PA Policies 07-08

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Dear PA Student, Welcome to the Physician Assistant Program at Jefferson College of Health Sciences! We know how hard you worked to get here and how eager you are to get started. The next two years will be challenging, demanding and rewarding. You are about to embark on a journey that will prepare you for your future role as a healthcare professional. The faculty and staff have been preparing for your semester to begin all summer. We have moved into a new classroom, hired new faculty and have increased our class size from 30 to 40 students. We are excited about the changes and look forward to getting to know each of you. This handbook has been developed as a supplement to the JCHS Student Handbook to provide information on programmatic academic policies and procedures. Please read this carefully and keep it with you for the duration of your tenure here. On behalf of our excellent faculty and staff, I extend our heartfelt wishes for a successful and rewarding education. Sincerely, Wilton Kennedy, MMSc, PA-C Director Physician Assistant Program JCHS PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, 2007-2008 1

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Transcript of PA Policies 07-08

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Dear PA Student,

Welcome to the Physician Assistant Program at Jefferson College of Health Sciences! We know how hard you worked to get here and how eager you are to get started. The next two years will be challenging, demanding and rewarding. You are about to embark on a journey that will prepare you for your future role as a healthcare professional.

The faculty and staff have been preparing for your semester to begin all summer. We have moved into a new classroom, hired new faculty and have increased our class size from 30 to 40 students. We are excited about the changes and look forward to getting to know eachof you.

This handbook has been developed as a supplement to the JCHS Student Handbook to provide information on programmatic academic policies and procedures. Please read this carefully and keep it with you for the duration of your tenure here.

On behalf of our excellent faculty and staff, I extend our heartfelt wishes for a successful and rewarding education.

Sincerely,

Wilton Kennedy, MMSc, PA-CDirectorPhysician Assistant Program

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JCHS Physician Assistant ProgramOffice Phone: 540-985-4016

Fax: 540-224-4551

Faculty

Wilton Kennedy, MMSc, PA-CDirector/Associate [email protected]

Patrick McCarthy, MDMedical Director/Assistant [email protected]

Denise Dillingham, MPAS, PA-CClinical Coordinator/Assistant [email protected]

Patricia Airey, MS, PA-CAcademic Coordinator/Assistant [email protected]

James Hull, MPAS, PA-CAssistant [email protected]

Vicki Bierman, MSW, FNPAssistant [email protected]

Jennifer Chen, MDAssistant [email protected]

Charles Moore, PhDAssistant ProfessorMath & Science [email protected]

Joel Atance, PhDAssistant ProfessorMath & Science [email protected]

Francine Farnsworth, PharmD, [email protected]

Monica Wilson, PharmD, [email protected]

Joanne Hawley, PharmD, [email protected]

Staff

Kathy KeoughanProgram [email protected]

Barb Williams, BAClinical Resource [email protected]

Susan Wise, MLSEducational Resource [email protected]

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History of JCHS and the PA Program

Jefferson College of Health SciencesJefferson College of Health Sciences was founded in 1914 as Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing.  Dr. Hugh Trout, Sr. was an early pioneer of health care in the Roanoke Valley.  Dr. Trout obtained his M.D. degree from the University of Virginia in 1902.  After completing his surgical residency in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Trout relocated to Southwest Virginia.  In 1907, he founded a small, 40-bed facility located at what is now 1311 Franklin Road.  The hospital was named Jefferson Hospital in honor and memory of Thomas Jefferson. 

Dr. Trout soon found that the need for adequately trained nurses in the area far surpassed those available. In an effort to alleviate the shortage, he established the Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing.  The school opened its doors in 1914, with an initial class of 6 students.  All six completed the 33-month training program and graduated in 1917.  A self-study following the first graduation concluded that the school exceeded the Standard Curriculum for Schools of Nursing, published by the National League for Nursing Education in 1917.  The school went on to gain approval by the American College of Surgeons and the American Medical Association in 1923.  The American Hospital Association recognized the school in 1926.  Around the same time as the development of Jefferson Hospital, Dr. James Newton Lewis and Dr. Sparrell Simmons Gale were initiating their own vision of healthcare for the Roanoke Valley.  In 1909, they founded Lewis-Gale Hospital in Downtown Roanoke, and in 1911, the Lewis-Gale School of Nursing was born.  The two schools operated independently of each other for many years.  Between 1914 and 1965, Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing alone trained 658 new nurses, most of which stayed within the community upon graduation.

During Jefferson Hospital's first 50 years, it was expanded three times and grew to a 151-bed facility.  In 1953, Jefferson Hospital hired a 26-year old administrator named William Reid.  He soon became aware of the booming population and the rising costs of health care in Southwest Virginia.  The population of Roanoke had rapidly expanded beyond the capabilities of the Jefferson Hospital facility.  In 1960, under his direction, a new hospital facility was commissioned.  The project was truly reliant on the community, as citizens donated $3.3 million toward construction costs.  Several sites were considered, including ones in Salem and near what is now Tanglewood Mall, before land was purchased near the newly opened Interstate 581 corridor.  Groundbreaking occurred in 1963, with the new hospital scheduled to open in 1965.  However, construction delays, including the replacement of concrete columns that did not meet building standards, resulted in the opening being delayed until 1967.  On August 27, 1967, 10,000 people toured the new Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley. 

In 1965, it was decided that the Lewis-Gale School of Nursing and the Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing should combine under the direction of the new hospital.  This led to the formation of the Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley School of Nursing.  The school was under the guidance of Lavina Duncan, RN, formerly of Lewis-Gale, who was named Director of Nursing Services for the new hospital in 1964.  William Reid was also a chief figure, as administrator for the school.  The Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley School of Nursing had an inaugural class of 50 students, and in 1968 graduated its first class of 29 new nurses.  At the time, neither Lewis-Gale nor Community Hospital had facilities to house the School of Nursing.  Therefore the hospital leased six floors of the Carlton Terrace Building (now the Reid Center) for use by the school. 

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The school operated in this fashion for approximately 15 years.  Then in 1980, a task force investigated the possibility of establishing a hospital-based college that would grant 2-year degrees in nursing and allied health.  In 1981 the Community Hospital Board of Trustees made a commitment to such a school, and in 1982 the Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley College of Health Sciences was established.  The College of Health Sciences was the first hospital-based college in Virginia.  In addition, Community Hospital was one of only seven in the nation to have its College of Health Sciences accredited by the Commission for Higher Education.  Dr. Jerome Cohen, who helped establish the college and was serving as Educational Director of the hospital, was named its first Dean on August 23, 1982.  Dr. Cohen came to Roanoke after serving as an administrator and Associate Professor in the Connecticut community college system. 

In 1986, the College obtained accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to grant degrees at the Associate Level.  In 1989 the College named its first President, Dr. Harry C. Nickens.  Dr. Nickens was very active in the local community and had been a leader in Roanoke for over 20 years.  He directed the College through the addition of several programs and to a record enrollment of 615 students in 1998. He continued to lead the College until 2001, when he left to become president of the College's foundation.  In 1992, William Reid, director of Community Hospital, announced his retirement.  In appreciation for his contributions to the College and Hospital system, the Carlton Terrace Building was renamed the Reid Center.  William Reid remains an active member of the College Board of Directors to this day.  

The College continued to expand in 1995 when it was accredited by SACS at the Baccalaureate degree level.  In 1999, the College admitted its first international students, showing growth on a global scale.  In 2000, the re-affirmation site visit by SACS was completed, rewarding the College with long-term accreditation.  The last two years have seen record enrollments (approximately 900 in 2005) at the College. 

In 2003, it was decided that the name of the College should be changed.  This was due, in part, to the fact that the Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley no longer existed, having changed its name to Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital.  In addition, a new name would give the College a larger presence in the community, while acknowledging its history.  In October 2003, the College officially became Jefferson College of Health Sciences, recognizing both its past and future in the Roanoke Valley. 

In 2005, the College was granted Carnegie Level III status by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which gives Jefferson approval to offer graduate programs.  That year, the first group of master's of science in nursing students began their studies.  In fall 2008, two more graduate programs will open, the master of science in physician assistant and the master of science in occupational therapy. 

While Jefferson was founded as Jefferson School of Nursing almost a century ago, the College celebrates 25 years of degree-granting status in 2007.  A year-long schedule of special events will be held to commemorate and honor the vision of several, the work of many, and the legacy of four great institutions, that have provided the foundation for Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

The College continues its mission of providing competent and caring health care professionals who make a difference not only in Southwest Virginia, but across the country as well.

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Physician Assistant ProgramIn 1996, a 20-member advisory committee began developing a curriculum and finding clinical sites for the first physician assistant program in Virginia. Jefferson’s PA program would break barriers not only for healthcare licensure offered in the Commonwealth but also for how Virginians review primary care.

The original teaching team consisted of Doug Southard, PhD, MPH, PA-C, (now JCHS Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs), as program director; Mark Greenawald, MD, as medical director; Rebecca Scott, PhD, PA-C, as academic coordinator (and later as program director); and Sharon Maiewski, PA-C, as clinical coordinator. In addition, over 150 physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other health-care professionals helped train the first class of 21 students in 1997.

There have been 234 students to graduate from the program.

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Accreditation

College AccreditationJefferson College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees.

Program AccreditationThe Physician Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). ARC-PA is the recognized accrediting agency that protects the interests of the public and PA profession by defining the standards for PA education and evaluating PA educational programs within the territorial United States to ensure their compliance with those standards. Only graduates from ARC-PA-accredited programs are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and become licensed to practice.

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Mission, Purpose, Values and Goals

Jefferson College of Health SciencesMission StatementJefferson College of Health Sciences prepares within a scholarly environment, ethical, knowledgeable, competent and caring healthcare professionals.

Purpose and Values Founded in 1914, as Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, located in Roanoke, Va., is a private institution offering baccalaureate and associate degree programs, as well as graduate education, exclusively in healthcare disciplines.  The College's history dates from the formation of the Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley School of Nursing, which evolved from the 1965 merger of the Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing, founded in 1914, and the Lewis-Gale School of Nursing, founded in 1911.  The College provides educational opportunities for those seeking healthcare careers, lifelong learning, and career enhancement adapted to the healthcare environment.

The Jefferson College community values: excellence and innovation in education; integration of contemporary technologies; community-campus partnerships; diversity of person and thought; integrity in personal and professional life; personal, professional and scholarly development; and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Based on these values, we believe: The college is a partnership of people. Our students, faculty, staff and alumni

are our principle assets. Teaching is our primary mission and we recognize the contribution of scholarly

activity to the learning process. A foundation in general education prepares students intellectually, culturally

and ethically for their professional and personal lives. Scientific and technical knowledge, competencies and proficiencies are

required for successful practice and advancement in students’ chosen professions.

Scholarly environment is required for the intellectual, personal, and professional development of student, staff, faculty and alumni.

Broad-based, interdisciplinary education fosters community partnerships, improved health and respect for human diversity and dignity.

Institutional and programmatic accreditation contributes to academic excellence.

Systematic planning and evaluation contributes to sound management of human, physical, and financial resources.

Physician Assistant ProgramMission StatementThe Mission of the Jefferson College of Health Sciences’ Physician Assistant Program is to prepare physician assistants who are well versed in the art and science of medicine for service to their communities, with special attention to eliminating disparities in health care.

Physician Assistant Program GoalsThe goals of the baccalaureate-degree PA Program are:

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1. To establish a learning environment that encourages intellectual, personal and professional growth to develop tomorrow’s leaders in patient care.

2. To provide an educational environment conducive to fostering critical thinking skills. Graduates will be able to obtain and evaluate patient history, physical findings, laboratory data, and other pertinent information to appropriately care for and counsel patients of any age or background.

3. To utilize teaching methodologies that promote life-long learning skills in order to access information technology and interpret medical literature.

4. To emphasize the importance of patient-centered care by emphasizing a sensitivity and respect for the cultural and personal beliefs of all patients and an understanding of how social, economic, geographic and other forces impact health.

5. To prepare students to serve the needs of diverse populations in medically underserved areas.

6. To graduate medical healthcare providers who can practice collaboratively, professionally, legally and ethically as representative of JCHS and the physician assistant profession.

Educational Outcomes for Graduates

Graduate Competencies The Physician Assistant Program curriculum at JCHS reflects a philosophy of lifelong learning and patient-centered care. Coursework integrates medical treatment modalities with health promotion, behavioral medicine, and disease prevention to meet the needs of a changing healthcare environment. The Program curriculum is based on the mission statement, curricular outcomes, competencies, and technical standards for the physician assistant profession. The professional documents and requirements (AAPA, PAEA, NCCPA, ARC-PA’s “Competencies for the Physician Assistant” and the “Accreditation Standards for Physician Assistant Education”) provide the foundation for the curriculum.

Physician Assistant faculty and clinical preceptors serve as mentors for students, modeling professional ethics and attitudes conducive to healthcare professionals and demonstrating required medical knowledge and skills. The course of study emphasizes case-based learning and a systems approach, linking theory and practice.  Students learn to value and practice interdisciplinary teamwork and healthcare delivery to diverse populations.

Medical KnowledgeThe Program provides instruction in the basic medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, and the genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease. It provides instruction in clinical medicine that covers the major organ systems. In addition, the Program provides supervised clinical practice in emergency medicine, family medicine, general internal medicine, general surgical care—including operative experiences, pediatrics, women’s health, psychiatry, behavioral medicine, and orthopedics. Upon completion of the Program, the graduating student will be able to:

Understand etiologies, risk factors, underlying pathologic processes, and epidemiology, including genetic factors, for medical conditions.

