The purpose of the University at Buffalo Master of Science Athletic Training Program Communicable Disease Policy is to protect the health and safety of athletic training students and the patients that students may come in contact with during their clinical education experiences.
This policy was developed in accordance with the recommendations by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and its report on Guidelines for Infection Control in Health Care Personnel. Please visit cdc.gov for more information on the recommendations and guidelines.
Communicable Diseases
A communicable disease is a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another and are caused by microorganisms (parasites, viruses, bacteria and/or fungi). They can be transmitted via direct physical contact, a vehicle (ingested or injected), air (cough, sneeze or other particulates inhaled) and a vector (animals or insects).
Common Examples of Communicable Diseases include, but are not limited to:
Conjunctivitis, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus infections, Measles, Scabies, Diarrheal diseases, Meningococcal infections, Streptococcal infection, Diphtheria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Tuberculosis, Herpes simplex, Mumps, Varicella
For a complete list, visit cdc.gov
Guidelines for Prevention in Clinical Setting
While it is not possible to prevent exposure to all disease causing microorganisms, the following guidelines should help to prevent the spread of communicable diseases:
Guidelines for Managing a Potential Infection
Any student who has been exposed to a potential infection before, during or after a clinical experience should report that exposure to his/her Preceptor and Clinical Site immediately and to the Coordinator of Clinical Education.
The incident response procedure is as follows:
4.1. If Student Health Services is closed, report to the nearest Emergency Department
4.2. The student is responsible for all medical costs incurred regarding the exposure incident
Communicable Disease Policy – to be completed after receiving formal acceptance into the MS in AT.