Student Policy on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Other Blood-Borne Pathogens
Policy Statement
All students will be provided with a copy of Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM), Aruba’s official policy regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and other blood-borne pathogens.
XUSOVM recognizes HIV infection, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne infections as important public health concerns and is committed to an informed, evidence-based, and compassionate response.
In furtherance of this commitment, XUSOVM has established policies and procedures designed to:
- Prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens;
- Protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and clients;
- Safeguard the rights, dignity, privacy, and wellbeing of individuals who may be infected with HIV, HBV, HCV, or other blood-borne pathogens; and
- Ensure compliance with applicable occupational health and safety regulations.
Occupational Exposure and Infection Control
Activities that may expose students or employees to human blood-borne pathogens must follow the University’s exposure-control procedures, applicable local requirements, and the standards required by the training site. Veterinary activities must also address animal-associated and zoonotic hazards.
XUSOVM maintains an Exposure Control Plan designed to reduce occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens and to provide appropriate evaluation, treatment, counseling, and follow-up for individuals who may experience occupational exposure.
The Exposure Control Plan applies to all students, faculty, and staff who may reasonably anticipate contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of their educational, clinical, laboratory, research, or employment activities.
Potentially Infectious Materials
Potentially infectious materials include, but are not limited to:
- Blood and blood products;
- Semen and vaginal secretions;
- Cerebrospinal fluid;
- Synovial fluid;
- Pleural fluid;
- Peritoneal fluid;
- Pericardial fluid;
- Amniotic fluid;
- Any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood;
- Saliva associated with dental procedures;
- Any body fluid in situations where differentiation between body fluids is difficult;
- Unfixed human tissues and organs (other than intact skin);
- Human cell lines and other materials designated as potentially infectious under applicable health and safety regulations.
Students are expected to follow all infection control procedures, biosafety practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and exposure prevention protocols established by the University and affiliated clinical training sites.
Non Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
XUSOVM is committed to reasonable accommodation, nondiscrimination, and equal educational opportunity in accordance with its policies and applicable law.
Individuals living with HIV/AIDS, HBV, HCV, or other qualifying medical conditions are entitled to protection from unlawful discrimination, provided they are otherwise able to meet the academic, technical, professional, and safety requirements of the DVM program.
No student shall be denied admission, participation in educational activities, access to services, or other educational opportunities solely on the basis of HIV status, HBV status, HCV status, or other protected medical conditions, except where restrictions are required by law or where an individual's condition poses a significant risk that cannot be mitigated through reasonable accommodations and established safety practices.
Confidentiality
Medical information regarding a student's HIV, HBV, HCV, or other health status shall be treated as confidential and maintained in accordance with applicable privacy laws, University policies, and professional standards.
Disclosure of medical information will occur only when authorized by the student, required by law, necessary to protect public health and safety, or otherwise permitted under applicable regulations.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for:
- Complying with all infection prevention and biosafety policies;
- Following Universal Precautions and Standard Precautions in all laboratory, clinical, and research settings;
- Reporting occupational exposures promptly through established University procedures;
- Participating in required training related to blood-borne pathogens and infection control;
- Maintaining required immunizations and health clearances as specified by the University and affiliated clinical training sites.
Policy on Service Animals
Service animals are not permitted within campus facilities, student housing, or any other premises of Xavier University.
Policy Contact
Dean of Student Affairs.