Identify signs and symptoms, and physical exam findings of medical conditions.

Select and interpret appropriate diagnostic and lab studies. Manage general medical and surgical conditions, including understanding

the indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and adverse reactions of pharmacologic agents and non pharmacologic treatment

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modalities. Identify the appropriate site of care for presenting conditions, including

identifying emergency cases and cases requiring referral or admission. Identify appropriate interventions for prevention of medical conditions. Identify appropriate methods to detect conditions in an asymptomatic

individual. Differentiate between the normal and the abnormal in anatomic,

physiological, laboratory findings, and other diagnostic data. Use history and physical findings and diagnostic studies to formulate a problem

list, differential diagnosis, diagnosis and patient management plan. Provide care to patients in all stages of life, including preventative, acute,

chronic, rehabilitative, and end-of-life care. Apply principles of patient self-management in those with chronic diseases,

including developing patient-provider partnerships, setting collaborative action plans and goals, and making provisions for appropriate follow-up.

Apply an understanding of human behavior and psychological development to patients’ conditions and situations.

Communication SkillsThe Program provides instruction in interpersonal and communication skills resulting in effective communication and collaboration between patient, families, and other healthcare professionals. Upon completion of the Program, the graduating student will be able to:

Create and sustain a therapeutic and ethically sound relationship with patients.

Present patient information in an articulate and concise manner in oral and written form

Use effective listening, nonverbal, explanatory, questioning, and writing skills to elicit and provide information.

Accurately and adequately document and record information regarding the care process for medical, legal, quality, and financial purposes.

Adapt communication style and messages suitable and appropriate for patients of varying backgrounds and cultures.

Obtain a pertinent history of the disease from the patient’s perspective. Provide medical care to patients from diverse populations, including

use of an interpreter and history taking through a third party. Work effectively with physicians and other healthcare professionals as a

member or leader of a healthcare team or other professional group.

Patient-Centered CareThe Program provides instruction in the care and management of patients across the lifespan, with a focus on cultural awareness and sensitivity. Upon completion of the Program, the graduating student will be able to:

Work effectively with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered care.

Demonstrate caring and respectful behaviors when interacting with patients and their families.

Make informed decisions about diagnostic and therapeutic interventions based on the patient’s information and preferences.

Develop and carry out patient management plans. Counsel and educate patients and their families about:

Coping with illness and injury. Adherence to prescribed treatment plans. Modification of behaviors to more healthful patterns. Management of chronic medical problems.

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End-of life-issues. Human sexuality.

Competently perform medical and surgical procedures considered germane to primary care.

Provide healthcare services and education aimed at preventing health problems and maintaining healthy, therapeutic lifestyle.

Recognize and treat substance abuse, violent behavior, and abuse in a patient and/or a patient’s family.

ProfessionalismThe Program provides instruction on professional issues and medical ethics. Upon completion of the Program, the graduating student will demonstrate the following:

Knowledge of the history of the physician assistant profession and the current trends in the profession.

An understanding of legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the role of the physician assistant.

A professional relationship with physician supervisors and other healthcare providers.

Awareness of limitations, openness to seek and accept constructive criticism and motivation to expand knowledge base.

Respect, compassion, and integrity, along with responsiveness to the needs of patients and society.

Accountability to patients, society, and the profession. A commitment to ethical principles pertaining to provision or withholding of

clinical care, confidentiality of patient information, and informed consent. Sensitivity and responsiveness to the patient’s culture, age, gender, and

disabilities. An ability to communicate information regarding patients, medical conditions

research materials to colleagues and peers. Knowledge of the legal issues of healthcare and their relation to physician

assistant practice. Knowledge of reimbursement issues, including documentation, coding and

billing, and professional liability.

Practice-Based Learning and ImprovementThe Program provides instruction to foster lifelong learning and critical thinking skills. It provides the skills necessary to search, interpret, and evaluate the medical literature in order to maintain a critical, current, and operational knowledge of new medical findings, including application to individualized patient care. Upon completion of the Program, graduating students will be able to:

Demonstrate awareness of with practice-based improvement methodologies. Locate, appraise, and integrate evidence from scientific studies related to

patients’ health problems. Obtain and apply information about the population of their patients and the

larger population from which patients are drawn. Use information technology to manage information and to access online

medical information.

Systems-Based PracticeThe Program provides instruction on providing patient-centered care that uses the most up-to-date methods to deliver medical care in a cost-effective and timely manner. Upon completion of the Program, the graduating student will be able to:

Use information technology to support patient care decisions. Demonstrate and apply familiarity with different types of medical practice and

delivery systems.

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Demonstrate knowledge of the funding sources and payment systems that provide coverage for patient care.

Partner with supervising physicians, healthcare managers, and other healthcare providers to assess, coordinate, and improve the delivery of health care and patient outcomes.

Technical Standards

All students in the Jefferson College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program must possess the intellectual ability to learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data. They must have functional use of the senses of vision, hearing, equilibrium, and smell, with or without reasonable accommodations. Their exteroceptive (touch, pain, temperature) and proprioceptive (position, pressure, movement, stereognosis, and vibratory) senses must be sufficiently intact to enable them to carry out all activities required for a complete physician assistant education. These standards for admission establish the expectations and abilities considered essential for students to complete and graduate from our Program. These technical standards will be necessary for successful clinical practice. Students must possess these technical standards at the time of matriculation and throughout the program. Students who do not demonstrate these standards during the course of the program are at risk for dismissal.

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The student must possess and be able to demonstrate the following abilities and skills: 

1. Intellectual: A student must have the mental capacity to assimilate and learn a large amount of complex and technical information; be able to conceptualize and solve clinical problems and to synthesize and apply concepts and detailed information from various disciplines in order to formulate diagnostic and therapeutic plans. Students must be able to learn to read and comprehend technical materials, medication and laboratory reports.

2. Observation: The ability to observe well is required for demonstrations and visual presentations, laboratory evidence, and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. A student must be able to observe patients accurately and completely, at a distance and closely. This requires functional vision and somatic sensation, enhanced by a sense of smell.

3. Communication: A student must be able to speak with, hear, and observe patients in order to elicit information, perceive nonverbal communication, and describe changes in mood, activity, and posture. The student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively in English with patients from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Students must be able to develop professional rapport, and efficiently and effectively communicate with the healthcare team, orally and in writing.

4. Motor: A student must have motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, and percussion, and to carry out diagnostic maneuvers. He or she must be able to execute movements required to provide general care and emergency treatment. Such skills require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and sensation. Students must have sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination to use standard medical/surgical instruments and possess sufficient control of the upper extremities to meet the physical requirements for training and performing a safe physical examination procedure.

5. Emotional: A student must have the emotional health to use fully his or her intellectual ability, exercise good judgment, and carry out all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients. The Physician Assistant Program at JCHS is demanding both intellectually and emotionally. Students must display sufficient emotional health to withstand stress, uncertainties and changing circumstances that characterize the rigors of our Program and the reality of life as a dependent practitioner. Physician assistant students must be able to work cooperatively with other students, staff, faculty, and patients.

6. Interpersonal: A student must be able to develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and colleagues. The ability to tolerate physical and emotional stress and continue to function effectively is a must. Students must be adaptable, flexible, and able to function in the face of uncertainty during the course of study and with patients. He or she must have integrity, the motivation to serve, a high level of compassion, and a consciousness of social values. Students need the interpersonal skills to interact positively with people from all levels of society, ethnic backgrounds, and beliefs.

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PA Program Standards of Professional Conduct

Behavioral attributes associated with success in the Physician Assistant profession are empathy, discipline, honesty, integrity, the ability to work effectively with others on a team, and the ability to address a crisis or emergency in a composed manner. The Standards and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Physician Assistant states:

The role of the Physician Assistant demands intelligence, sound judgment, intellectual honesty, appropriate interpersonal skills, and the capacity to react to emergencies in a calm and reasoned manner. An attitude of respect for self and others, adherence to the concepts of privilege and confidentiality in communicating with patients, and a commitment to the patient’s welfare, are essential attributes.

Adherence to these standards requires that PAs and PA students exhibit a high level of maturity and self-control even in highly stressful situations. You were invited into this Program because the Admissions Committee believes that you possess these qualities.

PA students must conduct themselves in a highly professional manner consistent with the responsibilities for patient care entrusted to them during their training. Professional behavior is not easy to define, but unprofessional behavior is readily identifiable. Failure to adhere to the following standards necessitates review by the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee and may result in corrective action or dismissal from the Program.

1. Respect: Students are expected to treat all patients, faculty, staff, clinical preceptors and fellow students with dignity and respect. Conflicts should be resolved in a diplomatic and reasoned manner. Students should be tolerant of diversity in student and patient populations. PA training involves a close working environment with other students, including physical examination of fellow students and discussion groups that may reveal information of a personal nature. Approach these situations with respect for the privacy, confidentiality, and feelings of fellow students. You can disagree without being disagreeable.

2. Communication: Effective communication is essential in your role as a student and as a medical provider. While enrolled here, you should follow these communication guidelines:

a. Respond to fellow students readily and tactfully.b. Recognize proper verbal and nonverbal communication.c. React in a positive manner to feedback and criticism.

3. Flexibility: PA training involves instruction from practicing clinicians with unpredictable schedules. At times, schedules for lectures or clinical sessions may be adjusted with short notice. The advantage of using practicing clinicians outweighs this inconvenience, and students should be flexible and tolerant of changes.

4. Integrity: You are expected to follow all policies in the Code for Student Conduct section of the JCHS Student Handbook; pay special attention to policies pertaining to academic honesty. PA students are also expected to display the highest ethical standards commensurate with work as a healthcare professional. Some of these are described in the Statement of Values of the Physician Assistant Profession, published by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

5. Identification: PA students must always identify themselves as Physician Assistant Students to patients and site staff. Never present yourself as a physician, a resident, a medical student, or a graduate physician assistant. You

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MUST always wear a short clinical jacket while at clinical sites, unless instructed not to do so by the site or the Program. Always wear your official name badge while in class and at clinical sites. While in the PA Program, students may not use previously earned titles (e.g., RN, DC, PhD) for identification.

6. Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of patients and fellow students; you are not permitted to discuss any patients by name outside the clinical encounter. Any discussion regarding a patient’s diagnosis, care, and condition should be conducted with discretion and preferably in private. For academic presentations and history and physical assignments, identify a patient by initials or chart numbers. Failure to adhere will result in dismissal from the Program per Carilion policy.

The above list is by no means exhaustive. Each PA class will negotiate additional attributes as a part of its class constitution. Students will compose the constitution during orientation with faculty facilitation. This document will serve as a professional and behavioral contract for the class.

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Code of Ethics of the Physician Assistant Profession

The American Academy of Physician Assistants recognizes its responsibility to aid the profession in maintaining high standards in the provision of quality and accessible health care services. The following principles delineate the standards governing the conduct of physician assistants in their professional interactions with patients, colleagues, other health professionals and the general public. Realizing that no code can encompass all ethical responsibilities of the physician assistant, this enumeration of obligations in the Code of Ethics is not comprehensive and does not constitute a denial of the existence of other obligations, equally imperative, though not specifically mentioned.

Physician Assistants shall be committed to providing competent medical care, assuming as their primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare and dignity of all humans.

Physician Assistants shall extend to each patient the full measure of their ability as dedicated, empathetic health care providers and shall assume responsibility for the skillful and proficient transactions of their professional duties.

Physician Assistants shall deliver needed health care services to health consumers without regard to sex, age, race, creed, socio-economic and political status.

Physician Assistants shall adhere to all state and federal laws governing informed consent concerning the patient's health care.

Physician Assistants shall seek consultation with their supervising physician, other health providers, or qualified professionals having special skills, knowledge or experience whenever the welfare of the patient will be safe-guarded or advanced by such consultation. Supervision should include ongoing communication between the physician and the physician assistant regarding the care of all patients.

Physician Assistants shall take personal responsibility for being familiar with and adhering to all federal/state laws applicable to the practice of their profession.

Physician Assistants shall provide only those services for which they are qualified via education and/or experiences and by pertinent legal regulatory process.

Physician Assistants shall not misrepresent in any manner, either directly or indirectly, their skills, training, professional credentials, identity or services.

Physician Assistants shall uphold the doctrine of confidentiality regarding privilege patient information, unless required to release such information by law or such information becomes necessary to protect the welfare of the patient or the community.

Physician Assistants shall strive to maintain and increase the quality of individual health care service through individual study and continuing education.

Physician Assistants shall have the duty to respect the law, to uphold the dignity of the physician assistant profession and to accept its ethical principles. The physician assistant shall not participate in or conceal any activity that will bring discredit or dishonor to the physician assistant profession and shall expose, without fear or favor, any illegal or unethical conduct in the medical profession.

Physician Assistants, ever cognizant of the needs of the community, shall use the knowledge and experience acquired as professionals to contribute to an improved community.

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Physician Assistants shall place service before material gain and must carefully guard against conflicts of professional interest.

Physician Assistants shall strive to maintain a spirit of cooperation with their professional organizations and the general public.

