Bloodborne Pathogen and Body Fluid Exposure Policy and Procedure

Basis for Policy

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is committed to providing a safe and healthful work environment to prevent or minimize staff, researchers and student exposure to bloodborne pathogens and offer appropriate initial treatment/follow-up, when or if such exposures occur.

Policy

It is the policy of UNMC to follow the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) final rule for the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (Federal Register 56:64003-64182)29CFR 1910.1030, promulgated December 6, 1991 (Appendix II [56:64175-64182]), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, and legal requirements, when making decisions regarding rights and responsibilities of individuals exposed to or currently under treatment for a bloodborne pathogen/disease. To ensure compliance with these authoritative regulations and provide guidance to UNMC staff, researchers and students a Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan has been designed to eliminate or minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as the following (see the Glossary in Appendix I of the Plan for definition of these and other terms.):

• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), as well as
• other potentially infectious bloodborne agents

All UNMC staff, researchers and students who might be exposed to bloodborne pathogens are required to read the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan which is available online.

Additional Information

• UNMC Environmental Health & Safety, 402-559-6356
• Infection Control and Epidemiology Department, 402-559-3980
• UNMC Policy No. 1104, AIDS, HIV, and Other Bloodborne Pathogens
• Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
• ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 Grievance Procedures
• ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act - Requests for Reasonable Accommodation

Policy No.: 2004
Effective Date: March 17, 2003
Revised Date: February 18, 2014
Reviewed Date: July 20, 2021

On Campus

UNMC students who experience a potential exposure to blood or airborne pathogens (HIV, Hepatitis B, TB, etc.) due to contact with blood or other infectious body fluids during an on campus assigned clinical rotation at the UNMC Omaha, NE campus should dial the OUCH pager number (888-OUCH) and report their exposure immediately. The Nebraska Medical Center OUCH Pager representative will evaluate the potential risk of transmission and determine the appropriate post exposure prophylaxis and the need for follow-up. Counseling regarding prophylaxis will be provided as part of the risk assessment and evaluation. After the initial evaluation the student must call the Student Health Services appointment line at 402-559-7200 for a follow up appointment. Follow up care will be provided by Student Health Services.

Off Campus

Students with potential exposure to blood or airborne pathogens during an assigned off-campus clinical rotation or non-Omaha UNMC clinical facility will be instructed to report the incident immediately to their clinical supervisor at the site. Students are to follow the written protocol for bloodborne or airborne pathogen exposures at the rotation site or the non-Omaha UNMC clinical facility. Referrals and location for follow up care will be determined in consultation with Student Health Services.