MPAS Bloodborne Pathogens Policy

1. Purpose

2. Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan MPAS program irrespective of the geographically distributed site/campus to which they are currently assigned. MPAS students hold physician assistant educational licenses with the College of Physicians and Surgeons and as such are governed by their policies related to Bloodborne Pathogens.

The MPAS Program, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan endorses the CPSS governing process and policies.

3. Definitions

Bloodborne Pathogens (BBPs): Infectious microorganisms carried in human blood that can cause disease and pose a risk to healthcare workers. Most notably, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Exposure Prone Procedure (as defined by the CPSS): Exposure prone procedures (EPPs) are those where there is a risk that injury to the [physician assistant student] may result in the exposure of the patient’s open tissues to the [physician assistant student’s] blood or body fluid. EPPs with a documented risk of transmission include:

• Digital palpation of a needle tip in a body cavity (a hollow space within the body or one of its organs) or the simultaneous presence of the healthcare worker (HCW)’s fingers and a needle or other sharp instrument or object in a blind or highly confined anatomic site e.g., as may occur during major abdominal cardiothoracic, vaginal, pelvic and/or orthopedic operations;
• Repair of major traumatic injuries; or
• Manipulation, cutting or removal of any oral or perioral tissue, including tooth structures, during which the patient’s open tissues may be exposed to the blood of an injured infected HCW.

Participate/participating in EPPS (as defined by the CPSS): Performing or assisting in performing EPPs, including procedures that may become EPPs (for example, a laparoscopic procedure that may convert to an open procedure).

4. Policy

All physician assistant students have an ethical obligation to know their serological status for BBPs and are advised to undergo repeat testing when circumstances warrant (i.e., engaging in personal at-risk behaviour or potential exposure to a BBP).

Physician assistant students are required to self-disclose bloodborne pathogens or infections directly to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.

Physician assistant students self-report to the CPSS Registrar or Registrar’s designate. An Expert Advisory Committee reviews the case and issues recommendations with respect to training modifications required to accommodate the physician assistant student in keeping with precautions deemed appropriate to protect the public and patients from risk of harm. The CPSS may implement restrictions on clinical practice during the educational program. The CPSS Bloodborne Viruses Policy outlines expectations of students and physician assistants who have a Bloodborne virus and their ability to participate in exposure prone procedures.

Any necessary restrictions/modifications are identified and communicated to the physician assistant student as well as the College of Medicine MPAS Program Academic Director. Underlying personal health information will not be disclosed to the MPAS program. The MPAS Academic Director will assist in assessing whether modification of training requirements is necessary in order to comply with the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Committee. Physician assistant students will be required to notify their preceptors on a need-to-know basis.

5. Non-compliance

Physician assistants are required to self-disclose bloodborne pathogens or infections directly to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan. The CPSS will obtain written commitment of compliance, and will implement strategies for effective continuous monitoring of the physician assistant student’s compliance with the recommendations. If the physician assistant student is non-compliant with any of the recommendations made by the Expert Advisory Committee, the CPSS will utilize its statutory authority to ensure compliance or take other measures which protect the public’s interest.

Should the physician assistant student not disclose their condition, the Academic Director has an ethical responsibility to report the condition to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.

The Registrar/Assistant Registrar of the CPSS is also available for consultation/advice on dealing with situations like this.

6. Procedures

7. Contact

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan for most current policies at 306-244-7355

Program Manager, Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program

Phone: 306-966-4252