Section 1000: Campus Policy

Effective: January 1, 1996
Revised: March 15, 2017
Responsible Party: Director of Student Health Services

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a comprehensive Communicable Disease and Infection Exposure Control Policy which establishes criterion to assist in communicable disease and infection exposure control for the campus community and the public it serves. MSU-Northern recognizes that exposure to communicable diseases is a health hazard and that communicable disease transmission is possible during day-to day activities. While each individual is ultimately responsible for his or her own health, MSU-Northern recognizes a responsibility to provide a safe campus environment.

Objectives

  • To reduce risk from communicable disease to the staff, faculty, students and visitors.
  • To educate staff, faculty and students on universal precautions.
  • To educate staff, faculty and students on current vaccination recommendations per Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
  • To regard all health information as strictly confidential—no individual's health information will be released without the signed, written consent of the individual (except as required or permitted by law.)

Responsibility

  • The MSU-Northern Safety and Disaster Committee will provide oversight of this policy and its implementation. Annually the Safety and Disaster Committee will review and update this policy. The proceedings of the committee will be recorded and published.
  • Supervisors at all levels are responsible for implementation of an exposure control program.
  • The Director of Student Health Services is appointed Infection Control Officer and has responsibility for implementation and documentation of MSU-Northern's Exposure Control Plan throughout the University. Specifically:
    1. Investigate all incidents of known or suspected exposure to an infectious material.
    2. Evaluate possible exposures to communicable diseases and coordinate communications between the campus and the county health department.
    3. Collect quality assurance data on the campus infection control program and present these data to the Safety and Disaster Committee at regular meetings.
    4. Conduct spot inspections of campus operations to ensure compliance with this policy.
    5. Maintain a confidential database of exposures and treatment provided.
    6. Develop criterion for purchase of infection control personal protective equipment and determine location and stocking levels for each department on campus.
    7. Notify the campus Safety Officer of a safety hazard requiring immediate attention.
    8. Provide assistance in development of infection control education programs.
    9. Serve as the "designated officer" as required by the Ryan White Comprehensive Resources Act of 1990.
  • The Infection Control Officer will deliver a comprehensive infection control educational program which complies with OSHA regulation 29 CFR Part 1910.1030.
  • The Infection Control Officer will maintain records in accordance with OSHA's CFR 29, Part 1910.1030. Individual participation in the Infection Control Program will be documented including:
    1. Name of the individual.
    2. Immunizations provided by the University.
    3. Record of exposure to communicable diseases.
    4. Post-exposure medical evaluation, treatment, and follow-up.
    5. Dates and content of training received.
  • Communicable Diseases and Exposure Control records will be kept for the duration of employment.
  • Training will be presented annually at fall orientation for all new employees and for returning staff, faculty and new students.
  • The Office of Human Resources will make arrangements to have the training presented to those who were unable to participate in the fall orientation.

Compliance and quality monitoring

  • The Infection control Officer will collect compliance and quality monitoring data including:
    1. Inspection of campus facilities.
    2. Observation of campus activities.
    3. Analysis of reported exposures to communicable diseases.
  • A bi-annual quality and compliance report will be made by the Infection Control Officer to the Safety and Disaster Committee.

Program Evaluation

  • The Infection Control Program will be re-evaluated at least semiannually by the Safety and Disaster Committee to ensure that the program is appropriate and effective.
  • The Infection Control Program will be re-evaluated as needed to reflect any significant changes in assigned tasks or procedures; in medical knowledge related to infection control; or in regulatory matters.