Policy on Medical Clearance
All students are required to complete an initial medical clearance screening prior to matriculation, and subsequent medical clearance screenings annually. In accordance compliance with medical clearance screenings and required immunizations is monitored by Students Health Services (SHS). Immunization requirements are determined in accordance with national and/or regional recommendations.
The initial medical clearance screening takes place prior to matriculation and must be completed to attend mandatory orientation and includes, but is not necessarily limited to the following:
1. Physical Examination and Medical History Review
Students may obtain this medical evaluation from their private healthcare provider at their own expense. SHS will evaluate all physical exams and medical history reviews conducted by private healthcare providers. All matriculating students will be offered at nominal cost a physical examination and medical history review by SHS.
2. Tuberculosis Screening
Latent TB infection can be screened using either of the following NYSDOH methods:
- Tuberculin Skin Testing (TST)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved blood assays for the detection of latent TB Infection (e.g., QuantiFERON TB Gold)
Those with a prior history of latent TB must provide documentation of a previously positive TB Screening from a healthcare provider and a standard chest x-ray result on an official Radiology report indicating "no active disease," performed on or after the date of the Latent TB diagnosis.
If such documentation is not available, the student will be screened for TB. Verbal self-reporting of a positive TB history alone is not acceptable proof.
3. Required Immunizations
Proof of immunity or adequate vaccination to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella and Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
- Proof of immunity can be satisfied by a Certificate of Immunization or an official laboratory report with titer results indicating immunity
- For Varicella only, documented proof of previous diagnosis is acceptable.
Proof of Meningococcal vaccination or a signed declination
- Certification that the student has already received immunization against meningococcal meningitis within ten years preceding the date of matriculation or a signed declination is required to be on file if the student declines as per section 2167 of the NYSDOH Immunization Handbook for New York State Post-Secondary Institutions. Students declining this vaccination will be required to follow current EHS protocol for patient care settings and Hofstra University protocol for classroom settings.
4. Recommended Immunizations
- Vaccination to Hep B is strongly recommended. Proof of immunity to Hepatitis B can be satisfied by a Certificate of Immunization or an Official laboratory report on letterhead with titer results indicating immunity.
5. Drug Testing
- Prior to clinical placements, students may be required to perform drug testing. Drug Testing WILL NOT be performed at SHS. When required by a clinical site, students may incur additional nominal fee through Castle Branch within the same portal required for admission background testing.
6. Respirator Medical Evaluation and Respirator Fit Testing
- Due to the potential for exposure to airborne transmissible diseases which require respirator protection, students are required to complete an initial respirator medical evaluation. Students should be evaluated by Employee Health Services to determine if the student can be fit tested for a respirator.
The annual medical clearance screenings take place every 12 months following matriculation and include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
Annual Health Assessment with:
- Tuberculosis Screening (refer to #2 above)
- Respirator Fit Testing (refer to #6 above)
- Proof of Influenza Vaccination or Signed Declination (annual deadline is December 1 inclusive of first year). Students declining this vaccination will be required to wear a mask in patient care settings during influenza season, per NY State regulations.