(American Academy of Physician Assistants, www.aapa.org)

Oath for PA Students

I pledge to perform the following duties with honesty, integrity, and dedication, remembering always that my primary responsibility is to the health, safety, welfare, and dignity of all human beings:

I recognize and promote the value of diversity and I will treat equally all persons who seek my care.

I will uphold the tenets of patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and the principle of informed consent.

I will hold in confidence the information shared with me in the course of practicing medicine, except where I am authorized to impart such knowledge.

I will be diligent in understanding both my personal capabilities and my limitations, striving always to improve my practice of medicine.

I will actively seek to expand my intellectual knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in medical art and science.

I will work with other members of the health care team to assure compassionate and effective care of patients.

I will uphold and enhance community values and use the knowledge and experience acquired as a PA to contribute to an improved community.

I will respect my professional relationship with the physician and act always with the guidance and supervision provided by that physician, except where to do so would cause harm.

I recognize my duty to perpetuate knowledge within the profession.

These duties are pledged with sincerity and on my honor.

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants950 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

703-836-2272www.saaapa.aapa.org/

Last Revised: 10/23/06

Attendance Policy

PreparationStudents are required to come to class, lab sessions, and clinical experiences fully prepared. Students are expected to have the knowledge that the admission

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requirements and prerequisite courses logically define. Students also are responsible for completing all pre-class and pre-clinical assignments. When necessary, students are expected to review and update areas previously studied.

Class AttendanceClass, lab, and clinical attendance are mandatory. Students are responsible for knowing all course content and skills taught during laboratory sessions. Although much of medical knowledge can be acquired from a textbook, problem solving, clinical reasoning, and interaction with fellow students and instructors play important roles in a clinical and professional education program.

When a student must miss a class or laboratory session, the student should inform the Academic Coordinator and the Program secretary by email or phone before the absence and make up all work missed during the absence. When absent for more than one day for a family emergency or a prolonged illness, consult the Academic Coordinator and the instructors of the classes missed as soon as possible. Faculty members will work with a student to help make up missed work whenever possible. All communication with faculty and staff is held in strict confidence.

Students with unexcused absences or who are habitually late will be referred to the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (see pg. 34) for review. Excused absences are absences that have been arranged ahead of time, an acute illness, or an emergency.

Emergency LeaveThe program recognizes that a student may have an unexpected personal or family emergency arise during classes or an assigned rotation (e.g. an unexpected family member illness or death. A wedding or other family celebration is not considered an emergency). Should such an emergency arise, the student must notify the Academic Coordinator or Clinical Coordinator and preceptor of such an event. If more than one day off is needed, the student must submit a written request to the Academic Coordinator or Clinical Coordinator and the request will be reviewed by faculty for approval. If approved, the student will be responsible for all coursework missed, or will be responsible for making up hours missed during a rotation. Make-up time will be jointly coordinated by the preceptor and Clinical Coordinator, not the student.

Missed ExamsStudents must take exams at the scheduled date and time. If the student cannot, he or she must let the instructor know ahead of time. If a student misses a scheduled exam because of an emergency, let the instructor know as soon as possible. The student will take the missed exam as soon as he or she returns to school. For example, if a student misses an exam scheduled for a Thursday at 1:00 and then returns to school Friday morning, he or she will make up that exam Friday before attending any classes. No extra time will be given to prepare for the exam. Some instructors may not allow make-up exams under any circumstances. Students who miss an exam are not to seek out any assistance from students who have taken the exam. Likewise, students who have taken the exam are forbidden from sharing any information about the exam. See the College honor code. Instructors have the prerogative to impose additional/different exam policies.

SuspensionIf in the judgement of the faculty member, a situation has occurred or is about to occur that would jeopardize in some fashion the student, patients, other students, the program or its affiliates, the Program Director may immediately suspend a

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student from any PA course for a period no longer than 48 hours (excluding weekends).

The Program Director may extend that suspension until appropriate investigation and resolution can be reached.

If the Program Director, in consultation with the clinical affiliate, determines that the student is unable to participate in the clinical phase of the program without endangering the safety of patients, staff or others, the student’s case will be referred to the PA Program faculty or SEPC for further recommendations which may include dismissal from the program.

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VacationStudents follow the PA Year One schedule for holidays and vacations during the didactic phase. During the clinical phase, students are scheduled for 13.5 months of rotations. The Year Two Rotation calendar includes scheduled vacations and holidays between some rotations; other days off are arranged with the preceptor and the clinical coordinator.

Inclement WeatherDuring the didactic year, the Program follows the inclement weather policy stated in the JCHS Student Handbook. The College may delay or cancel classes due to inclement weather or other conditions. Any announcement canceling classes or delaying the beginning of classes will be made before 6:30 a.m., if possible. Tune into a local radio or television station, call the College’s main number at (540) 985-8483 or check the college website for information about delayed or canceled classes. If the College is closed, there will be no PA classes. If classes are delayed, PA classes will begin at the time the College opens. Please exercise good judgment when driving during inclement weather. We do not want any students putting themselves in harm’s way whether the College is open or not.

Leave of Absence, Withdrawal, DecelerationA student who requests a Leave of Absence or Withdrawal from the Program must do so in writing to the Program Director and must also follow all procedures outlined in the JCHS Student Handbook. There is no deceleration policy during the didactic year; some exceptions may be made during the clinical year.

The JCHS Student Handbook states:

Leave of AbsenceA student in good academic standing who has a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above may request a leave of absence for health or other personal reasons.

A leave of absence shall not exceed 12 months. After that, the student will be considered a readmission applicant, unless an extension of the leave of absence has been granted by the Dean of Academic Affairs.

The student must request the leave of absence in writing through the Registrar’s Office after consultation with the Dean for Academic Affairs. In this written request, he or she must state an intended date of return to the College. A copy of this leave of absence must be sent to the Bursar, Financial Aid department, and the student’s advisor and Program Director.

The student on leave of absence must satisfy any conditions of the leave before re-entering and must comply with the course sequence and/or any curricular changes at the time of reentry. The student must inform the College in writing one term before returning so that the College can arrange a suitable orientation. A student’s return is subject to available space at the time.

Voluntary WithdrawalAny student who wishes to withdraw from the College during a term must complete an add/drop form and an exit form in the Registrar’s Office and make satisfactory arrangements before leaving the College. If the student is receiving financial aid, the student must also complete an Exit Interview with the Financial Aid Officer.

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Students who cease attending classes, clinicals and/or externships without completing the proper withdrawal procedure will remain academically and financially responsible.

Any student who has not properly “cleared” with the College will not be permitted to re-enroll until such clearance is completed. The official date of withdrawal will be the date the completed drop exit form is received by the Registrar.

Withdrawing students must turn in their identification cards, complete all paperwork and exit surveys, meet with a Financial Aid department officer and clear all charges on their student accounts at the time of their exit interview.

Dress Code

Personal appearance must be compatible with that of a health care professional. This is a professional program and students are expected to dress accordingly. Physician Assistant students must always appear acceptable to patients, preceptors, guest lecturers, and other professionals. The following guidelines are designed to maintain a professional image throughout your tenure at the JCHS PA Program. Violations of the dress code will be referred to the Program Director or to SEPC.

Classroom AttireAcceptableBusiness/smart casual. All clothing must be clean and wrinkle-free with no holes or frays. Khakis and golf shirts are acceptable. Shoes must be worn at all times. Open-toed shoes are acceptable, except during Anatomy lab and clinical experiences. Jeans are permitted on Fridays. In general, always dress neatly and modestly.

Unacceptable AttireSweatpants, workout clothes, jogging suits, leggings, Lycra tights, flip-flops, beach sandals, tank tops, mini-skirts, untucked shirttails, crop tops, midriff tops, or low-cut tops are unacceptable classroom attire. Undergarments, cleavage, and midriffs must never be visible. No sweatshirts,t-shirts, or other clothing with inappropriate wording, designs, or graphics may be worn. No hats or caps may be worn at any time. Visible tattoos are strongly discouraged.

The instructor for a class reserves the right to change the dress code for his/her course in consultation with the Program Director.

The Program Director, in consultation with faculty, staff and students, may call for occasional dress-up or dress-down days.

Clinical Skills PracticeDuring the first year, students will practice physical examinations on each other. Students may wear scrubs, shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops; women may wear sports bras or tank tops to the clinical skills lab. Students without proper attire will not be allowed in the Clinical Skills Lab.

First-Year Clinical Experiences and the Clinical YearProfessional dress is expected during the first-year clinical experiences, second-year rotations, End-of-Rotation (EOR), and other off-campus events, such as health fairs and continuing education activities.

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While on a clinical site, students must wear a well-kept short white lab coat with identification badge.

An odor-free and clean, neat appearance is required. Hair must be neat and clean. Facial hair is acceptable if it is neat and

trimmed. Nails must be clean and well trimmed. Nail polish cannot be worn during the

surgical rotation. Artificial nails are not allowed. Makeup and jewelry should not be worn in excess.

No perfume or cologne should be worn in the classroom, during clinical experiences, or on rotations.

No visible body piercing except ears is allowed. Students dressed inappropriately will be excused from classes or clinical

training and asked to report to the Program Director. A clinical site may impose additional requirements. If the site has established

its own dress policy, its policy supersedes that of the PA Program.

Students dressed inappropriately will be excused from classes or clinical rotations and asked to report to the Program Director. Repeated violations of the dress code are subject to disciplinary action and referred to SEPC.

Cell Phones and BeepersAs a rule, cell phones and beepers are permitted in class as long as the ringer is off or in vibrate mode. Some instructors do not allow cell phones or beepers in the classroom at all.

Curriculum Design

The curriculum design is based on the concepts of adult-centered learning and professional education, which focuses on the mastery of knowledge, skills and attitudes required by the graduate to practice effectively as a physician assistant. The curriculum, offered in didactic and clinical components, is an approach which moves from basic to more advanced skills. The curriculum design assumes students will develop the necessary skills to be self-directed learners and apply effectively what they learn in the clinical setting.

Didactic CurriculumClinical Medicine (PHA 300-302): This course examines diseases commonly encountered in primary care practice. Diseases covered include disorders of the hematologic, immunologic, skin, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, psychiatry systems, gastrointestinal, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, HENT, neurological systems pediatrics, gerontology, emergency medicine, orthopedics and surgery. Each disease is described in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. Attention is also given to primary and secondary methods of disease prevention. Diseases are reviewed from the organ systems approach in coordination with other courses in the clinical core.

Clinical Anatomy and Physiology (PHA 303-304): This course is devoted to the study of gross anatomy, clinical physiology, and pathophysiology. Special attention is given to the clinical significance of topographical and regional anatomical features. This course, as much as possible, follows an organ system approach with the remainder of the clinical core. The course includes lecture as well as a lab to include cadaver and computerized dissection displays.

Clinical Skills (PHA 306-308): This course is designed to develop clinical skills necessary for practice as a physician assistant in primary care. Knowledge and skills

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relevant to obtaining a medical history and conducting a physical and specialty examination formulating a differential diagnosis and initial treatment plan, presenting a case in a professional setting a medical history are the focus of this course. Completion of the PALS and ACLS certification requirements are also included.

Behavioral Medicine (PHA 309-310): This course is designed to foster the development and application of knowledge concerning the interrelationships of health, illness, culture and behavior for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and health promotion on the interpersonal level. Topics covered in this section include determinants of disease and health behavior, health behavior theories, establishment of Physician Assistant-patient partnerships, communication techniques needed for collaborative care, chronic disease management and patient self-management. Reinforcement of health promotion and disease prevention guidelines across the lifespan are presented simultaneously with specific organ systems covered in the Clinical Medicine course. Additional topics will include cultural competency, health literacy, effective behavioral management of stress and emotions, chemical dependency, depression and anxiety.

Clinical Pharmacology (PHA 312-314): This course is designed to provide a solid foundation in pharmacokinetics and pharmacological interventions for diseases covered in the Clinical Medicine sequence. In doing so, it serves to fulfill a portion of the State's requirements for physician assistants to apply for prescriptive authority.

Clinical Diagnostics (PHA 315-317): This course provides a practical approach to diagnostic testing in the primary care setting. It is designed to train students to order, perform and interpret the results of diagnostic procedures most commonly used in primary care, with attention to cost-benefit ratio. Students will learn the indications for, sequencing of and interpretation of results of tests commonly used in the diagnosis of dermatologic, hematologic, cardiac, pulmonary, infectious, inflammatory and endocrine disease.

Professional Seminar (PHA 318-320): This course will examine the professional issues that physician assistants commonly face in practice.

Clinical CurriculumInternal Medicine Rotation (PHA 401A-B): This is a required two-month rotation that takes place in inpatient settings. The purpose of this rotation is to educate the physician assistant student in the diagnosis, management and treatment of acute and chronic medical problems commonly encountered in the internal medicine setting. Emphasis is placed on the care of adult, non-surgical patients in rural communities.

Family Practice Rotation (PHA 403A-B): This is a required two-month rotation that takes place in outpatient and/or inpatient settings. The purpose of this rotation is to educate the physician assistant student in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients in a family practice setting. Emphasis is placed on the primary care needs of patients in rural communities.

Pediatrics Rotation (PHA 405): This is a required one-month rotation which takes place in an outpatient and/or inpatient setting. The purpose of this rotation is to educate the physician assistant student on growth and development of the child from infancy to adolescence and the diagnosis, management and treatment of common acute and chronic medical problems seen in pediatric practice. Emphasis is placed on conditions and disease entities commonly encountered in the rural primary care setting.

