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University Responsibilities

A. This policy applies to all students, faculty and staff at UAH.

B. Actions taken by the University will comply with the applicable laws relating to public health practices, rights of individuals, and protection for the welfare of the community.

C. The University shall develop and maintain an educational program about communicable diseases.

D. The University (through the Wellness and Counseling Centers) shall identify sources of competent and confidential testing for communicable diseases as well as counseling services upon request.

E. The University shall identify sources of qualified medical care and encourage those with communicable diseases to utilize such sources.

F. Decisions in all situations involving students or employees with health problems are to be made on a case by case basis, based on the medical facts in each case and with concern for the confidentiality and best interest of all parties involved.

G. This policy is subject to applicable University student and personnel policies regarding illness and disability.

H. The University shall widely publicize and carefully observe safety guidelines (such as “universal precautions”) established by the U.S. Public Health Service for the handling of blood and other body fluids and secretions, in all health care facilities maintained by the University and in other institutional contexts in which such fluids or secretions may be encountered (e.g., teaching and laboratory facilities). All students, faculty and staff must use appropriate barrier precautions to prevent skin and mucous-membrane contact with blood and other body fluids of any person.

Responsibility for implementation of this policy rests with the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA).

Notification

A. The VPSA should be notified about all known acute cases of any communicable disease involving any member of the UAH community (students, faculty, or staff) when the disease is serious enough to pose a significant threat to the health of others (e.g., those that can be fatal or produce chronic consequences such as TB, measles and bacterial meningitis).

After receiving this information, the VPSA will convey only the necessary information to members of the Communicable Diseases Management Team (CDMT).

Communicable Diseases Management Team (CDMT)

A. The CDMT reports to the President of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The CDMT may be composed of the following representatives as deemed relevant in a case-by-case determination.

a. Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee (representing the President)

b. Provost or designee (if any faculty member could be affected)

c. Associate V.P. of Human Resources, or designee (if any staff could be affected)

d. Director of Public Safety

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UAH Communicable Diseases Policy (continued)

113 University Center

Phone: 256-824-6203

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