Physician Assistant Studies: Immunization Policy

Upon admission, students will be required to submit proof of immunization for hepatitis B and MMR in accordance with University policy. Additionally, the program requires that all students maintain immunizations as recommended by the CDC for healthcare providers. In compliance with the executive order 14214, the University cannot require the COVID-19 vaccination, but in an effort to protect the health and safety of our students, other providers, and the patients they see we strongly recommend that students are up to date on the most recent COVID-19 vaccine. Refusing this vaccine will not result in punitive actions by the program, but the student may not be able to progress in the program due to clinical site requirements regarding vaccines.

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-adults/recommended-vaccines/index.html 

All PA students must have proof of immunization to the recommended CDC vaccine preventable illnesses, to include Hepatitis B, influenza, MMR, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, on record with the program prior to matriculation. Immunizations and health screenings must be updated prior to direct patient contact, before starting the clinical year of the program, and yearly thereafter for any student extending enrollment in the program. [1]

• Although the meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine is not required by the PA program, it is required by the State of Oklahoma for students living in college-owned and operated residence halls. Therefore, students who are living on the Tahlequah campus must either provide written documentation of meningitis immunization or sign a waiver to indicate they have been informed about this disease and vaccine and have chosen not to be immunized. This form is provided by Student Health Services. Otherwise, the meningococcal vaccine is only for those who are routinely exposed to isolates of N. meningitidis.
• Flu vaccines will be expected to be completed at the appropriate time of each year the student is enrolled in the program.
• The COVID-19 vaccination may be required by rotation sites and if not properly vaccinated, may prevent a student from being assigned to that site. The program cannot guarantee that a student will satisfy requirements for completion of the degree without this and other vaccinations.

Facilities and hospitals may require additional immunizations and titers which students must obtain prior to starting SCPEs at those sites. Information regarding these additional requirements will be made available to students on the student SCPE tracking site.

Failure to comply with the immunization policy for the Physician Assistant Studies Program or any additional immunizations and titers for SCPEs may result in the inability to enter, continue with, or complete the program.

All costs incurred in complying with the above policies and the Tuberculosis Screening and  Management Policy are the responsibility of the student.

The immunization policy is subject to change at any time in order to comply with ARC-PA Standards, Northeastern State University policies, hospital policies, the CDC guidelines, or state and federal laws.
The NSU Physician Assistant Studies Program will make every attempt to notify its students of these changes in a timely manner. Current guidelines and recommendations are reviewed annually at the faculty retreat.

Tuberculosis (TB) Screening and Management Policy

All students are required to complete TB screening upon matriculation and annually thereafter, using either a tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). In the event of a positive TST or positive IGRA, the following steps must be followed:

Procedure

1. Immediate Medical Evaluation
   • The student must refrain from attending didactic courses in person (remote access to lectures and course material will be provided) or clinical rotations until medically cleared.
   • The student must obtain a chest X-ray to rule out active tuberculosis.
   • The student must consult with their primary care provider or a public health authority to determine appropriate clinical follow-up and/or treatment.
2. Documentation
   • Results from the evaluation, including a chest X-ray report, TB Medical Clearance form, and provider letter of medical clearance, must be submitted to the Program’s Clinical Director.
   • Students must provide written documentation of:
     • TB Medical Clearance Form
     • Chest X-ray report
     • Letter of medical clearance from healthcare provider
3. Ongoing Monitoring
   • If diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), the student may continue in the program with medical clearance from the student’s provider, only if there is no evidence of active TB.
   • The student must comply with any ongoing monitoring or treatment plan as directed by their healthcare provider.
   • Annual TB Medical Clearance Form and letter of medical clearance from the student’s healthcare
     provider must be completed in lieu of repeat TSTs or IGRAs.
4. Clinical Site Requirements
   • Some clinical rotation sites may have additional documentation requirements for students with a history of a positive TST or IGRA. It is the student’s responsibility to comply with all clinical site policies. Failure to comply with clinical site requirements may prevent the student from progressing through the curriculum.
5. Confidentiality
   • All health records and evaluations will be maintained in accordance with HIPAA and FERPA regulations.
6. Non-Compliance
   • Failure to comply with this policy may result in removal from didactic courses or clinical rotations and referral to the Student Progress Committee for review, which may result in a remediation plan, deceleration, or dismissal from the program.

^[1] ARC-PA Standard A3.07