In the course of their clinical training, students may be exposed to communicable diseases. Students are expected to employ universal precautions (including but not limited to consistent hand hygiene, use of recommended personal protective equipment, and appropriate handling of sharps) as taught in the didactic curriculum and supplemental PPE training to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

An accidental puncture injury, mucous membrane or non-intact skin exposure to blood/body fluids should be considered potentially infectious, regardless of the source. In the event of an accidental exposure to blood/body fluid, the site should immediately and thoroughly be washed with soap and water, or the eye/mucous membrane with water or saline.

If a student has an incident that involves exposure to blood-borne pathogens or other concerning substances, they should immediately follow site protocols for exposure risk-management, including decontamination and reporting, and be evaluated by a Health Care Provider as soon as possible. The student should call the clinical emergency phone (714) 872-5735 as soon as possible to report the incident. If unable to reach the clinical team by phone, the student should immediately follow this call with an email to PAclinicaled@ketchum.edu with details of the incident. They will be directed to University Human Resources, who will assist them in filing an incident report and connect them with a covered Worker's Compensation healthcare provider for further assessment. Students rotating at approved clinical sites are covered by University liability insurance. The student may be asked to send documentation as requested by the University.

A student who has experienced an exposure should immediately assess the level of risk for transmission of blood borne pathogens. If exposure is considered high risk for transmission of HIV or Hepatitis, the student should immediately (within two (2) hours) be evaluated at a hospital emergency room (even if they have not yet been able to contact the clinical team and/or University Human Resources). Important: High-risk exposure requires immediate post-exposure prophylaxis treatment. Do not delay in seeking advice.