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Women’s Health Rotation (PHA 407): This is a required one-month rotation. The purpose of this rotation is to educate the physician assistant student on maternal and fetal well-being and the diagnosis, management and treatment of common acute and chronic medical problems commonly encountered in women's health. Emphasis is placed on the care of obstetrical and gynecological patients in the primary care setting.

Emergency Medicine Rotation (PHA 409): This is a required one-month rotation that takes place in an emergency department. The purpose of this rotation is to educate the physician assistant student in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of common emergent, urgent, and non-urgent medical problems which present to the emergency department. Emphasis is placed on those conditions and disease entities commonly encountered in the primary care setting.

Psychiatry Rotation (PHA 411): This is required one-month rotation that takes place in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The purpose of this rotation is to teach the student to evaluate, diagnose, and treat common acute and chronic psychiatric problems through direct patient contact. Emphasis is placed on conditions and disease entities commonly encountered in the primary care setting.

General Surgery Rotation (PHA 413): This required one-month rotation is conducted in both clinical and hospital settings. The purpose of this rotation is to educate the physician assistant student in the diagnosis, treatment and management of both the inpatient and outpatient surgical patient. Emphasis is placed on surgical conditions and disease entities commonly encountered in the primary care setting.

General Orthopedics Rotation (PHA 415): This required one-month rotation is conducted in both the clinical and hospital settings. The purpose of this rotation is to educate the physician assistant student in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of both the inpatient and outpatient orthopedic patient. Emphasis is placed on orthopedic conditions and disease entities commonly encountered in the primary care setting.

Community Medicine Rotation (PHA 417): This is a required one-month rotation located in a rural community setting. The purpose of this rotation is to educate the physician assistant student about community-based health promotion and disease prevention services and to integrate the knowledge of community health obtained in Behavioral Medicine I & II. This rotation provides the student with experiences in planning and implementing educational programs, health screenings, and chronic disease self-management in different community agencies and healthcare clinics.

Elective Rotation (PHA 419): The elective rotation is a one-month experience that is designed to provide the students with an opportunity to pursue an area of personal interest, including medical subspecialties, medical education, health administration and research. Students may also use this rotation to strengthen their skills in a required area.

Clinical Concentration (PHA 420): This required 6-week experience is the student's final rotation. It is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to refine skills in health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients. Ideally, it also provides practical experience in patient care responsibilities at a site of potential employment.

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Non-Discrimination Policy

Jefferson College of Health Sciences does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and all other applicable rules and regulations. Anyone having questions concerning any of those regulations, should contact the Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office:

Ms. Anna Millirons, Dean of Administrative Services Jefferson College of Health Sciences 920 S. Jefferson Street PO Box 13186 Roanoke, VA 24031-3186 Phone: (540) 985-8530

Advisors

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor at the beginning of the first year. The role of the advisor is to meet with the student on a regular basis, to assist the student directly if possible, or refer to an appropriate College resource when student issues arise that are either academic or nonacademic.

Each student will meet with their faculty advisor within the first two weeks of each semester. An additional required meeting will be scheduled midway through the semester. Each advisor will assess the student on professional behaviors at the end of the semester. Additional meetings may be scheduled as the need arises. Students are also encouraged to meet with other faculty members informally for course-specific advising.

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Communication

Change in Name, Address, Phone NumbersReport any change in name, address, and telephone numbers to the Program secretary in writing or via email immediately. Each student is responsible for reporting these changes to the registrar, the business office, and the financial aid office.

Email AccountsStudents are assigned an email account through the College server and are responsible for checking College email daily for important messages from faculty, staff, administration, and other students. No program email will be sent to personal email accounts. Students on clinical rotation should check their email on a regular basis.

MailboxesEach student is assigned a mailbox in room 205, the PA mailroom. Check your mailbox daily for program-related materials.

FaxThe program has a dedicated fax machine. The number is 540-224-4551. The fax machine is not available for personal use. If a students needs to use the fax machine for JCHS PA-related business, see the Program secretary.

BlackboardA significant amount of communication with students is handled through Blackboard, the web-based software program utilized by the College. Syllabi, objectives and course materials are available to students through the program.

In-House WebsiteThe program has its own website (www.ruralhealth.jchs.edu/pa/). Check the site for the PA calendar and announcements.

Tuition, Fees and Equipment

The tuition for the PA Program is announced prior to the start of each academic year and is subject to change without notice. All PA students are charged a flat rate per semester for tuition.

Acceptance DepositThe non-refundable $500 deposit serves as a confirmation of your intent to enroll and is applied to the cost of attendance upon enrollment.

Billing ProcedureEach student will receive an invoice of charges for each semester or summer session:

Payment of College expenses is the responsibility of the student. All charges are due on the date stated on the invoice for returning students. All tuition, fees and residence hall charges must be paid prior to class attendance.

The student must clear his or her account by the due date stated on the invoice in order to maintain valid registration.

Students receiving financial aid will receive an award letter from the Office of Financial Aid. If charges exceed the financial aid award, payment is expected prior to the due date stated on the invoice. If the financial aid award exceeds the charges, the student will receive a refund for the excess amount.

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Refunds, which are processed after the last day to add/drop courses, will be mailed unless otherwise requested by the student.

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Other Incidental FeesBackground Check $60Residence Hall $3,100/per yearMeal Plan $1,155/per semester (required for resident

students)Late Payment $50Diploma Replacement $60 (non-refundable)

PA Program Specific Estimated CostsTuition $48,860Books, Medical Equipment & Supplies, Laptop Computer $4,345Travel for PA Lobby Day $130Transportation for Clinical Experiences & Rotations $3,800Professional Dues $125Health Insurance cost varies according to the type of planConference Travel $800 Optional attendance at the National

Conference

Tuition RefundWithdrawal Date Refund

Before the first day of class 100% with no administrative fee

On or after the first day of classand on or before last date to drop 100%, less $100 administrative fee with a refund

After last day to drop No refund

Refunds for Residence HallCharges for rooms in the residence hall are billed on a semester basis. The method of determination of refunds for students who vacate their room is the same as shown for tuition refunds, except that the administrative fee in this case is $200. The $250 room deposit offsets this fee unless the student has caused damage to his/her room or to the residence hall. Students who occupy a room after the beginning of an academic term are charged a prorated rent and receive no refund if they vacate the room prior to the end of the semester or summer session.

1098-T InformationA 1098-T will be mailed to students in January.  The 1098-T informs the student of the possibility of a tax credit.  The amount of eligible charges, along with scholarships and grants are provided on each 1098-T.  It is the student's responsibility to determine eligibility for the tax credit.

Students with questions regarding payment processes should contact the Bursar’s office (Reid Center room 406) 540-985-8272.

EquipmentFirst-year students are required to obtain the medical equipment listed in their post-matriculation materials. During orientation, the Program brings vendors on campus to demonstrate various brands of equipment. Vendors may give the students a group discount, but you are not obligated to purchase from these vendors. Estimated cost is $550-775, depending on type, brand, and quality. The College assumes no financial responsibility for this equipment.

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Required medical equipment includes a stethoscope, blood pressure cuffs, at least one pair of scrubs, and a lab coat. A diagnostic set containing halogen coaxial ophthalmoscope, fiberoptic otoscope is optional. You will find it helpful to have a reflex hammer, C-28 tuning fork and C-512 tuning fork for class and during your rotations.

The following are items that a well-dressed PA student takes on rotations:short jacket with many pockets stethoscope penlight(s)oto-& ophthalmoscope pneumatic bulb glovesdisposable ear specula reflex hammer measuring tapetuning forks pocket eye chart safety pinstongue depressors pens & pencils ECG calipersbandage scissors various guidescotton tipped swabs bottle with strong-smelling substancessterile lubricant packs

Personal ComputersEach student is required to purchase a laptop computer. To maintain consistency and facilitate networking, we strongly urge our students to purchase the Dell computers available through the College website. The PA curriculum uses computers to deliver academic material during classes, especially through the Program’s website and Blackboard, to create a medical resource database, to access material on the Internet, to administer exams, and to transfer information during clinical rotations. Students are responsible for purchasing and maintaining their computer.

Other ExpensesStudents are responsible for paying for books, travel, parking, housing, living expenses, and meals, whether they are at the College or at a clinical site. There may be additional fees related to clinical experiences, such as the fee for a background check before starting clinical rotations.

Additional fees may include:Attendance at PA Lobby Day in Richmond, VA $130Background check prior to clinical year $60-$100Alpha Virginia Student Society of the American Association of Physician Assistants

$20/semesterVAPA (Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants $10/yearAAPA (American Academy of Physician Assistants) $75/2 yearsStudent Society dues $40/year

Transportation and HousingThe clinical year of the Program consists of clinical sites at hospitals and other healthcare facilities primarily throughout Southwest Virginia. Students will provide transportation to clinical sites and classroom activities. Students are responsible for housing during all phases of the Program. The Program will attempt to assist with identifying housing when a student is assigned to a remote clinical site, but this cannot be guaranteed. However, housing is provided for the Community Medicine rotation and for some other rural sites.

Health and Required Documentation

Health History, Physical Exam and ImmunizationsEntering students must complete the Required College Health Information and Forms packet that is mailed prior to the fall semester. This packet includes:

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Report of Medical History Physical Exam Form Immunization Record – Failure to secure adequate immunizations will prohibit

students from participating in required clinical rotations. Proof of these immunizations or titers must be provided (See pg. 90 of the JCHS Student Handbook for more information):

Tetanus-Diphtheria MMR Tuberculosis (PPD) – 2-step PPD and maintain annual PPD skin test

results Polio Hepatitis B Varicella Bacterial meningitis (Required of students in Residence Hall) Influenza (Recommended but not required) Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (recommended but not required

for any students with diabetes, heart disease, chronic pulmonary or liver disease.)

Statement of Continued Health Responsibility, Health Insurance and CPR Certification

Emergency Contact Information Health Insurance Information Drug Testing Information Meningitis Letter and Waiver of Immunization against Meningococcal Disease Proof of CPR Certification – Each student is required to complete and maintain

CPR certification throughout enrollment. CPR certification must include two-man, child and infant CPR and AED. Carilion Health System, Red Cross and the American Hearth Association offer courses and re-certification in these three techniques. Certification that does not include all three techniques will not be acceptable.

Background Check

A student will have a “hold” placed on their account blocking ability to register for classes and/or to attend a clinical experience if he or she has not completed and turned in all of the required documentation.

Each student will have a confidential health record maintained in the office of the Dean for Student Services.

Health InsurancePA students are required to maintain health insurance throughout your training. The college does not endorse any particular health plan, however; the Dean of Student Services does maintain a list of heath policies. Call 540-985-8395 for more information.

Student Malpractice InsuranceThe College maintains malpractice insurance that covers PA students on clinical rotations. However, students are not recognized as covered if they are in a practice setting that has not been arranged by or through the Program.

SafetyObserve standard precautions during laboratory and clinical skills training and during all patient contacts during the didactic and clinical year. Students are required to report any needle stick or other mucocutaneous exposure immediately to both the facility where it occurred and the PA Program, using appropriate incident reporting

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forms. The student should then follow the protocol of the institution in which the incident occurred. Students are not covered under Workman’s Compensation; they must have their own health insurance.

Blood Bourne Pathogens Exposure ProcedureAn exposure is an injury (cut, stick, or scrape) with a contaminated instrument (needles, blades, or other sharps), OR mucous membrane (eyes, inside mouth or nose) contact with blood or bloody body fluids, OR bloody/body fluid contact of an OPEN wound or NON-INTACT skin.

ProtocolIf you have an exposure to blood or body fluids you should:

A. Wash area thoroughly with soap and water (if eye splash, rinse with saline)

B. Report to your instructor immediatelyC. Report immediately to the nearest Employee health Office or Carilion

Occupational Medicine during business hours.CRCH – Mon., Tues., Thurs. 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM 4th floor (224-4411)CRMH – Mon. – Fri. 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM 5 South (981-7813)Occupational Medicine – Mon. – Fri. 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM 1st Fl. CRCH (985-8529)

D. Off hours, weekends, and holidays proceed to the respective Emergency Department and tell them you have had an exposure to blood or body fluids to facilitate quick response. Always remember to follow-up with employee health or Occupational Medicine the next business day to ensure appropriate care.

E. At non-Carilion facilities, follow steps A and B listed above. Follow the protocol of the health facility where you are assigned.

F. Complete an Event Report form available from the Program secretary or the College Safety Officer.

Carilion Employee (Student) Event FormIf a student needs to report an accident or exposure to a hazardous substance or a communicable disease, follow these steps:

Fill out a copy of the Carilion Employee Event form (see appendix A); a student on a clinical is considered an employee for this purpose.

Complete whatever forms are required by the institution where the incident occurred.

Be sure the Program gets copies of everything, including any follow-up work done. The Program office keeps a copy and gives a copy to the College's Safety Officer, Susan Booth.

The College is not responsible for any bills created by this incident; this is the reason students are required to have health insurance.

Health Care FacilitiesStudents with health problems are referred to Carilion facilities or the CRMH Emergency Department. Students may also choose where they wish to be seen under their own insurance policy. The College has contracted with two Carilion Family Medicine offices to provide student health services. When making an appointment at either of these offices, tell the office staff that you are a JCHS student to facilitate a quicker appointment:

Carilion Roanoke – Salem Family Practice1314 Peters Creek Road

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For appointment call: 540-562-5700

Directions: Take Jefferson Ave. to Elm Avenue. Take I-581 North for approximately 5.5 miles. Take Peters Creek Rd. exit 2-S. Follow Peters Creek Road approximately 2.5 miles. The office is located next to Parker’s Seafood.

