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Health Clearance Protocol for Health Professions Students

Protection of public health is a core responsibility for professionals in health care occupations. As public health guidance and protocols continuously evolve, and because the policies for those engaged in patient care may differ from guidance for the general public, this protocol is provided to help clarify the expectations for students in the health professions programs at UNC Chapel Hill. It is effective as of April 1, 2024. Failure to follow this protocol is a deficiency in professional behavior and may be cause for disciplinary action.

Basic Guidance for All Students:

 

  1. If you have symptoms that suggest you may pose risk to others, you must STAY HOME. Do NOT attend class or clinical rotations.
    The following symptoms are suggestive of highly contagious respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses that may put patients, clinical preceptors, faculty, and/or fellow students at risk:
    • Fever (defined as a temperature of greater than 100.0°F)
    • Headache, sore throat, runny nose and/or congestion, new or worsening cough; not explained by a non-contagious medical condition (e.g. allergies, migraine)
    • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea not explained by a non-contagious medical condition
    • New muscle aches not related to another medical condition or specific activity (e.g. due to physical exercise)
    • Shortness of breath that is not attributable to another medical condition
    • Recent (<5 days) loss of smell and taste
  2. If the cause of your symptoms is uncertain, it is recommended that you seek medical attention at Campus Health or a community clinic to help determine the level of risk to others (i.e., whether it is advisable for you to attend class or clinical rotations).
  3. In general, you must be fever-free without antipyretics (fever-reducing medicines such as Tylenol) for at least 24 hours, AND you must have had no diarrhea or vomiting for at least 48 hours, regardless of the cause, before returning to normal activities. Additionally, you should not return to normal activities unless your symptoms are improving.
  4. Current CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends taking additional actions to prevent the spread of illness for five days after you return to normal activities. Additional actions may include physical distancing (especially from those who may be particularly vulnerable) and good public health hygiene practices such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, and wearing a well-fitting mask.

Students in Clinical Placements

Please note that CDC guidance, while an excellent resource, is written for the general public. Healthcare facilities must simultaneously balance the need for adequate staff with the priority to protect vulnerable patients. Each facility is responsible for its own policies. Because of this, clinical facility requirements vary and may not be the same as guidance for return to campus and community activities.
Students in a clinical placement must follow policies of the placement facility regarding return to clinical activities. Facility policies may require:

  • Longer periods of isolation when sick
  • Required testing
  • Required masking or other precautions upon return

Please communicate with your clinical coordinator, preceptor, and/or the Occupational Health Service at your assigned facility regarding return to clinicals.

Communication with your Program

  • Medical Providers, including Campus Health, will not communicate directly with your program or school. You must communicate with the designated person or office for your school or program about the medical advice you receive.