TECO/PATHS. Technical Education Center Osceola Professional And Technical High School. Student Handbook. Medical Assisting Program Revised April 2010

Transcription

1 TECO/PATHS Technical Education Center Osceola Professional And Technical High School Student Handbook Medical Assisting Program Revised April 2010 Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 1 of 28

2 Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 2 of 28

3 Program Objectives The Medical Assisting program is designed to train the student with a high school diploma or G.E.D. to function effectively as an integral member of the physician's health care team. Graduates of the Medical Assisting Program will possess the skills to competently perform laboratory tasks that involve: blood chemistry and urinalysis; clinical skills including X-Ray, EKG, patient assisting, vital signs, injections, venipuncture; and administrative skills including computerized record keeping, insurance procedures, charting, and medical ethics. PURPOSE: This program is designed to prepare students for employment as medical assistants ( ) or SOC The program should meet the standards of the Essentials and Guidelines of an Accredited Educational Program for the Medical Assistant adopted by the American Association of Medical Assistants and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) For further information contact: (312) CAAHEP 35 East Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois THIS PROGRAM WILL ALSO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUTE MEDICAL ASSISTANTS, F.S. The content includes, but is not limited to, communication and interpersonal skills, legal and ethical responsibilities, health-illness concepts, administrative and clinical duties, emergency procedures including CPR and first aid, safety and security procedures, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and employability skills. Reinforcement of basic skills in English, mathematics, and science appropriate for the job preparatory programs occurs through vocational classroom instruction and applied laboratory procedures or practice. This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the health care industry: planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety, and environmental issues. II. PROGRAM STRUCTURE: This cluster is a planned structure of instruction consisting of one program and five occupational completion points. The structure will allow students to complete specified portions of the program for employment or remain for advanced training. The core must be taught first or concurrently with the second OCP and all modules must be completed to be a medical assistant. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 3 of 28

4 MEDICAL ASSISTING GOALS AND OUTCOMES STATEMENT After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to: HEALTH SCIENCE CORE (01-11) 01.0 Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts Recognize and practice safety and security procedures Recognize and respond to emergency situations Recognize and practice infection control procedures Demonstrate computer literacy Demonstrate employability skills Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including AIDS Apply basic math and science skills. OCCUPATIONAL COMPLETION POINT-DATA CODE B (12.0) Medical Office Receptionist-OES SOC Code Receptionists and Information Clerks 12.0 Demonstrate basic clerical/medical office duties. OCCUPATIONAL COMPLETION POINT- DATA CODE C ( ) Phlebotomist, MA-DOT SOC code Healthcare Support Workers, all others 13.0 Demonstrate accepted professional, communication and interpersonal skills 14.0 Discuss phlebotomy in relation to the health care setting Identify the anatomic structure and function of body systems in relation to services performed by phlebotomist Recognize and identify collection reagents, supplies, equipment and interfering chemical substances Demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary to perform phlebotomy Practice infection control following universal precautions Practice accepted procedures of transporting, accessioning, and processing specimens Practice quality assurance and safety. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 4 of 28

5 OCCUPATIONAL COMPLETION POINT - DATA CODE D ( ) Electrocardiograph Aide, MA-Industry Title SOC code Healthcare Support Workers, all others 21.0 Describe the cardiovascular system 22.o Identify legal and ethical responsibilities 23.0 Demonstrate knowledge of, apply and use instrumentation modalities Perform patient care techniques in the clinical setting. OCCUPATIONAL COMPLETION POINT - DATA CODE E ( ) Medical Assistant- OES Code SOC Code Medical Assistants 25.0 Demonstrate communication skills used by medical assistants Demonstrate knowledge of legal responsibilities for medical assistants Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy and physiology Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of microbial control and use aseptic techniques Demonstrate knowledge of emergency equipment and procedures Perform basic laboratory procedures Perform diagnostic clinical laboratory procedures Demonstrate basic office examination procedures Demonstrate minor treatments Perform basic medical assisting procedures Demonstrate knowledge of pharmaceutical principles and administer medications in medical assisting settings Demonstrate basic X-Ray procedures Perform administrative office duties. MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM OUTLINE Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 5 of 28