Carilion Family Medicine – Southeast2145 Mt. Pleasant Blvd. SE

For appointment call: 540-427-9200

Directions: Take Jefferson Avenue south (toward CRMH). Turn left onto Walnut Avenue. Take an immediate left (after crossing bridge) onto Piedmont St., SE. Take the first right onto Riverland Road (this become Mt. Pleasant Blvd.), go approximately 1.5 miles. Carilion Family Medicine is across from Food Lion.

Student Disability Discrimination Complaint Process

Under 34 C.F.R. § 104.7(b) the College is required to adopt a grievance procedure providing for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging noncompliance with Section 504 or its implementing regulations that incorporate appropriate due process standards.

The College has a complaint procedure to deal promptly and fairly with concerns and complaints about discrimination based on disability as well as other areas of discrimination. The procedure may be used by any student who believes that he or she has been discriminated against or harassed based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or veteran’s status.

Anyone may bring forth information or a concern about discrimination or harassment. Complaints are handled as confidentially as possible to protect the rights of both the complainant and the person accused. Retaliation against anyone who makes a complaint or participates in a complaint process will not be tolerated.

Disability Grievance ProcedureAll Section 504 complaints, excluding those filed against the Section 504 Coordinator, should be addressed to:

Coordinator of Disability Services Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Room 703920 S. Jefferson St.PO Box 13186Roanoke, VA 24031-3186

All complaints filed against the Section 504 Coordinator should be addressed to:

Jennifer Carlo, MADean of Student Services, Room 705Jefferson College of Health Sciences920 S. Jefferson AvenueP.O. Box 13186Roanoke, VA 24031-3186

Complaints must be filed in writing within 180 days after the complainant becomes

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aware of the alleged violation. It must contain the name and address of the person(s) filing the complaint, and a description of the alleged violation.

An investigation, as may be appropriate, shall follow the filing of the complaint. The Section 504 Coordinator or the Office of the Dean of Student Services, depending upon the nature of the grievance, shall conduct the investigation. All interested persons and their representatives will have an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint.

Either the Section 504 Coordinator or the Dean of Student Services will issue a written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution. A copy will be forwarded to the complainant no later than thirty (30) working days after receipt of the complaint.

Upon receipt of the decision, if the student is not satisfied, he or she may file an appeal to the Dean for Academic Affairs. The Office of the Dean must receive the appeal no later than thirty (30) working days after the date of the written determination by the Section 504 Coordinator or Dean for Student Services.

The Office of the Dean for Academic Affairs, as may be appropriate, shall conduct an investigation, and the Dean shall issue a written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution. A copy will be forwarded to the complainant no later than thirty (30) working days after receipt of the complaint. The decision of the Dean for Academic Affairs is final.

OR

The student may file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights by accessing the complaint form and instructions at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OCR/complaintintro.html.

Or, by writing to: District of Columbia OfficeU.S. Department of Education1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Rm. 316P.O. Box 14620Washington, D.C. 20044-4620Telephone: 202-208-2545FAX: 202-208-7797; TDD: 202-208-7741Email: [email protected]

OR

The student may initiate legal proceedings through the attorney of his/her choosing.

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Outside Employment

The Physician Assistant Program is an extremely challenging and time-intensive educational experience. Successful completion requires that you give Program-related activities the highest priority. The Program strongly discourages outside employment for a student enrolled in the PA Program. Students should make every attempt to secure adequate financial assistance before entering the Program. Financial difficulties are not grounds for special academic consideration.

Outside employment is not an acceptable excuse for violation of the attendance policy, nor should employment interfere with a satisfactory level of student performance in program activities. If outside employment interferes with performance, the student may be referred to SEPC.

A potential conflict of interest may occur when a clinical training site is also the student’s place of employment. In such cases, the student may be reassigned. In no case will a student’s training overlap with employment, and in no case will a student be permitted to substitute for a bona fide employee during his or her clinical training.

It is imperative that the program be able to contact a student at all times, a copy of the student’s work schedule and a phone number when he or she can be reach must be filed with the Program secretary.

Identification

Physician Assistant students must be readily identifiable at all times whether in class or on clinical rotations. A College ID badge must be worn to gain access to the Reid Center. Since the PA classroom is now located in Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital it will be of utmost importance that an ID badge been worn at all times. A Physician Assistant student must always introduce himself/herself to a health care professional or patient as a Physician Assistant student with clarity.

Student Substance Abuse Policy

As an institution of higher learning in the health sciences, the College is dedicated to leading the way in the implementation of an effective program to prevent substance abuse. The College’s policy is established in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (P.L. 101-226), as amended by Public Law 100-297, and the Improving America’s School Act of 1994, (P.L. 103-382). The phrase “drugs and alcohol” includes any substance that is subject to abuse.

The abuse of alcohol, drugs or other substances by College students is unacceptable. Substance abuse can be evidenced in many ways but most frequently involves a lack of self-control that results in disruptive behavior or an individual harming him/herself or others. Students, who appear to be abusers, as identified by College officials, have two choices: they may either be assessed and, if recommended, participate in subsequent treatment; or they may be dismissed from the institution. (See pg. 20 of the JCHS Student Handbook for complete Alcohol and Drug Policies.)

Technology

Student Technology Use PoliciesStudent technology use policies ensure that all students have access to important technology resources and electronically delivered communication. Jefferson College

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of Health Sciences reserves the right to limit, restrict or extend computing privileges and access to its technology resources. All College technology resources are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. Failure to adhere to these policies may result in suspension or revocation of access and/or accounts. Questions or comments about these policies should be directed to the Dean for Technology Services.

One Jefferson Account PolicyThe College will issue a One Jefferson account to all accepted students at no cost. This account provides a username and password and the same naming structure for this account is utilized to access student email, IQ.Web (the student information system) and Blackboard (the course management system). Students are expected to utilize all three systems during their enrollment at Jefferson College of Health Sciences and are responsible for content and information provided through these systems.

Protection of AccountsAccounts for access to technology resources must be protected by the student by changing the initial password to a unique password known only to the individual student. Technology staff cannot see individual passwords, but do have access to reset accounts as necessary. Students forgetting account passwords may request they be reset by contacting Distance Learning and Instructional Technology staff. Students are responsible for appropriately logging out of all accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

Misuse of AccountsExamples of misuse of accounts include, but are not limited to:

Permitting other persons to use their usernames, passwords, accounts or disclosing usernames, passwords or account information to any third party.

Logging on to someone else's account. Changing or deleting another user's account. Attempting to gain unauthorized access ("hacking") to the files or computer

systems of any other person or organization. Using any account for commercial purposes or personal gain.

Misuse of technology accounts may result in disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.

Printers and Copiers for Student UseStudents have access to black and white laser printers in the ETC 24/7 and in the LRC during regular LRC hours. A black and white copier is also available for student use in the LRC. Each page printed on the printers in the ETC or LRC and each page copied on the LRC copy machine costs $0.05. Students may purchase $1, $5, $10, or $20 worth of copies on their copy card. Each time a page is printed or a copy is made the student will need their card and the appropriate amount will be deducted from the card.

Additional value can be added to the card anytime through the vend machine with cash in dollar denominations. Students are responsible for the safekeeping of their individual card.

For Program educational or business purposes, please see the Program secretary for copies. All copies must conform to the U.S. copyright laws and restrictions relative to fair use.

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ComputersClass time cannot be used to surf the Internet, answer email, or instant message. Instructors will ask you to turn off your computer if you are surfing the Internet during lectures. Students who use their computers for personal reasons during class risk losing the privilege to use them. Refrain from placing any unprofessional images as screen savers or backgrounds on your laptop.

Downloading from the InternetUse utmost care in downloading files from the Internet. Be aware that anything you download onto your PC can have adverse effects on the ability of the PC to function correctly. Seemingly “safe” things such as smiley faces, screen savers, games, and music can cause irreversible damage to your system software. At a minimum, these will use system resources that will slow down the overall performance of your PC. Scan all files with an updated anti-virus program prior to installation or execution. This is especially true of anything from file-sharing networks. Never believe anything you see in a pop-up window. Never install anything advertised in a pop-up window.

BlackboardA significant amount of communication with students is handled through Blackboard, the web-based software program utilized by the College. Syllabi, objectives and course materials are available to students through the program.

IQ.WebDeveloped by SunGard Higher Education, IQ.Web is an Internet software system designed to provide students, faculty, administrators and other members of an educational institution's learning community with "anytime, anywhere" access to information services. The student role of IQ.Web allows active students to develop an academic plan, register and pay for classes, review transcripts, grades, review health record and interact with faculty, advisors and other students.

Classroom PrinterWe are fortunate to have a dedicated printer in the classroom. To ensure that we can maintain this arrangement, please adhere to the following printing rules:

Do NOT print full-sized PowerPoint slides. If you must print from PowerPoint presentations, print at least three slides per page, better is six per page, better still is to print the presentation outline. Use “pure black and white” for printing. If you want to print entire pages, print them elsewhere.

Do not print during class. Ask the Program secretary for printing supplies. Do not print personal documents.

Use of Educational MaterialsLecturers may provide PowerPoint presentations and other educational materials to students. These materials are for educational purposes only and must not be reproduced or shared with persons outside the Program. Inappropriate use could be considered infringement of copyright law.

Rules Related to the Physician Assistant Program Facilities

PA Conference RoomThe PA Program has a comprehensive reference library (room 206). Please see the Program secretary to borrow books. This room may be used for study groups if necessary.

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PA ClassroomThis year we have a new PA classroom. When you start the program we will still be applying the finishing touches.

This classroom is for you. It is incumbent on everyone to keep the classroom as neat and clean as possible. Many guests will be in the classroom for lectures and presentations. There will be patients coming in and out of the hospital where the classroom is located. HIPAA training will cover the issues of patient confidentiality. Please abide by these regulations.

The classroom will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Under no circumstances are non-students permitted to be in the classroom.

Textbooks will be kept in the classroom for your use. Please do not remove them.

A refrigerator and microwave is available for your use. There will be a supply of drinks and snacks for guest lecturers that are not for general consumption.

Open drink containers are not allowed in the classroom.

Although Carilion provides a cleaning service, it is important that each student take a role in ensuring that trash is placed in appropriate containers and areas are straightened after use. Each class is responsible for creating and maintaining a cleaning schedule for the student lounge. Please ensure all leftovers are removed from the refrigerator in a timely manner. The microwave and other appliances must be kept clean and all dishes be washed and out of the sink area. General guidelines for the Clinical Skills Lab will be addressed in class.

A cafeteria is located on the 4th floor where students can congregate for lunch.

Personal EffectsThe Program is not responsible for personal effects. See the Security Guard in the lobby of the Reid Center for Lost and Found.

SafetyFor Carilion Police and All Other Emergencies: Dial 981-7911 or from a College or Hospital telephone 8-7911. (See pg. 99 of the JCHS Student Handbook for safety on the college campus.)

SmokingJefferson College of Health Sciences and all Carilion facilities are smoke-free.

ParkingAll motor vehicles (automobiles, motorcycles and motorized scooters) must be registered with the Campus Safety Office immediately upon bringing the vehicle to campus by obtaining a parking permit.

Students are required to park in designated student parking areas only. Students are allowed to park in the Carilion Roanoke Community Parking Garage on levels B and D only.

Vehicles parked illegally or overnight due to mechanical problems must be reported immediately to the Carilion Police Department (540-981-7911) day or night or a violation may be issued.

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(See pg. 72 of the JCSH College Handbook for complete parking and transportation policies and procedures.)

Transfer and Credit for Experiential Learning

The PA Program does not allow for the transfer of course credit from other institutions. All courses in the curriculum must be taken at JCHS and in sequence.

The program does not offer academic credit for experiential learning.

Evaluation of Student Performance

Didactic YearEvaluation of student work is based on written multiple-choice or essay questions, oral and written reports, oral and written reviews of the medical literature, performance of clinical skills, participation in group work, and assessment of patients. Frequency and types of evaluation vary among courses. Specific requirements are indicated in the course syllabi. Use the American Psychological Association (APA) style in written assignments unless otherwise instructed.

ExaminationsExamination of didactic knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attributes is an integral part of the teaching-learning process. Exams are timed, and all exams begin at the scheduled time. A student who has been delayed may be admitted to the exam up to 15 minutes after the session has started at the discretion of the instructor, however, will not be given extra time to complete the exam.

Any student in violation of the honor code will be initially referred to SEPC. Likewise, any student requesting test information from another student will be referred to SEPC. This applies to first- and second-year students. No test information should be shared during any phase of the program. Doing so is a violation of the College’s honor code. SEPC will have the option of referring violations to the Student Conduct Board as outlined in the JCHS Student Handbook (see Appendix B).

PACKRATThe Physician Assistant Clinical Knowledge Rating and Assessment Tool (PACKRAT) developed by the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP), is utilized to evaluate students during the didactic and clinical phase of their PA education and to better prepare students for taking the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

This test will be administered to students twice.

The first administration of the PACKRAT will be at the end of the didactic year. This test will demonstrate strengths and weaknesses in each student’s clinical knowledge. The results will be used by the student to direct their studying during the remainder of the program.

