Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science

Student Handbook 2011-2012

IV. Department Information: General Operation

A. Health, Insurance, and CPR Policy

Policy:
In order to participate in any fieldwork experience, students must present evidence of current health insurance and a recent health examination (completed within one year prior to admission to Towson University). The findings of the health examination will not necessarily exclude students from fieldwork placement. Upon admission to the occupational therapy program, students are required to provide documentation of immunization of measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Students also must provide proof of a completed Hepatitis B vaccine series, including the results of a titer, or sign a declination form for the vaccine. A one-time speech and hearing screening is required before fieldwork placement. This screening is offered free of charge through the Towson University Speech, Language, and Hearing Center each semester. Students are required to provide evidence of an annual PPD test and annual CPR certification. If health insurance changes, students are required to provide updated evidence of current health insurance. Students must adhere to any additional requirements of the fieldwork site (e.g., flu vaccine).

Rationale: The purpose of the policy is to ensure the safety of the students and the clients with whom they will come in contact and to maximize their ability to communicate with clients and families. Contracts with fieldwork facilities require that students in clinical placements show proof of current health insurance, documentation of current health examination, and current CPR certification.

Procedures:
1. Students must submit their health forms and annual updates to the Fieldwork Secretary no later than August 1, for compliance during the upcoming academic year. Students are advised to keep personal copies of these documents for submission to fieldwork sites upon request.
2. The fieldwork secretary will notify the Chairperson and advisers of the status of their advisees’ health and insurance forms.
3. The Chairperson will send a form letter to non-compliant students informing them that they will not be given permission to register for classes, or if they have already registered, permission will be revoked and they will be de-enrolled from occupational therapy classes that include clinical experiences until after they have met the health, insurance and CPR requirements. The students’ advisors will receive a copy of the letter.
4. Students who do not remain in compliance with on-going health, insurance and CPR requirements will not be provided fieldwork placements nor be allowed to enroll in courses for future semesters until they have satisfied the requirements.

Updated 1/10/11