6 THE FOLLOWING DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATES THE CLUSTER STRUCTURE MEDICAL ASSISTING 1300 Hours Medical Assisting- OCP E OES SOC hours EKG Aide, MA- OCP D Industry Title 75 hours SOC Code Healthcare Support Worker, all others Phlebotomist,MA-OCP C SOC Healthcare Support Worker, all others 75 hours Medical Office Receptionist- OCP B OES SOC Receptionists & Information Clerks 100 hours OCP A-Basic Healthcare Worker-Industry Title Health Science Education Core SOC Code Healthcare Support Worker, All Others Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 6 of 28

7 MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Health Science Core: This course will prepare students for entry into an Allied Health Career Program. It provides basic knowledge that is necessary for any health occupations career. Specific topics to be covered include: The health care delivery system, interpersonal communication, legal and ethical responsibilities, wellness and disease concepts, infection control and safety, employability skills, vital signs and basic math skills. EKG Aide: This course will prepare students to perform electrocardiograms as ordered by a physician. Students will learn how to set up a patient for an ECG, record the ECG, and recognize artifacts and some basic dysrhythmias. Students will be eligible for testing for ECG Technician Certification. Phlebotomy: This course prepares students to perform the collection of blood and other body fluids for laboratory testing. Students will learn the proper technique for venipuncture, capillary puncture and collections of urine, sputum and other samples. Additional topics to be covered will be OSHA Guidelines, Infection Control, Laboratory Safety, Specimen Handling and Legal Issues in Phlebotomy. Upon completion of this course, students are eligible to sit for the phlebotomy certification exam. Anatomy & Physiology: The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. The following topics will be discussed: Implementation of scientific habits of mind; Application of scientific knowledge, methodology, and historical context to solve problems; Use of laboratory technologies; Terminology; Cells and tissues; Homeostasis; Human genetics, growth and development; Body composition, structure and function; Internal and external changes and responses; and connections between anatomy, physiology, medicine, technology, society and the environment. Medical Terminology: This course introduces students to the language of medicine. You will learn to analyze, pronounce and spell common medical terms and relate those terms to the different body systems. Anatomy & Physiology as well as Disease Cases are incorporated into the course. Health related procedures and diagnostic tools will also be discussed. Pharmacology: This course introduces students to the basic pharmacology which will be used in the doctor s office. The most commonly prescribed drugs and their uses will be discussed as well as abbreviations used in prescriptions. Students will learn to write prescriptions and will understand the legal and ethical aspects of drug administration. Students will also learn to give various injections and calculate the correct dose of medication to be delivered. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 7 of 28

8 Radiography: The purpose of this course is to prepare students for employment as Basic X-ray Machine Operators in a doctor s office. The content includes, but is not limited to, patient care, radiation protection, patient positioning, radiographic equipment and accessories, image production and evaluation, administrative and personal competence, and communication and employability skills. Legal and ethical responsibilities, health-illness concepts, emergency procedures, first aid, safety and security procedures, medical terminology, and anatomy and physiology of the skeletal system will be covered. Medical Office Receptionist: This course introduces students to the many administrative duties that are performed in a medical office. Topics to be covered will include Health Insurance, Medical Billing and Coding, Appointment Scheduling, Claims Reimbursement, Managed Care, Medical Record Maintenance, Telephone Techniques, Accounting Principles, and Written and Oral Communications. Clinical Procedures 1: This is the first of two clinical procedures courses. Students will learn many skills that are used on a daily basis in the doctor s office to assist physicians. The skills will include: Medical Hand-washing, SOAP Write-Ups and Patient Interviews, Patient Education, Patient Positioning for Exams, Minor Surgical Procedures and Assisting, Medical Asepsis, Surgical Asepsis, Suture Removal, Instrument Care and Vital Signs. A practice RMA exam will also be administered at the end of the course. These two courses are now combined into one. Clinical Procedures 2: This is the second of two clinical procedures courses. Students will learn many skills that are used on a daily basis in the doctor s office to assist physicians. The skills will include: Medical Hand-washing, SOAP Write-Ups and Patient Interviews, Patient Education, Patient Positioning for Exams, Minor Surgical Procedures and Assisting, Medical Asepsis, Surgical Asepsis, Suture Removal, Instrument Care and Vital Signs. A practice RMA exam will also be administered at the end of the course. There will be more focus on medical specialties as compared to Clinical Procedure I. Externship: Externship is a continuation of the classroom training at a clinical site and follows in sequence in the Medical Assisting classes. Eligible students are expected to begin their externship immediately following the completion of the major classes. Students are required to complete 40 hours per week for 6 consecutive weeks on their clinical externship for a total of 240 hours. Note: Students must achieve an exit TABE score of 10 before starting Externship. Drug Screening: All students will be required to undergo drug screening prior to attending Externship. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 8 of 28