The second administration of the PACKRAT will be near the end of the program, as a part of the Summative Evaluation process. Students scoring less that a certain score will be required to take a PANCE Review course as their elective rotation.

Test Administration PolicyThe testing policy and procedures preserve the integrity and fairness of all examinations. No student will be permitted any advantage not afforded to every

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student. This is established in accordance with the NCCPA/PANCE and the National Board of Medical Examiners format for standardized medical testing.

1. All students will be seated at the announced exam time.2. Remove everything from your desks, chairs, top pockets (as best you can),

except the test form, answer sheets, erasers, and pencils or computer, if applicable.

3. No food or beverages are permitted during testing.4. Students are to supply all materials necessary to take the exam, with the

exception of the answer sheets and tests.5. No communication among test takers is permitted once distribution of testing

materials has begun.6. Habitually late students may be denied entry to the exam room and will

therefore fail the exam.7. For paper tests, it is the student’s responsibility to properly mark the answers

and identification information on each exam answer sheet. Any questionable or unreadable answers will be marked incorrect. Failure to accurately fill in identification information (name, SSN, test form) may prevent a student from receiving credit for test scores.

8. Do not turn over, view, or begin the exam until instructed to do so.9. Time limits for the exam will be announced and strictly enforced. (Note: the

NCCPA traditionally allows 45 seconds per question.) When time is complete, you must STOP.

10. Proctors will not answer questions pertaining to the exam content during testing.

11. Turn off all beepers, phones, or other communication devices during testing.12. Students are not to communicate with each other in any way. This includes both

verbal and nonverbal communication. If a student is suspected of either giving or receiving information, the proctor may collect his or her exam and dismiss the student from the session.

13. Students may make calculations and notes on the original exam. The exam questions must be turned in to the proctor at the end of the exam. For computerized examinations, blank paper may be used to make notes; however, the notes must be turned in at the completion of the examination.

14. Students are permitted to go to the restroom, unescorted, one at a time.15. Students will not be given extra time to transfer answers from the test to the

answer sheet.16. Upon completion of the exam, give the testing materials to the proctor and exit

the room as quietly as possible. Do not engage the instructor, proctors, or other students in conversation. The student MAY NOT return to the room for any reason until the testing session is over.

Most of the tests will be given electronically on Blackboard.

The faculty will not discuss the test in general or any specific question until grading is completed and test analysis performed. Grades will be placed in student mailboxes or communicated electronically as soon as is feasible after the examination. Students who pester the faculty and staff about the test are subject to a possible 5-point penalty on the grade.

Challenges to test questions will be allowed, only in writing, and only with documentation from the assigned reading. Challenges must be submitted to the course instructor within 48 hours of the return of the grades to the students, using the form on the PA on Blackboard (see Appendix C). Decision of the instructor about a test question challenge is final.

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Grading SchemeThe grading scheme for the program is as follows:

A = 4.0B = 3.0C = 2.0Failing = lower than a 2.0

In some courses, there are assignments and exams that have a minimum expectation higher than a “C.” In these courses, the syllabi will explain how grades are assigned and what the minimum standards are.

JCHS Testing Accommodation PolicyAny student with a disability who needs accommodations (including testing accommodations) should be ready to provide documentation of their disability and should make an appointment with the Coordinator of Disability Services, Barbara Awbrey, in room 701 in the Reid Center. Appointments can be made by calling Linda Weary at 540-985-8395. Students must follow this procedure to arrange accommodations. For more information call Ms. Awbrey at 540-985-8449 or email [email protected]. Also, see information for students with disabilities on the college website (www.jchs.edu).

Test ReviewResults of exams are made available to students in a manner that maintains confidentiality. Students have an opportunity to review all tests and exams with the instructor either individually or in a group after grades are posted. Exams will not be returned to students. They will be retained in the office until graduation; students may review old exams in the Program office.

Students who perform poorly on an exam or other evaluation instrument are strongly encouraged to contact the instructor to review content and test-taking skills.

Faculty members have office hours for pre-exam consultation to review course material and for post-exam consultation to review performance. Faculty members also make reasonable accommodations to meet students at other times on an appointment or walk-in basis. Submitting AssignmentsMost instructors prefer that assignments be posted on Backboard. They may also want the student to place a hard copy in their faculty box in the PA office. The course syllabus will indicate the instructor’s preference. Maintain a copy of all work submitted.

Late AssignmentsDiscuss with your instructor, prior to the due date, any emergency that may prevent on-time completion of an assignment. Again, students are urged to check the course syllabus for the instructor’s policy on late assignments.

Remediation PolicyThe purpose of test remediation is to assure mastery of cognitive material important to the practicing PA (and more immediately, to pass the PANCE). The point of mastering material is good patient care, not earning good grades.

Individual instructors may elect to allow remediation or not. For the fall 2007 semester, these courses allow remediation according to the procedures below: Clinical Diagnostics, Clinical Medicine, Clinical Skills and Pharmacology.

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(Other courses may have other rules; ask the instructor of the course about remediation.)

1. Anyone who earns a grade less than 70 (that is, 69.99 or below) on any exam may remediate one test during the semester.

2. The last test of the semester is not to be remediated and the grade will not be raised.

3. The student must discuss plans to remediate a test with the course instructor prior to the last week of classes.

4. For the test chosen, all questions missed on that examination must be remediated.

5. Remediation will consist of an explanation of why the right answer is right and the wrong answers are wrong. (See example.)

6. The remediation should be typed and placed in the instructor's box in the main office. No emails, please.

7. Each question remediated must include a reference from an assigned, required reading. If the answer cannot be found in an assigned reading, the student may reference an instructor's or guest lecturer's PowerPoint presentation.

8. Remediations will be graded "S" or "U" by the instructor. A student earning "U" should meet with the instructor to discuss the question and remediation to ensure that the student understands the concepts being tested and the correct way to perform remediation.

9. At the end of the semester, the instructor may elect to raise the grade on one test to a 70.

10. Unless otherwise notified, remediations will be done in the PA Office Conference room.

USE THIS FORMAT FOR REMEDIATION

PAGE HEADINGStudent Name: Course Name: Test Name and Date: Date of Remediation:

QUESTION HEADING Test Question Number: Question and choices:A 25-year-old woman has increased fatigue and tachycardia. A complete blood count shows the results below. What is the most likely cause of her problem?

hemoglobin 10g/dLhematocrit 30%MCV 76 cu µMCHC 28 g/100mlMCH 23 µ µg

a. folate deficiencyb. iron deficiencyc. kidney failured. vitamin B12 deficiency

Explanation:The correct answer is b, iron deficiency. The patient has anemia because her hemoglobin and hematocrit are low. The red cell indices show a hypochromic, microcytic anemia. Iron deficiency causes a hypochromic, microcytic anemia and is likely in a young woman who is menstruating. Folate and vitamin B12

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deficiencies cause macrocytic anemias. Kidney failure initially causes a normochromic, normocytic anemia.

Source: Current, 2002:517

For Faculty Use Only: Faculty Reviewer_______           Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory

Student Progress

To remain in good academic standing in the PA Program, the student must:

1. Maintain a current and cumulative GPA of 2.0 as outlined in the JCHS College Handbook.

2. Maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all PA courses. (For clinical rotations, refer to the Clinical Year Manual. All rotations must be passed with “C” or better as well.). Any grade below a “C” is considered failing.

3. Exhibit satisfactory evidence of professional behaviors, technical standards and interpersonal skills as outlined in the JCHS Student Handbook and the PA Student Handbook.

4. Have a passing grade on all proficiency exams (OSCE’s, check sheets) as determined by the faculty instructor.

Failure to achieve the above criteria shall be grounds for actions by the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (SEPC). Actions can include tutoring, remediating, repeating a course, deceleration or dismissal from the Program.

A student cannot progress to the next semester without resolving a failing grade. A student who earns a grade lower than a “C” will be referred to the SEPC and must enroll in and pay for PHA290, Independent Study. Credit hours will vary according to the amount of material the student needs to remediate. Objectives and evaluation are determined by the faculty member responsible for the course. If the student successfully passes the Independent Study, the “D” in the preclinical course will be changed to a “C” and the student will be allowed to progress to the next semester or to clinical rotations, however that student will be on academic probation. If the student does not pass the independent study that will constitute a second failing grade and the student will be dismissed from the program. Once on academic probation a student must make a “C” or better in all courses. Failure to make a “C” or better in all courses will result in dismissal from the Program.

The SEPC committee is charged with ensuring compliance with the above academic and professional policies. This committee is composed of the Academic Coordinator, PA faculty members, a PA Advisory Board member and member of the College faculty. They will make recommendations for actions to the Program Director. SEPC provides a written report detailing the specific nature of deficiencies and the rationale for recommendation to the Program Director. The committee considers specific deficiencies on a case by case basis with considerations of the student’s overall academic, clinical and professional performance. The PA Program Director has the ultimate authority for sanctions. Appeals of the Program Director’s decisions are forwarded to the Dean for Academic Affairs, as outlined in the Student Grievance Procedure and Appeal Process in the College Student Handbook.

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Students who are dismissed from the Program can reapply in the future. Applications must follow the state applications procedures to be considered for readmission.

Disciplinary Procedures

1. When disciplinary matters present themselves in the Program they will be initially discussed between the appropriate faculty member and the student. Generally a verbal warning will be given if the offense is minor (i.e. surfing the net in class, being disruptive, tardiness, etc.)

2. If the situation is not resolved, reoccurs or if similar behavior occurs, a written reprimand will be issued and will be a part of the students permanent file. In cases where behavioral issues are major or ongoing, the student will be referred to SEPC for further actions as appropriate. The sanctions may include behavioral contracts, probation and/or dismissal from the Program.

3. The recommendations from SEPC are forwarded to the Program Director for a final decision.

4. The student may appeal the decision as outlined in the student handbook.

Comprehensive Summative EvaluationBefore the Clinical Concentration rotation, each student will undergo a Summative Evaluation process. The purpose of this is to assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of each student and to ascertain if the student meets the expected competencies needed for a practicing PA. The summative evaluation takes into account the affective, professional and cognitive abilities of the student. Much of this process is accomplished throughout the year on an on-going basis. For example, professionalism, medical knowledge, critical thinking will be measured on an on-going basis during the clinical rotations. Those comments will be highlighted on this form. There are several sentinel events including the OSCEs and PACKRAT which happen only several times in the student’s career. The summative evaluation builds upon the didactic evaluation process.

The summative evaluation will assist the Program in validating that the soon-to-be-graduate has met the published competencies published by the Program of the Graduate Competencies.The Summative Evaluation process will include the following educational measures from the students: 

1. PACKRAT 1 and PACKRAT 2 measures:Medical knowledge 

2. OSCE 1 and OSCE 2 measures:Patient communication Medical knowledgeProfessionalismPatient-centered care

3. EOR Exams measures:Medical/knowledge Preceptor Evaluations measures:Patient communication Medical knowledgeProfessionalismPatient-centered care 

Course and Program Evaluation

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At the end of each semester, the student will be requested to evaluate the teaching overall effectiveness of each course and faculty member.

As part of our on-going accreditation, the results are used by the faculty and College administration as part of a self-evaluation. This helps the Program make changes and ongoing improvements to the curriculum.

At the end of the didactic and clinical year, the faculty will conduct focus groups with students for in-depth discussions on program effectiveness.

The Program Director will meet with first-year students on a monthly basis lending an opportunity to discuss various issues that arise during the course of study. Each student’s advisor is available to meet with them at all times.

Approximately one year after graduation, the College will mail the PA graduate a survey for evaluating the overall effectiveness of the JCHS Physician Assistant Program. The PA’s employer will be asked to evaluate the adequacy of your pre-employment training, as well.

Graduation

It is the student’s responsibility to submit an Application for Graduation two academic sessions prior to expected completion of the PA curriculum and College requirements for graduation. The student must file the application with the Registrar’s Office. This form can be found on the college website (www.jchs.edu) under Registrar.

Graduation RequirementsA student is eligible for graduation when the following criteria have been met:

All professional courses must be completed at Jefferson College of Health Sciences unless exceptions are permitted by the appropriate Program Director.

To earn a baccalaureate degree, a minimum of 40 credit hours of upper division coursework must be earned at Jefferson College of Health Sciences. Individual programs may require additional coursework to be completed at Jefferson College of Health Sciences; the number and nature of credit hours is determined by each program.

The minimum number of course credit hours prescribed in the chosen program of study must be successfully completed with a cumulative 2.0 GPA or better.

All professional courses must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” or equivalent.

The Application for Graduation and the Senior Exit Form must be completed and returned to the Registrar’s Office.

All specific program requirements must be satisfied and the appropriate instructional authority in the curriculum must recommend the student for graduation.

All financial obligations to the College must be met.

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Captain Sean Grimes Physician Assistant Student Societyof the American Association of Physician Assistants

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS We, the students of the Physician Assistant Program at the Jefferson College of Health Sciences, realize that through formal organization, we can benefit ourselves, our program, and our community. It is for this reason that we have established the Captain Sean Grimes Physician Assistant Student Society of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). In all aspects of its function, this society will pursue integrity, equality, dignity, and competence for the physician assistant as a health practitioner.

ARTICLE I. Name

The name and title of this organization shall be the Captain Sean Grimes Physician Assistant Student Society, herein referred to as the Student Society.

