Policy on student re-entry into clinical setting

1.  Host sites/institutions must have a protocol in place to identify and isolate Covid-19 or suspected Covid-19 patients. Prior to clinical re-entry, students should inquire with the clerkship director and host institution for specific instructions regarding institution protocols and how to acquire PPE.
2.  Students may unknowingly be involved with a COVID-19 patient and should always follow the CDC and hospital guidelines.  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Finfection-control%2Fcontrol-recommendations.html Links to an external site..  

3.  PPE is a valuable resource at all institutions and will be provided as necessary for each learner to participate in patient care and procedures; therefore, students should follow hospital protocols and avoid unnecessary use of PPE.
4.  In the spirit of learning and in the interest of educating medical students, students should learn to care for patients with contagious infectious diseases such as Covid-19 in a safe environment. However, given the uncertainty of this novel virus and the evolving management, education should be accomplished through distant participation such as rounds and team discussions. Medical students are NOT allowed to participate in the DIRECT care of patients with known or suspected Covid-19.
5.  Attending physicians, community preceptors, and residents supervising medical students should continue to follow Louisiana Department of Health (http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus Links to an external site.) and CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html Links to an external site.) recommendations regarding the appropriate use of face masks, PPE, cleaning & disinfecting, and other general updates regarding infection control measures.
6.  Individual clerkships, acting internships, and other clinical electives may have specific requirements for student re-entry based on their unique situation.  It will be up to the director of those experiences to draft those policies and inform students of those requirements.
7.  Medical students who feel ill should NOT enter a clinical setting. They should notify their direct report (Eg. attending physician, community preceptor, supervising resident) and (if comfortable) the clerkship director. They should contact the student health (or their private physician), and follow healthcare guidelines for Covid-19 testing. Isolation protocols should be implemented while awaiting test results.  If the student tests positive, then the Office of Student Affairs (chit@tulane.edu) and the clerkship director MUST be notified so that appropriate accommodations and make-up measures can be sought.