9 ASSESSMENT Students who complete The Medical Assisting program are eligible to sit for the following National Certification Examinations and State License: Registered Medical Assistant Examination (RMA) Offered by: American Medical Technologists (AMT) Address: West Higgins Road Rosemont, IL Telephone: (847) Website: amt1.com National Certified Medical Assistant Examination (NCMA) Offered by: National Center for Competency Testing Address: 7007 College Blvd. Suite 250 Overland Park, KS Telephone: (913) Websites: Basic X-Ray Machine Operator/ Limited Radiography License Offered by: Florida Department of Health Bureau of Radiation Control Address: BIN C Bald Cypress Way Tallahassee, FL Telephone: (850) Website: Students may also be eligible to sit for one or two of the following certification examinations providing that the student has met the appropriate requirements. Certified EKG Technician/ Certified Phlebotomy Technician Offered by: National Healthcare Association (NHA) Address: 134 Evergreen Place, 9 th Floor East Orange, NJ Telephone: info@nhanow.com Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) Offered by: American Medical Technologists (AMT) Address: 710 Higgins Road Park Ridge Illinois Telephone: (847) Website: amt1.com Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 9 of 28

10 ELIGIBILITY FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION AS A MEDCIAL ASSISTANT REGISTERED MEDICAL ASSISTANT ELIGIBILITY AMT 1. Applicant shall be of good moral character. 2. Applicant shall be a graduate of an accredited high school or acceptable equivalent. 3. Applicant must meet one of the following requirements: A. Applicant shall be a graduate of a: 1. Medical assistant program or institution accredited by an organization approved by the United States Department of Education. 2. Medical assistant program accredited by a Regional Accrediting Commission or by a national accrediting organization approved by the United States Department of Education. 3. Formal medical services training program of the United States Armed Forces. B. Applicant shall have been employed in the profession of Medical Assisting for a minimum of five (5) years, no more than two (2) years of which may have been as an instructor in a postsecondary medical assistant program. 4. All applicants must take and pass the AMT certification examination for Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Program must be a minimum of 720 hours of medical assisting skills (including a clinical externship). Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 10 of 28

11 CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT ELIGIBILITY AAMA Students eligible to take the CMA exam offered by the AAMA fall into 4 categories: Category 1: Graduating student of a CAAHEP accredited medical assisting program or a recent graduate of a CAAHEP accredited medical assisting program. The candidate must have completed a medical assisting program, within the last 12 months, that is accredited by CAAHEP. Official transcripts and verification of graduation date are required. Category 2: Non-recent graduate of a CAAHEP accredited medical assisting program. The candidate must be a graduate of a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP, however, it has been longer than 12 months since completion of the program. Official transcripts and verification of graduation date are required. Category 3: Graduate of an ABHES accredited medical assisting program. The candidate must have graduated from an ABHES accredited medical assisting program. The program must have been accredited at the time of graduation. Official transcripts and verification of graduation date are required. Category 4: Recertification The candidate must be a Certified Medical Assistant applying for the examination to recertify his or her credential. A photocopy of the old CMA certificate is required. Note: Graduate, according to the AAMA, means a student who has finished the medical assisting program offered by a school accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. It does not mean that the student is required to have earned their associates degree to be eligible to take the CMA exam. Application Submission Deadlines: Applications for the January Exam must be submitted no later than October 1 st Applications for the June Exam must be submitted no later than March 1 st Applications for the October Exam must be submitted not later than July 1 st Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 11 of 28

