University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
Sunday, July 06, 2008 :: 07:51
Students are required to purchase and maintain several types of insurance while enrolled in medical school. They are Needlestick, Health, Disability and Malpractice Insurance.
All medical students are required to complete the Annual Health & Safety form [pdf format] and provide proof of health insurance to the Office of Student Services during fall semester of every year.
Insurance coverage for body fluid and blood-borne pathogen exposure is mandatory for all UNM students who are at risk. More information on coverage is available from the Student Health Center or the Office of Student Services. The Student Health Center point of contact is Julie Kilgore, 277-5196. Fee for the 2007-2008 academic year is $30.00 per semester and is charged to student's accounts in September and February.
Wounds and skin sites that have been in contact with blood or body fluids should be washed with soap and water; mucous membranes should be flushed with water. There is no evidence that the use of antiseptics for wound care or expressing fluid by squeezing the wound further reduces the risk for HIV transmission. However, the use of antiseptics is not contraindicated. Use of caustic agents, e.g., bleach, is not recommended.
It is very important that medical evaluation take place immediately because treatment decisions must be made within 2 hours after exposure. HIV prophylaxis for high-risk exposure appears most effective if started within 2–4 hours. It is also extremely important to evaluate the donor’s risk status immediately.
The student should report IMMEDIATELY to the Student Health Center (SHC). SHC Hours: 8 am to 5 pm, Mon. through Fri. On Tuesdays, the SHC is closed from 8 to 9 am. A pdf flowchart of the protocol is available here.
Outside of these hours, the student should go IMMEDIATELY to the nearest emergency room associated with the clinic or office where the incident occurred for the initial evaluation. Follow-up can be done at the SHC. (Do not go to UNM Employee Occupational Health unless you are a student employee and the exposure occurred as a result of your employment.) A pdf flowchart of the protocol is available here.
The student should notify his/her supervisor immediately. The supervisor and student should fill out a UNM Notice of Incident form. This form should go with the student to his/her evaluation for treatment.To determine whether treatment of the student is necessary, blood must be drawn from the patient/donor to evaluate Hepatitis B, C, and HIV status. Call the Infection Control Nurse or Nursing Supervisor to order these tests on the patient/donor. The Infection Control Nurse (7 am to 4 pm) or Nurse Supervisor (after hours) should review the medical record, question the patient/donor about risk factors, and obtain the patient’s/donor’s consent to do the tests necessary to evaluate their health status.
If the exposure occurs in an outpatient setting (and these tests cannot be done), send the patient/donor to the Student Health Center with the exposed student for evaluation.
For more information on testing and treatment decisions or protocols:
All students are required to subscribe to a comprehensive health insurance program that covers the major expenses of health care. Students may elect the UNM Accident and Sickness Health Insurance Program. For information, see the Student Health Center Insurance web page (http://www.unm.edu/~shc1/shi.html). Students may also purchase a comparable plan with another company. Proof of insurance coverage must be provided on an annual basis to remain a student of record. Failure to carry coverage or provide proof of insurance will result in removal from academic programming until such time that documentation is received by the Office of Student Services.
The UNM Student Health Center is an approved provider for Presbyterian Health Plan, Lovelace Health Plan and United Healthcare (UNM plan only). Students enrolled in HMO plans should check with the SHC Insurance Specialist about choosing the SHC as their primary care provider.
Supplemental health and accident insurance is available to students enrolled for six or more hours. The plan provides hospital, surgical, and outpatient medical care beyond that provided by the Student Health Center. The insurance is geared to UNM students and provides coverage for a semester or a twelve month period regardless of geographic location. Dependent and spouse coverage is also available. Students must enroll in the program provided by the University within 21 days from the policy effective date. Students who arrive on campus early may elect to purchase coverage for up to three weeks prior to the main campus semester start date at an additional cost per week. The SHC Insurance Specialist is available to assist students with insurance claims and other insurance issues. For information, call 505-277-7943.
All medical students are required to enroll in the disability insurance program offered through the University. This requirement is a result of the heightened interest in indemnifying medical students from the risks associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other hazards. Students may convert their disability income insurance upon graduation to an individual insurance policy. For the 2007-2008 academic year, the premium is $59.28. Students are billed and must pay the premium during the fall semester. Policy is available for review in Student Services.
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine provides professional liability insurance for all students. This policy applies only while students are acting within their duties as medical students under the supervision of the faculty of the School of Medicine or under physicians in other training programs approved by the school. Students are cautioned against rendering medical services, except in an emergency, under any circumstance not covered by the above.
Students embarking on an international rotation will be covered by UNM medical malpractice insurance provided approval has been received by CSPE II for the educational experience.
