UM-Flint PA Program immunization requirement form), drug screens, and criminal background check forms will be processed through online submission to the PA Program online compliance software, and as required by clinical sites.

The faculty and staff of the PA program will not see the results or official medical records of the student, but will only be able to view the attestation of health signed by the health care provider.

Immunizations will be documented and compliance noted through the PA Program online compliance software. (A3.18)

Student health records are confidential and must not be accessible to or reviewed by program, principal or instructional faculty or staff except for immunization and tuberculosis screening results, which may be maintained and released with obtained permission from the student. (A3.18)

Students who receive a medical or religious exemption from the university regarding any of the aforementioned program health requirements must submit the appropriate documentation electronically and notify the Program Director as soon as possible after receiving written exemption.

Student Safety and Well-being (A1.04, A3.06)

Student wellbeing is important to the PA Program and student health resources can be found here.

The program director, medical director, academic and clinical coordinators, principal faculty, and program staff will not participate as health care providers for students enrolled in the program, except in emergency situations until additional medical help arrives, and will not have access to any student health information other than that defined in this policy. (A3.06)

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides services to enrolled students that help to maximize their academic and personal potential. CAPS offers therapy, free screenings, referrals to outside agencies, and crisis services to enrolled University of Michigan-Flint students. Students are encouraged to talk to counselors about their mental health concerns, relationship issues, family conflict, stress management, adjustment issues, and more. CAPS counselors are on call 24/7 to assist students with after-hour emergencies. The services provided are confidential; CAPS counselors can’t share any information without written consent.

CAPS Contact Information
264 University Center (UCEN)
303 E. Kearsley St.
Flint, MI 48502-1950
(810) 762-3456

Workshops are available on topics such as stress management, time management, and healthy relationships. All services are provided at no charge to students.

Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation Team

The University of Michigan-Flint Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation Team is a cross-divisional, multi-disciplinary team with a centralized focus on addressing situations and behaviors that have the potential to impede student success and/or threaten the safety and security of the campus and learning environment, such as:

  • Depression, poor concentration, loss of interest, withdrawal
  • Agitation, anxious, cannot sit still
  • Disorientation, seeming ‘out of it’
  • Suicidal expression, thoughts or threats
  • Behaviors or threats (direct or implied) that may entail risk of harm to self or others, including but not limited to aggression toward others, bullying, stalking, and hazing
  • Erratic behavior
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Mental health concern resulting in the need for medical intervention, including transportation to the hospital

Any person concerned about the safety and/or well-being of a UM-Flint student may submit a concern to the CARE Team. A CARE concern can be submitted to the CARE Team by:

  1. Completing an on-line CARE report.
  2. Contacting the Office of the Dean of Students located in 375 University Center or at (810) 762-5728.

In cases of emergency, reporters must contact 911 and/or the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (810) 762-3333. The CARE Team plays a secondary role in all emergency situations and should be contacted only after contacting emergency response personnel.

Approval History

Approved by Program Faculty:

  • 10/30/2020
  • 08/31/2021
  • 09/20/2023
  • 11/18/2024
  • 12/15/2025

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