12 FLORIDA STATUTE # MEDICAL ASSISTANT 1) DEFINITION - As used in this section, "medical assistant" means a professional multi-skilled person dedicated to assisting in all aspects of medical practice under the direct supervision and responsibility of a physician. This practitioner assists with patient care management, executes administrative and clinical procedures, and often performs managerial and supervisory functions. Competence in the field also requires that a medical assistant adhere to ethical and legal standards of professional practice, recognize and respond to emergencies, and demonstrate professional characteristics. 2) DUTIES - Under the direct supervision and responsibility of a licensed physician, a medical assistant may undertake the following duties: (a) Perform clinical procedures, to include: 1. Performing aseptic procedures. 2. Taking vital signs. 3. Preparing patients for physician's care. 4. Performing venipunctures and non-intravenous injections. 5. Observing and reporting patients signs or symptoms. (b) Administering basic first aid. (c) Assisting with patient examination or treatments. (d) Operating office medical equipment. (e) Collecting routine laboratory specimens as directed by physician. (f) Administering medication as directed by the physician. (g) Performing basic laboratory procedures. (h) Performing office procedures including all general administrative duties required by the physician. (i) Performing dialysis procedures, including home dialysis 3) CERTIFICATION Medical Assistant may be certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants or as a Registered Medical Assistant by the American Society of Medical Technologists. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 12 of 28

13 ELIGIBILITY FOR BASIC X-RAY OPERATOR LICENSURE Applicants who have not completed an approved radiological technology educational program or its equivalent may apply only for one of the Basic X-ray Machine Operator categories. If you have passed the American Chiropractic Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.C.R.R.T.) examination, then you need to check by-endorsement, pay the certification by endorsement fee (see fee schedule on the application), and include a copy of your certificate. If you have not passed the A.C.R.R.T. examination then you need to check by examination and pay the fee for certification (see fee schedule on the application). Once the application has been reviewed and processed, student will receive notification in writing where and when to take examination. All exams are given on computer at Prometric Test Centers located throughout the nation. There are no deadlines for submitting the application. Once the completed application has been received and processed which can take 2 to 4 weeks, the test administrator will assign a 90-day exam window. You must call Prometric to schedule your exam during the 90-day exam window. Your window will not be extended. Florida law requires all radiologic technologists to complete an approved. 4-hour HIV/AIDS education course. If you have already completed this course, please send proof with your application. If you have not yet taken this course, please complete the affidavit on the application, have it notarized, and return it with the completed application. Your application is incomplete without this affidavit or proof of the HIV/AIDS course. Failure to complete this required 4-hour HIV/AIDS course within the first 6 months of certification may result in a $125 fine and possible revocation of your certificate. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 13 of 28

14 ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTERNSHIP Student must have successfully completed all major courses of the program. Student must also have received a grade of C or better in all courses before attending externship. Student must have a statement of general health on file. Student must have a current CPR certification. Student must show proof of current medical (personal heath) insurance. Student must have a satisfactory status with the Bursar s office and Financial Aid. Student must be in good standing with the school. Student must pass the pre-externship competency review prior to the externship start date. Extern Hours: Externship is a continuation of the classroom training at a clinical site and follows in sequence in the Medical Assisting classes. Eligible students are expected to begin their externship immediately following the completion of the major classes. Students are required to complete 40 hours per week for 6 consecutive weeks on their clinical externship for a total of 240 hours. Physician s offices are usually open during normal business hours (8:00am 4:00pm or 9:00am 5 pm) and they are usually closed evenings and weekends. Students are expected to be at their extern site Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Extern hours cannot be accrued during the spring, summer, or Christmas vacations. Extern Compensation: Externship is a non-paid course of study for the student. As part of the program the student cannot receive compensation from the extern site. Method of Evaluation: Successful completion of the externship requires that: 1. The required number of clinical hours as per school policy is documented. 2. The student achieved 80% or better in the externship grading criteria. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 14 of 28

