Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan

Clinical instructors, course directors, or faculty supervisors learning of a student’s exposure must document by completing this form as soon as they are notified.

UMSON developed its Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan in accordance with UMB Policy Concerning Prevention and Management of Student and Employee Infections with Bloodborne Pathogens, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, and the Centers for Disease Control’s Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Health Care Worker Exposure to HIV and Recommendations for Post-exposure Prophylaxis (5/98).

  1. Students who are possibly exposed to bloodborne pathogens by way of needle sticks or exposure to human body fluids must report the exposure to their clinical instructor immediately. Exposure during a precepted experience must be reported immediately to the preceptor and as soon as possible to the course faculty member.
  2. Students who are possibly exposed to bloodborne pathogens by way of needle sticks or exposure to human body fluids on campus or in the University of Maryland Medical Center should contact the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure (BBPR) Hotline:  667-214-1886. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and should be used in the event of a bloodborne pathogen exposure or needle stick.
  3. For students who are possibly exposed to bloodborne pathogens by way of needle sticks or exposure to human body fluids at off-campus sites, such as hospitals or community health settings, the following policy will apply:
    • For exposures in a hospital or another agency with a policy covering possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens, the policy of the facility will be followed.
    • For exposures in a setting where there is no policy on possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens, the student should either report immediately to UMB Student Health, to their personal health care provider, or to the nearest emergency room. The student should identify themselves as a UMSON student and request the following baseline laboratory tests, as applicable according to CDC guidelines.  Students are responsible for the cost of testing (health insurance may cover):
      • HIV antibody
      • Hepatitis B surface antibody
      • Hepatitis C antibody
      • Testing for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (e.g. Ebola and Marburg fevers)
      • Pregnancy test (for women)
  4. Clinical instructors and course faculty members will keep a record of the circumstances of the needle stick or body fluids exposure and the counseling the student received about visiting an emergency department or other health care facility. A copy of this record will be sent to the relevant associate dean, who will maintain it on file. Copies of such records may also be furnished to the UMSON Director for Legal Affairs.