ARTICLE II. Purpose

The purpose of the Student Society shall be to serve as the official organization for the students in order to promote academic achievement, clinical excellence, community involvement, and the physician assistant as a member of the health care delivery team.

ARTICLE III. Membership

Section 1. Only physician assistant students enrolled in the program shall be eligible for membership.

Section 2. Active members shall be defined as full-time students, paying dues of $20 for Fall semester and $20 for Spring semester of the first year, and retaining voting privileges. Inactive members shall be defined as students who have left the program in good standing, or who no longer pay dues; inactive members are ineligible to vote. If second-year students want to remain active voting members, they must pay dues for the Fall and Spring semesters of the 2nd year.

Section 3. Students leaving the program for any reason shall retain membership in the Student Society for the remainder of the current academic year but shall be designated as inactive members.

Section 4. It shall be encouraged, but not required, that Society members become active members of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and of the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants (VAPA). However, officers are required to be student members of the AAPA.

ARTICLE IV. Dues and Fees

Section 1.  Upon payment of the Student Society dues, students will become active members of the Student Society.

Section 2. Dues are due by the second formal meeting of the Student Society for the Fall and Spring semesters of the first year. Any dues left

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unpaid or partially paid will inactivate the member until such time as all dues are paid in full.

Section 3. Inactive members, as defined in Article III, Section 2, are ineligible for benefits of funds raised by the Student Society, as described in Article X, Section 3.

ARTICLE V. Officers and Their Duties

Section 1. All officers shall be first-year students, except the HOD representative, who shall be the previous year’s Assembly of Representatives (AOR) officer, and the senior external affairs officer, who shall be the previous year’s junior external affairs officer. The officers of the Student Society shall be: president, vice president, treasurer, external affairs officer, internal affairs officer, AOR representative, AOR alternate, HOD representative, and student diversity committee officer. In addition, there should be a faculty advisor (appointed by the Program Director), and there will be an elected constituent chapter student representative. All officers, representatives, and delegates must be student members of the AAPA.

Section 2. The office of President. The duties of this office shall include but not be limited to the following: Preside over the monthly meetings; set the meetings’ agendas,

and submit the same to the internal affairs officer for copies and distribution.

Assign committee chairs, coordinate the activities of the committees, and keep membership informed of the activities of these committees.

Relay information received from SAAAPA to the Student Society. Hold regular business meetings of the Student Society, at least

every 4-6 weeks. Cooperate with the outgoing officers at the end of their terms of

office to provide assistance to the first-year officers. Attend quarterly PA Program Advisory Board meetings. Assist the program secretary with plans for class graduation. Assume other duties as determined necessary by the Student

Society.

Section 3. The office of Vice President. The duties of this office shall include but not be limited to the following: Assist the president and preside in his/her absence. Register the Student Society after elections have been held and

before November 1, which includes sending the Student Society bylaws to the SAAAPA staff advisor of the AAPA/SAAAPA national office.

Inform the membership on various student issues and activities of the SAAAPA.

Oversee all elected committee chairs.

Section 4. The office of Internal Affairs Officer. The duties of this office shall include but not be limited to the following: Maintain all records of the Student Society and record minutes

of meetings. Notify members of forthcoming meetings.

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Coordinate with fundraising committee chair in advertising all fundraising events.

Maintain contact with Student Society committee chairs to monitor any ongoing student-related projects. He/she shall maintain communication within appointed student leadership positions.

Section 5. The office of Treasurer. The duties of this office shall include but not be limited to the following: Coordinate the collection of dues. Maintain the Student Society bank account and report to the

membership the Student Society’s financial status at each meeting.

Section 6. The Faculty Advisor shall provide insight and direction into the proper, ethical, and professional standards of the physician assistant. He/she shall have no voting privilege.

Section 7. The Constituent Chapter Student Representative is expected to do the following: Attend constituent chapter board of directors meetings and

report back to his/her Student Society. Increase interaction among the Student Society, constituent

chapter, the Student Academy, and AAPA national office. Inform the new incoming class about the importance of

professional involvement and AAPA membership. Represent the Student Society by participating as a student

delegate in the AAPA House of Delegates meetings at the AAPA’s annual conference.

Inform the AAPA national office of his/her position as student delegate to the House of Delegates.

Educate Student Society members on national and local PA issues.

Submit an After Action Review (AAR) following Lobby Day activities.

Section 8. The Assembly of Representatives (AOR) Representative is expected to do the following: Distribute all Student Academy information to the students at

his/her program. Serve as a point of contact for the SAAAPA Board of Directors

and committees. Attend the AAPA annual conference to represent the Student

Society by participating in the SAAAPA Assembly of Representatives meetings.

Inform the AAPA national office of his/her position as student representative to the Assembly of Representatives.

Educate Student Society members about national and local PA issues.

Submit an After Action Review (AAR) following the National Conference.

Should the AOR representative be unable to fulfill his/her duties, the AOR alternate shall take his/her place.

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Section 9. The House of Delegates (HOD) Representative is expected to do the following: Distribute all HOD information to his/her program. Serve as point of contact for the SAAAPA and AAPA. Attend the AAPA annual conference as a SAAAPA delegate in

the formal meeting of the AAPA House of Delegates.

Section 10. The Student Diversity Committee Representative is expected to do the following: Inform the AAPA national office of his/her position as student

representative to the Assembly of Representatives. Increase awareness of different and diverse cultures. Act as liaison between the Student Society and the SAAAPA

Director of Diversity. Represent all PA students and convey any and all concerns

regarding diversity to SAAAPA.

Section 11. The office of Junior External Affairs Officer. This office shall be filled by a first-year student. The duties of this office shall include but not be limited to the following: Promote the Student Society and the physician assistant

profession Work with the Senior External Affairs officer. Assist the Director in coordination of PA Day.

Section 12. The office of Senior External Affairs Officer. This second-year position shall be filled by the previous year’s Junior External Affairs Officer. The duties of this office shall include but not be limited to the following: Promote the Student Society and the physician assistant

profession Work with the Junior External Affairs officer. Assist the Directors of Education of medical schools in our area.

ARTICLE VI. Elections

Section 1. All Student Society officer nominees shall be active members of

the Student Society and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Nominees must submit in writing their intent to run for office along with a personal profile by the election deadline of September 1.

Profiles of nominees shall be distributed to all members of the Student Society no later than one week before election date.

Secret ballot elections for officers’ positions will be held no later than the fifteenth day of September.

The faculty advisor shall be responsible for distributing and tabulating ballots.

Tabulation must be done immediately and the election results posted and winners notified. In event of a tie, a run-off election shall be held immediately.

Section 2. Once elections are completed, the Student Society Roster Form must be completed and returned to the AAPA national office by November 1.

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Section 3. Each officer will serve for a one-year term of office commencing immediately upon election and terminating after the new officers for the next year have been elected and oriented by the outgoing officers.

Section 4. In the event an office becomes vacant, all active members will be notified of such vacancy. Potential nominees have one week to submit an intent to run for office. Profiles of nominees shall be distributed to all members at least one week prior to an election. Elections will be by majority vote.

ARTICLE VII. Officer Training

It will be the responsibility of the outgoing officers to train and familiarize the new officers with their duties and responsibilities and the material needed to perform their jobs. Training must be completed within 30 days of the officer elections and may consist of phone or email communication.

ARTICLE VIII. Meetings

Section 1. The Student Society should meet every 4-6 weeks for the transaction of society business. The date and location of these meetings will be decided by the officers and announced to the student membership.

Section 2. Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the president provided no less than one week’s notice has been given to the membership.

ARTICLE IX. Committees

Section 1. The standing committees of this society shall be The Fundraising Committee, whose purpose is to develop and

implement (with majority approval) the ideas necessary to raise funds for Society activities.

The Social Committee, whose purpose is to coordinate social events.

Any other committees as deemed necessary by the Student Society.

Section 2. Committee membership shall be open to society members on a volunteer basis.

Section 3. All committees shall report their proceedings to the board at the monthly meeting.

ARTICLE X. Money Appropriations from Student Society Fundraising

Section 1. AOR and HOD representatives shall each receive 12.5 percent of total funds raised by the end of the second semester (end of April), as payment toward travel expenses to the AAPA annual conference, provided the officer presents a receipt of registration.

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Section 2. The Host City Prevention Campaign shall receive at least 10 percent of funds raised by March 1, the approximate deadline for this donation.

Section 3. Active Student Society members shall equally divide 30 percent of funds raised for travel to the AAPA annual conference. These funds shall be reimbursed at the end of the second semester (end of April) provided the member presents a receipt of registration. The only students eligible for this benefit are active members who have volunteered for at least two Student Society fundraisers. Any disagreements with this expectation can be addressed within and at the discretion of the Student Society.

Section 4. The remaining 35 percent of funds raised shall be used for miscellaneous expenses, such as state lobby day, national lobby day, or any other events to support the PA profession. Any funds remaining after the summer semester of the first year shall be put toward graduation or designated at the discretion of the Student Society.

ARTICLE XI. Amendments and Parliamentary Procedure

Section 1. The Parliamentary source used by the Student Society shall be Robert's Rules of Order. In all proceedings, the Constitution and the Bylaws of the Student Society shall take precedence.

Section 2. The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote, provided all amendments proposed are submitted to the president at the preceding month’s meeting and are in turn submitted to all members, in writing, at least two weeks prior to the vote.

Section 3. Any bylaws necessary to supplement this Constitution shall be approved at a monthly meeting and voted upon at the following monthly meeting with two-thirds of the society’s active membership voting. Absentee ballots are allowed.

ARTICLE XII. Impeachment

Any officer, for the abuse of his or her authority, misconduct in office, or gross neglect of duties, may be impeached and therefor removed from office by two-thirds vote of the all active members at a regular business meeting. Any charges against an officer must be formally written and filed with the Internal Affairs Officer at least one month before any vote shall be taken on the charge(s). A copy of the letter shall be served upon the officer at least two weeks before a vote shall be taken.

ARTICLE XIII. Disbandment

This organization shall not disband except by a two-thirds vote of the active membership at any given regular meeting. A written notice of the intent to disband must be issued to all active members and faculty advisor approximately one month prior to the vote.

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The Captain Sean Grimes Physician Assistant Student Society of the Jefferson College of Health Sciences is named after Capt. Sean Grimes, the first physician assistant to be killed in combat. His humvee hit an improvised explosive device on March 4, 2005, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Capt. Grimes epitomizes the military’s influence on the PA profession. He is a credit to the PA profession, his country, and the United States Army.

Adopted: September 15, 1997Latest revision: August 2, 2007

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Clinical Year Outline

The 13½ months of clinical training comprise 12 one-month rotations and a six-week final Clinical Concentration. The clinical rotations provide hands-on learning in a variety of teaching hospitals, private practices, and community and rural health clinics.

CLINICAL ROTATIONS

Internal Medicine Two 1-month rotationsFamily Practice Two 1-month rotationsCommunity Medicine 1 monthEmergency Medicine 1 month General Orthopedics 1 monthGeneral Surgery 1 monthWomen’s Health 1 monthPediatrics 1 monthPsychiatry and Behavioral Medicine 1 monthElective 1 monthClinical Concentration 6 weeks

By the end of your clinical rotations, students must have spent at least three days in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or a rehabilitation center. We will work with you to facilitate your placement.

Students will do their Community Medicine rotation in one of the program’s permanent rotation sites, where housing is available. That month will include participation in the planning, implementation, and evaluation tasks for the PA student Chronic Disease Self-Management Project; providing education, service, and support to already established community health initiatives within the health district; and some clinical experiences. Students should use this month to further develop skills in community health interventions and outreach, patient education, provider-patient partnership, patient self-management, health behavior change (therapeutic lifestyle change), and cultural competency. Roles and responsibilities in this rotation are different from those in the others.

The Elective rotation is done after completing the rest of the rotations except the Clinical Concentration. It may be in a clinical subject area of special interest or may be used for additional work in a required subject area as determined by the Program. Elective rotations may be self designed, but the Clinical Coordinator makes the final decision. Submit Elective and Clinical Concentration request forms to Barb Williams no later than April. Do NOT confirm these rotations with preceptors—the Program takes care of that.

The Program offers the PANCE review course as the Elective for all students who score below a predetermined score on the PACKRAT. The Clinical Coordinator will inform the students of the minimum score for the year; currently it is 135. Other students may choose to take the course as well, depending on space. Students interested in taking the PANCE review should let the Clinical Coordinator know before April 15.

The Clinical Concentration, the final clinical experience as a PA student, is designed to provide you with an opportunity to refine skills in health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients. Ideally, it will also

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provide practical experience in patient care responsibilities at a site of clinical interest.

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Assignment of Rotation Sites

All students will complete all rotations in approved clinical sites.

Students must be prepared to complete some rotations out of town, in areas throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The Program provides some of the housing for these required rotations.

Students who are responsible for caring for children, parents, or animals need to make arrangements for this before the clinical year. No student is exempt from out-of-town rotations.

Assignments are based on availability and Program needs. In general, students are required to complete the first few rotations in

established clinical sites. All requests for rotations go through the Program; students are welcome to

talk to potential preceptors about doing rotations with them, but this must cleared it with the Program. This includes the final rotation, the Clinical Concentration.

The Clinical Coordinator and Program Director reserve the right to deny sending a student to any particular site based on the student’s academic performance, evaluations, strengths and offerings of the clinical site, or any other reason.