15 GRADING POLICY The following grade scale is used for all courses at TECO/PATHS Letter Grade Numeric Grade A % B 80 89% C 70 79% D 60 69% F 0 59% I Incomplete Students receiving an I (incomplete) in any subject must meet with their instructor to discuss satisfactory arrangements to fulfill the department s requirements in order that a letter grade can be determined. These arrangements must be completed within two (2) weeks from the end of the course. Failure to make such arrangements, without administrative approval, will result in a failing grade. Receiving less than 75% in any course is considered failing that course because it must be retaken before students can attend Externship. If two courses in the program are failed (Grade of less than 75%) student will be dismissed from the program for academic reasons. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 15 of 28

16 ATTENDANCE POLICY Satisfactory attendance is considered to be a vital part of each student performance. Absences could result in a lowered achievement rating and an undesirable record. Excessive absences may also result in the following administrative actions: academic warning, probation, removal of placement privileges, student suspension, student termination, and cancellation or termination of student financial aid. Faculty members may establish more rigorous attendance standards for their individual classes on an individual course basis. The Medical Assisting Program has established an attendance policy to facilitate the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and competency requirements of the program. Students must be in attendance in class to learn. Attendance may make up a percentage of the final grade in each major course if noted on the syllabus by your instructor for that course. How attendance will affect your grade will be outlined for you by the instructor on the first day of class. The students may not sit for the final exam if they are absent more than 3 days during any course. Each course lasts either 4 or 5 weeks during the day, may be longer at night. If you miss a fourth day without medical documentation, you fail the course, regardless of the grade that you have when you miss that fourth day. You will not be allowed to present Medical Documentation after you have been informed that you missed a fourth day without documentation. Documentation should accompany each absence once you return to class from said absence. Do not be in the habit of coming late to class. If you are coming late to class, you will first receive a verbal warning from your instructor. If you continue to come late after that verbal warning, you will receive a written warning. That written warning will give you a specified date range that you can t arrive late again (Usually a three week period, but may be longer at the instructor s discretion upon approval from the program director). If you do arrive late during that time frame, you will be withdrawn from the program. Students may not be allowed to sit for exams if they are late to school or absent on the day that the exam is given. If a student needs to be absent from class or externship, the student is to communicate this information to the Program Director/Externship Coordinator or Instructor for the course. This can be done through phone or . Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 16 of 28

17 STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY The Medical Assistant Program has developed a student dress code that will help the student develop a professional look and demeanor. Students in the Medical Assisting Program are required to wear approved medical scrub tops and pants. The only other option is Dress Slacks and a TECO Shirt. No jeans. No tight fitting pants. Pants cannot be skin tight (Skinny Jeans). You will be sent home if you wear them. All undergarments must be neutral in color and not hang out from the scrubs. The student will be responsible for the cost of their scrubs. The student s footwear includes plain white socks or hose, closed toe, which can be sneakers or nursing shoes. The student s uniform must always be clean and neat. When on externship the student may wear another uniform if it is approved by the site, and at the student s expense. If it is cold, sweaters may be worn. These outer garments must be white in color with no markings on the front or back. Lab coats may also be worn to keep a student warm. Please use good judgment when choosing a sweater or cardigan. Jewelry must be kept to a minimum during all core and externship courses. Facial piercing is not allowed on campus. This includes tongue rings. Fingernails must be kept clean and clipped. Fingernail coloring must be neutral or light colors; there should be no acrylic nails during any invasive courses. The student s hair must be clean, and when appropriate, pulled back. All students must maintain appropriate personal hygiene. If a student comes to class or his/her clinical site not dressed in the proper uniform the student may be sent home to change or given a first warning. If the student misses any course assignments, exams or time the student may be required to make these up. Any time lost from the course will be counted as a complete or partial absence for the student. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 17 of 28

