Health & Liability Insurance Pre-Entry Physical Exam
Medical Insurance Coverage
The individual student must assume responsibility for medical insurance coverage. Some form of hospital and medical insurance must be carried by the student throughout the duration of the program. The medical services of UPMC Chautauqua are available to each student; however, financial responsibility rests with each individual student and his/her insurance company. Documentation of medical insurance coverage will be maintained in the student’s file. It is understood that the UPMC Chautauqua will be held harmless from any injury, disability, or any liability that may result from the student participation within the hospital setting.
Liability
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) requires each student to carry liability coverage. UPMC Chautauqua does not provide this coverage. Students are responsible for their own liability coverage unless their college/university maintains liability coverage for their undergraduates during the clinical year. Coverage must have a minimum of $1 million per claim and an aggregate of $3 million per occurrence, and the policy must remain in full force and effect for the duration of the clinical year. Students are provided with suggestions on where/how to obtain liability insurance; cost has been very reasonable (approximately $35 per year).
Students must have proof of both liability coverage and health coverage on or before the first day of the clinical program (photocopies of insurance cards or signed/dated policies are acceptable proof.) Proof of insurance will be kept in the student’s file for the clinical year.
Student Health
All student health matters and student health records are maintained with complete confidentiality in the student’s personal chart in the UPMC Chautauqua Occupational Health office
Pre-Entry Physical
All incoming students are required by the New York State Department of Health to have a pre-entry physical examination prior to starting their clinical year. Successful applicants will be sent a physical form prior to the start of the clinical year and it is the responsibility of the student to have the form completed by their university’s health center, family physician or make arrangements with UPMC Chautauqua’s Occupational Health physician. All costs incurred are the responsibility of the student. The examination includes general student health assessment information, written proof of Rubeola, Rubella and Covid-19 vaccinations and Tuberculosis skin test(s).
Drug Screening
Incoming students are also required to have a drug screen during the first week of classes. Performed free of charge through UPMC Chautauqua’s Occupational Health Department, students must be found negative for substance abuse to continue in the program.
Vaccinations
Our hospital provides free of charge to students, the annual flu vaccination and the optional hepatitis B vaccination series. The flu vaccination is highly recommended, but should a student decline, he/she must wear a surgical mask while in any public area throughout the flu season as determined by the Public Health Commissioner.
Health Care Services
UPMC Chautauqua is a full care facility and all services are available to the student at the usual cost with each individual student assuming responsibility for medical insurance coverage.