The health care profession, by its very definition, assists and aids those whose health is compromised by disease, trauma, and/or other physical and psychosocial illnesses and conditions. Although every effort is made to instruct students in appropriate procedures and universal/standard precautions, there remains an inherent risk of exposure to infectious diseases and/or pathogens that could cause illness or injury to the student.

Kettering College of Medical Arts requires immunications, vaccines, and a tuberculosis skin test as preventive strategies and to meet the requirements of the clinical agencies where the students' clinical experiences occur. (Refer to health requirements both for enrollment at KCMA and in specific programs. Information can also be obtained by contacting the enrollment services office.)

Even with preventive measures, such as immunizations, vaccines, and the use of universal/ standard precautions, there is no guarantee that students will not acquire an infection or illness resulting from exposure in the patient care setting. Health care risks inherent in health care occupations are the responsibility of the student.

All students enrolled at KCMA must have personal health insurance coverage and must maintain coverage during the time they are enrolled students. Students who do not have health insurance coverage through their own, a spouse's, or a parent's policy may request coverage through the insurance plan selected by KCMA. Brochures describing this plan are available in the student services office. Failure to obtain and/or maintain personal health insurance coverage may result in dismissal from the College.

Health care resources
Kettering Workers' Care is equipped to provide necessary health immunizations and primary health consultation for KCMA students. Students are responsible for the cost of any immunization, consultation, or treatment at Kettering Workers' Care. Should emergency medical care be required, students may use 24-hour medical services available in the KMC emergency department. Payment for treatment in the emergency department is the student's responsibility.

Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs on campus
Kettering College of Medical Arts is committed to the health and well-being of its students. The KMC campus maintains a smoke-free environment and prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs or the abuse of harmful substances anywhere on the College or Kettering Medical Center campus. Violators will be prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws and ordinances and also will be subject to disciplinary action by the College. Because drugs or alcohol can adversely affect a student's health and clinical performance, KCMA reserves the right to test students suspected of using or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (Refer to the substance abuse policy in the Student Handbook.) Information on "Promoting Health, Not Drugs" can be obtained from the student services office.

Restrictive health conditions
The College desires to safeguard the health and well-being of KCMA students in clinical and residence hall settings and the health of those patients with whom they have contact. For this reason, the student is responsible for reporting to the instructor and Residence Hall dean (if a Residence Hall student) any restrictive health condition* as soon as the condition is known.

Restrictive health conditions are any health condition lasting longer than one week which may temporarily limit full participation in required educational experiences or which may threaten a student's life.

Restrictive health conditions of physical origin may include back injuries, fractures, pregnancy, immunocompromised status, surgery, etc. Restrictive health conditions involving mental and emotional states are of particular concern because of their life-threatening potential. These conditions include, but are not limited to, suicide attempts, severe depression, chemical dependency, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and psychotic behavior. If a staff or faculty member becomes aware of a life-threatening situation involving a student, the confidentiality privileges are suspended in order to obtain necessary assistance for the student. Life-threatening situations involving students under the age of 18 are cause for immediate notification of the student's parents/guardians by the College.

Once a restrictive health condition is reported, a written recommendation from a licensed health care provider may be requested. Continued participation in the clinical/laboratory experience or in Residence Hall life will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Failure to report a restrictive health condition to the instructor (or to the Residence Hall dean if appropriate) and/or failure to comply with the restrictive health procedure may result in immediate suspension from course activities or dismissal from the Residence Hall.

*For the purpose of definition, individuals with restrictive health conditions are not necessarily considered to be "disabled," in that the impairments are not considered to cause substantial limitations in major life activities.