18 STUDENT PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR POLICY The Medical Assisting Program has established a set of professional behavior expectations, to ensure that students develop their knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the field. The guidelines are as follows: Any supplies or equipment that are owned by the school and are taken out of the school by a student could result in dismissal from the program. Students should adhere to the Program Policies and Procedure as outlined in the Medical Assisting Program Students Handbook and TECO Student Handbook. If a student has a concern with a particular course, he or she should first talk to the course instructor. If the concern is not resolved, you should next talk to the Program Director/Coordinator. Subsequent levels are Guidance Counselor, Assistant Director and Director. Be punctual. Punctuality is a demonstration of professional behavior. Students are expected to be in class on time. Students should demonstrate responsibility and accountability in all aspects of the educational process. Students should demonstrate appropriate communication, interactions and behavior toward other students in the program, faculty, and clinical staff. Students are not allowed to bring visitors to class or the clinical sites. This includes relatives, friends, acquaintances, or pets. The use of cellular phones is prohibited in the classroom at all times. If an emergency was to arise, have your family member or friend contact the receptionist at the front desk. They will make certain that you are contacted. Disruptive behavior such as inter-classmate chatting, the discussion of other classmate s grades or the abilities of another classmate could also result in a Behavior Warning. If a student demonstrates inappropriate behavior the student may be placed on Behavior Warning. If the inappropriate behavior continues or other inappropriate behavior develops the student may be placed on Behavior Probation. Further continuation of this behavior may result in dismissal from the course, the program, and/or the school. The program reserves the right to withdraw a student at any time if the demonstrated inappropriate behavior is deemed extreme. Plagiarism of any type is not tolerated and could result in a failing grade for the assignment/test/project. A second offense of plagiarism will result in removal from the program. If any students argue loudly in class with each other, engage in physical altercations, speak inappropriately to or yell at the instructor, they will be immediately dismissed from the program. If any sexual comments are made towards any other student, especially high school students, the student will be immediately dismissed from the program. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 18 of 28

19 CELL PHONE/TEXTING AND PAGER POLICY Students attending class, lab or clinical can not have cell phones and/or pagers activated while in the course. Students must turn off their cell phone and pager while attending their class, lab or clinical. The ringing of these devices disrupts the class and instruction being delivered. If a student s cell phone or pager goes off during the class, lab or clinical the student will be dismissed from the class for the rest of the scheduled time. The student will be marked absent for that day. If someone needs to contact a student, for any emergencies, they may call and leave a message with the receptionist. The message will be delivered to the student in a timely manner. Texting: This is not allowed in the classroom at any time. Texting while the instructor is teaching is very disrespectful. Adult students will be asked to leave for the day if they are texting. High school students will have their phone taken away and a parent conference will be scheduled. Adults must keep their cell phones on silence mode at all times. Never talk on your phone in the classroom, even during a break. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 19 of 28

20 EXPOSURE TO BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS & COMMUNICABLE DISEASES The Medical Assisting Program has developed a policy to limit the student s occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials to minimize the risk of the transmission of blood borne pathogens or communicable diseases. Training: Basic information regarding blood borne pathogens and universal precautions will be provided to all students in the Medical Assisting Program Universal Precautions to prevent the acquisition of infection by the student: Hands must be washed before and between every direct patient contact. Non sterile gloves must be used if contact with blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions are anticipated. Gloves must be changed between patients. Gown and facial protection must be worn when doing procedures which may cause splatter & aerosolization of body fluids. Disposable needles & syringes should be placed in rigid puncture resistant containers. To prevent needle stick injuries, needles should not be recapped, bent, or broken before disposal. In all cases, safety needles should be used. Didactic training in the class room or at an extern site necessitates the use of real patients and real patient specimens, which could result in an occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. That exposure could result in the transmission of blood borne pathogens or communicable diseases. Exposure associated tasks for Medical Assisting Students include: Patient hygiene/elimination Vascular access Environmental/equipment cleaning Specimen collection Specimen transport Waste/linens management Incident reporting: Should an exposure incident occur in the classroom or during a student s externship the student should inform their instructor or the supervisor at the site and the campus Extern Coordinator so that appropriate actions and follow-up could be made available. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 20 of 28

21 EXPOSURE INCIDENT POLICY Occupational Exposure is defined as a reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact (i.e., needle stick) with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's/student duties. Reporting Students with an exposure incident are to report immediately to their instructor or Site Supervisor at the Extern Site. Students on externship will also be required to report the incident to the Extern Coordinator. Medical Care The student will be advised to seek medical attention within 24 hours of incident. The student should see their primary physician and have the necessary testing, evaluation and follow-up performed. If the student does not have a primary physician available, the Externship Coordinator will direct them to a medical facility where testing, evaluation and follow-up can be done. During the students visit with physician, a baseline blood sample may be collected immediately following the incident with subsequent periodic samples taken at a later date. The results of the student s blood test are confidential and will be known only to the contacting physician and the exposed student. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 21 of 28

22 HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION POLICY Hepatitis B Information Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The Hepatitis B virus may cause life long infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Workers who have direct contact with human or primate blood and blood products are at risk for exposure to Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B Vaccine Hepatitis B vaccine provides immunization against all Hepatitis B, but not against Hepatitis A or C. The vaccine utilizes the non-infectious portion of the B virus and is produced in yeast cells. It is produced without the use of human blood or blood products. A full course of immunization requires 3 doses of the vaccine to be given at specific intervals over a 6-month period. Most healthy people who receive the full course will develop a protective antibody against Hepatitis B virus. The duration of protection of Hepatitis B vaccine is unknown at this time. However post-vaccination antibody testing can detect this and one additional series of Hepatitis B vaccination can sometimes generate immunity. Due to the potential occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials students may be at risk of acquiring a Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The Medical Assisting Department highly recommends that all students undergo Hepatitis B vaccination; however this is not a requirement for the program. By law, employers are required to offer at-risk employees the Hepatitis B vaccines free of charge. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 22 of 28

23 MEDICAL RECORD CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY The Medical Assisting Program students must maintain the confidentiality of all patient medical records and information they come in contact with at a clinical education site as part of their educational process. The student must follow all state and federal statutes and regulations regarding patient medical record and medical information. The student must follow the clinical education site s policies and procedures regarding patient medical records and medical information. When a student must use a patient s medical information the student must use it properly and in the correct setting. The student must not disclose any of a patient s medical record information to a non-health care provider. The health care provider must be medically involved with the patient for the student to provide the patient s medical record information. Failure of the student to follow state and federal statutes and regulations and improperly using confidential patient medical record information may cause the student to be withdrawn from the Medical Assisting Program. INSURANCE POLICIES Medical Assisting students must have active and current health insurance prior to participating in the Medical Assisting Program Externship. Before externship begins the student must furnish the clinical coordinator a copy of a valid insurance card that will be placed in the student externship file. There is a minimal cost for insurance coverage through Osceola County School District. All students must have proof of car insurance if driving to a clinical setting. High School students must have written permission slips must be signed by parents and notarized to allow them to drive to a medical facility or to ride with another high school student. Adults are not permitted to have a high school student in their vehicle at any time. In the event that an adult will be transporting a high school student back/forth to school on a regular basis, other than their own child, a permission slip is required, which is obtained in the PATHS office. Note: Under no circumstances may an adult student offer to pick up or take home a high school student. All students must have professional liability insurance through Osceola County District Schools. There is a fee for this insurance. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 23 of 28

24 PREGNANCY POLICY For the protection of mother and unborn child, if a student becomes pregnant at any time during the core program, the campus Program Director/Coordinator must be advised immediately. Students who are/become pregnant during their core program may be required to postpone their externship until after their pregnancy. Each case will be reviewed by the campus Program Director/Coordinator and treated individually. In any medical assisting externship, a student may be exposed to patients with a variety of illnesses, viruses, and/or bacteria. In addition, a student may be required to lift and move patients which could be physically demanding. All of the above mentioned portions of an externship offer differing degrees of danger to a mother and/or fetus. If a student is/becomes pregnant, she may withdraw or postpone her externship until such time as she notifies the campus Program Director/Coordinator of her desire to re-enter and she is cleared for re-entry by the campus Program Director/Coordinator. Depending upon the duration of the pregnancy and the portion of the externship which remains, the student may be eligible to continue the externship. If the student wishes to continue, then she must notify the campus Program Director/Coordinator of her intent to continue. She must also provide, in writing, the steps she will take for the protection of herself and the fetus, as well as obtaining the clearance from her physician. Failure to notify the campus Program Director/Coordinator could result in dismissal and such conditions would not permit the student to re-enter and complete the program. Although it is both the practice and procedure of this program to offer the utmost in protection to the student, neither TECO/PATHS nor its externship sites will assume liability of the mother or unborn child. Any information regarding a pregnancy will be held in strictest confidence. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 24 of 28

25 DRUG SCREENING POLICY Drug Screening: All student s will be required to undergo drug screening prior to attending Externship. If student is taking any controlled medications (narcotics) they must inform the instructor prior (not after) to taking the drug test and must present a pill bottle to the program director with their name on it as well as the name of the prescribing physician. Failure to do this will result in cancellation of Externship Assignment and dismissal from the program. Students will also undergo a background check that will be completed by the end of the first six weeks of school. Students may be dismissed from program for certain offenses listed on back ground check. Refer to Affidavit of Good Moral Character, written by Department of Health and signed by student during first week of school. Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 25 of 28

26 MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM ACKNOWLEGEMENTS OF RESPONSIBILITY I have reviewed the (Printed Name) TECO/PATHS Medical Assisting Student Handbook. I also understand that I am required to perform a 240 hour Clinical Externship at the end of this course, which is an unpaid externship. I have had an opportunity to ask questions and have them answered. I am stating that I understand all of the rules and policies of the program, that I will be held accountable for them and that I will abide by them. I agree to abide by the rules and guidelines in the TECO/PATHS Medical Assisting Student Handbook, as well as any clinical facility rules or regulations once I am on Externship. Student Signature Date Parent Signature (High School Student) Date Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 26 of 28

27 Medical Assisting Program Classroom Conduct Agreement 1. Students must demonstrate professionalism and respect for fellow students and the instructor at all times while on campus. 2. Students must wear uniform or scrubs and ID badge at all times. 3. Talking is not allowed when the instructor is lecturing. When a student asks a question in class, all other students should remain quiet while the student asks the question and while the teacher is answering the question. Students should raise his or her hand in order to ask a question. 4. From time to time, students may be given in-class work or in-class assignments. This is not a time for students to start chatting with each other. Students who continue to talk when they should be working will be given a verbal warning the first time. The second warning will be written. High school students will be referred to the Assistant Principal of PATHS and Adult Students will be referred to the Assistant Director/Director of TECO upon their second warning. Very Important: If the problem persists after this, the student may be removed from the program. Continuing to talk when you are asked to be quiet creates an unfavorable learning environment for other classmates and will not be tolerated. 5. If a student does not agree with a policy, it should be brought to the instructor s attention on a one-on-one basis. It is not acceptable to speak disrespectfully to the instructor or other classmates during class. 6. If a student is verbally inappropriate in class or acts unprofessionally, it will be recommended that they are removed from the program immediately. By signing below, you acknowledge that you understand the classroom conduct agreement and will abide by it. Student Signature Date Printed Name Parent Signature (High School Student) Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 27 of 28

28 The School District of Osceola County, Florida Medical Assisting Student Handbook Page 28 of 28