Clinical rotations within 60 miles of the College are considered local and the Program in general does not provide housing for these sites.

New Clinical Sites The creation of a new clinical site must have positive ramifications for the

Program—the preceptor should be open to accepting additional students for future rotations. If you are aware of a site where you may want to do a clinical rotation, submit the Clinical Site request form found in this book and on the PA website as soon as possible to the Clinical Resource Associate, Barb Williams; but be aware that this is not a guarantee of being assigned to that site. A new site must meet the requirements of the Program and can only be approved by the Program.

Students are responsible for ensuring that all paperwork and information for a new clinical practice and preceptor are completed and returned to the Program. All necessary paperwork and agreements must be signed and in place before the student will be allowed to go to that site for a rotation. Hospital affiliations may take up to six months to complete.

The preceptor for the new site may not be a relative of the student requesting the creation of the new site.

Students may be assigned to a maximum of four new clinical sites you have identified, provided that the sites meet our requirements and that the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator approve these rotations.

Role of the PA Student

Prerequisites for Clinical RotationsBefore the first rotation, students must have the following:

Proof of health insurance. Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification. Up-to-date immunizations, including MMR, DPT, HBV, varicella, and polio, or

proof of immunity. Proof of TB test within past 12 months and repeat TB testing every 12 months.

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Current physical examination and updated medical history. Criminal background check

Some rotation sites will want documentation of the above for their own files—we recommend that each student take proof of immunizations and TB test results with you on the first day of each rotation. If compliance with the above cannot be verified, the student will be removed from the rotation until the student can prove compliance. Although the College does keep the immunization documents the student provided for its own files, the College is not responsible for keeping medical records updated nor can it provide these documents to others without a written release from the student.

In addition, before a student begins a rotation, the following criteria must be met:1. Successful completion of all didactic course work.2. Successful completion of each previous rotation, or arrangement with the

Clinical Coordinator to finish an “Incomplete” or remediate an unsatisfactory rotation grade later.

Criminal Background ChecksIn accordance with JCAHO regulations, all students in clinical programs are required to have completed a background check. Students will have done this at the beginning of the Program. This is different from the background check student will be completing for HCA affiliates. Failure to have the background check on file will prevent a student from beginning a clinical rotation. Students can expect to undergo additional background checks or fingerprinting for some locations, typically at their expense. Students going to Giles County for the Community Medicine rotation require an additional background check once they arrive there. The PA Program will pay for this.

Clinical ActivityWhile on a clinical rotation, you function as an integral part of the medical team. You will be assigned to a licensed clinician who will serve as your preceptor. You will perform histories and physicals, assess assigned patients, assist in formulating management plans, perform various procedures, and otherwise participate significantly in patient care as determined by the preceptor. You will be responsible for monitoring patient progress, reporting to the supervising preceptor, and implementing the preceptor’s plans. You will be required to attend lectures, read articles, and give case presentations as assigned by the preceptor. There are opportunities at various facilities for medical lecture and conferences. These are excellent learning opportunities to further your medical training; it is expected that you will attend these.

You will be given as much hands-on experience as the preceptor believes you are capable of handling. The best way to demonstrate your capability and worth is to look for work actively, ask questions, engage in outside reading, report early, stay late, and volunteer for call.

You are an invited guest of each rotation site and, as such, you should leave a positive impression of yourself, the College, and the physician assistant profession. Be sure that your interactions are courteous and respectful at all times, and be prepared to discuss the PA profession, how PAs function within the medical community, and your role as a PA student.

Despite your best efforts, you may from time to time encounter people who are not supportive of you or the PA profession. Additionally, students and preceptors may experience difficulties that strain their relationships. You are expected to deal with

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such problems in a mature and professional manner. If the situation can’t be resolved, consult the Clinical Resource Associate immediately.

PA students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines while on rotations:

1. Physician assistant students on clinical rotation must work under the direct supervision of a licensed physician or physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife who is supervised by a licensed physician.

2. Students must wear a Jefferson College of Health Sciences patch on their lab coats and a visible name badge designating student status, and they must identify themselves as physician assistant students to all patients and staff at all times.

3. Students will not see patients, make a diagnosis, or carry out any procedure or treatment plan without the explicit prior approval of the preceptor or designee.

4. The student will never work without a clearly identified on-site supervisor. If the preceptor is to be absent, he or she will identify an alternate preceptor for the student. The student will notify the Program of any unexpected preceptor change lasting more than one day.

5. All charts and written orders must be signed with the student's name clearly written followed by the designation PA-S unless told otherwise by the rotation site. At no time may the student use other professional titles (e.g. RN, EMT) in written form or otherwise while on clinical rotation.

6. All chart entries and written orders must be countersigned in accordance with the policy of the site.

7. Students will not consent to assess any patient or perform any procedure that is beyond their ability.

8. Students are not to perform clerical or administrative work for the site.

9. Students will observe the highest level of patient confidentiality at all times.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in disciplinary measures.

AttendanceRotation work hours are determined by the preceptor and may include nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as an on-call schedule. Course syllabi list a minimum of 172 clinical hours for each rotation. Expect to work far more than this: 16 to 18 twelve-hour shifts on your emergency medicine rotation, 10- to 12-hour days on your surgery and internal medicine rotations (not including call and weekends), and some nights and weekends on all of your other rotations. Preceptors are not obligated to give days off on weekdays, weekends, or holidays. College snow days are NOT days off while on rotation. Note that the rotation calendar does not follow the traditional school calendar—there is no spring break or breaks between semesters. Adhere to the clinical rotation calendar on the PA website.

Follow reporting instructions; notify the Clinical Resource Associate, Barb Williams, of any errors or schedule changes.

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Within the first three days of each rotation let Ms. Williams know how to reach you during regular office hours; also notify her of any temporary or permanent change in your mailing address, phone number, or work email address. Send us this information by filling out the location form on the PA website. Also list your work schedule on this form or email your schedule to Ms. Williams.

If your clinical site requires an orientation, it is mandatory that you attend. Failure to attend orientation will be considered an unexcused absence.

Absenteeism Adherence to scheduled rotation hours and attendance at end-of-rotation

activities is mandatory. Failure to fulfill this requirement is considered in the evaluation of the academic and professional performance and may result in a failing grade for the rotation.

If you must be late to or absent from a rotation, or if your schedule has changed, you MUST notify both the preceptor and the Clinical Resource Associate, Barb Williams, as soon as possible, but never later than 9 am on the day of the absence. If you cannot speak with a person in the office, leave a number where you can be reached and the reason you are calling.

Excused Absences Incapacitating illness and unexpected family emergencies are considered

valid reasons for being absent. Business appointments, job interviews, weddings, graduations, and other social events are NOT valid reasons for being absent. Absences for these and other planned activities must be approved in advance by the Clinical Coordinator or designee. Requests for planned absences must be made in writing at least 14 days in advance; such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any excused absence may require documentation.

More than two days missed from a clinical rotation due to an excused absence must be made up within that rotation. Failure to make up excessive time missed due to an excused absence will result in a grade of “I” (incomplete) for the rotation.

A rotation in which a student receives an “I” due to excessive excused absences may be completed at a later date at the discretion of the Clinical Coordinator or Program Director depending on the availability of the rotation.

Only the PA Program may excuse an absence. A preceptor cannot give an excused absence.

Attendance at conferences and lectures outside the clinical rotation site need prior written approval from the Program.

Unexcused Absences Absences not reported as outlined above will be considered unexcused

regardless of cause. Planned absences not arranged as outlined above will be considered

unexcused. All unexcused absences and habitual tardiness will be referred to the Student

Evaluation and Promotion Committee. The following actions will also be taken: 1st unexcused absence: Meet with the Clinical Coordinator; final

rotation grade may be decreased by one letter grade. 2nd unexcused absence: Meet with the Program Director; final

rotation grade may be decreased by two letter grades.

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AttireBusiness attire is required for all rotations. No cropped pants or open-toed shoes are allowed. All tattoos and body piercing, with the exception of earrings, must be concealed.

Be guided by your preceptor’s instructions for exceptions to this rule. Scrubs are not generally permitted except in surgery. Inappropriately dressed students will be asked to leave the rotation site and will receive an unexcused absence until they return properly attired. In addition, you must wear the JCHS identification badge during all patient encounters.

Students are required to wear a short student lab coat on rotation. Long lab coats are not acceptable. Any student not complying with this will be referred to the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee. Believe it or not, students have failed rotations and put on probation for violating this policy.

Medical Diagnostic EquipmentTake your own medical diagnostic instruments (stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, reflex hammer, etc.) to all rotations.

Meals and HousingAll expenses related to meals and housing while on clinical rotations are your responsibility. Some sites may provide meals; however, the Program does not require that any site do so. The Program has provided housing at some rural clinic sites, which you may or may not elect to use. This housing is for assigned students only. No children, friends, or pets are allowed to stay at any time. At times male and female students may occupy separate rooms in the same housing. The Program reserves the right to change housing assignments at any time. You should care for the housing sites as you would your own home. Clean up before you leave. You will be responsible for paying for any damages. Use your cell phone for long-distance calls.

Clinical rotations within 60 miles of the College are considered local and the Program will not provide housing for these sites.

Travel reimbursementYou will receive a check after your Community Medicine rotation to reimburse you for transportation costs. Transportation costs for all other rotations are your responsibility.

Malpractice InsuranceAll clinical students are covered under the Jefferson College of Health Sciences professional liability policy while at assigned rotations. All reportable incidents involving students and patients must be reported immediately by phone and in writing to the Clinical Coordinator.

Accidental Exposure PolicyWhat is an Accidental Exposure?An exposure is (1) an injury (cut, stick, or scrape) with a contaminated instrument (needle, blade or other sharp), OR (2) mucous membrane (eyes, inside mouth or nose) contact with blood or bloody body fluids, OR (3) blood or body fluid contact of an OPEN wound or NON-INTACT skin.

If you have an exposure to blood or body fluids, you should:Wash area thoroughly with soap and water (if eye splash, rinse with saline).

Report to your preceptor immediately.

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Report immediately to the nearest Employee Health Office or Carilion Occupational Medicine during business hours.

CRCH, 4th floor—Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 7:30 am-4 pm (224-4411) CRMH, 5 South—Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-4 pm (981-7813) Occupational Medicine, 1st Floor CRCH—Monday-Friday, 8 am- 4:30 pm

(985-8529) During off hours, weekends, and holidays, proceed to the nearest Carilion

Emergency Department and tell them you have had an exposure to blood or body fluids to facilitate quick response. Follow up with Employee Health or Occupational Medicine the next business day to ensure appropriate care.

Fill out the Carilion Employee Event form. As a student on rotation, you are considered an employee.

Complete the forms required by the institution where the incident happened. Be sure the Program gets copies of everything, including any follow-up work

done. The Program office keeps a copy and gives a copy to the College Safety Officer, Susan Booth.

Always keep the accidental exposure card with these instructions on your name badge.

The College is not responsible for any bills created by an accidental exposure incident. We require students to have medical insurance in case this occurs.

Universal PrecautionsFollow OSHA Guidelines for universal precautions at the clinical site, including the use of gloves, care of sharp objects, use of eye wear, protective clothing, and other precautionary measures.

Patient ConfidentialityMedical ethics and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act) forbid violation of patient confidentiality. Both you and your preceptor should be sensitive to this issue. Any discussion regarding a patient’s diagnosis, care, and condition should be conducted with discretion and, preferably, in private. You should identify patients by initials or chart numbers in case studies and other written reports. Failure to adhere to HIPAA standards will result in dismissal from the Program.

Code of ConductAll students accepted into the Jefferson College of Health Sciences PA Program are considered responsible adults. As such, they must maintain the professional standards and behavior expected by the Physician Assistant profession. PA students on clinical rotations represent the College, the Program, and the Physician Assistant profession at all times. Each PA student is expected to be familiar with the College’s Code for Student Conduct as written in this Student Handbook.

In the unexpected event that a PA student is accused of a violation of the code, especially if the student is arrested or removed from a clinical site, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Clinical Coordinator immediately. The Clinical Coordinator will then notify the appropriate Program and College officials. Failure to notify the Program immediately will result in further disciplinary action.

Student MistreatmentIf at any time you feel uncomfortable, mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against, immediately contact the Clinical Coordinator or Program Director. This includes verbal, nonverbal, and physical behavior.

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Much more information regarding the clinical year will be given to you in the Clinical Year Manual before you begin rotations.

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Physician Assistant ProgramStudent Handbook

Appendices

Appendix A Carilion Employee (Student) Event Form

Appendix B Jefferson College of Health Sciences Honor Code

Appendix C Didactic and Clinical Year Examination Question

Challenge Form

Appendix D Confirmation of Receipt of Policies and Procedures

for Physician Assistant Students Academic Year

2007-2008

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Appendix A

EMPLOYEE EVENT REPORT PROTOCOL (EER)

The employee must report the event within 24 hours to the Manager/Designee and complete an EER immediately. (For bloodborne pathogen exposures, treatment must be received within one hour of the exposure)

An accident investigation must be conducted by the Manager and/or Safety Officer/Workers’ Compensation Representative within a reasonable time frame as warranted by the severity of the injury with measures documented to prevent reoccurrence.

Completion Instructions

Please submit all pertaining to the event.

The employee is to complete Section 1. Section 2 is to be completed by the treatment site. Section 3 is for Workers’ Compensation follow up.

Briefly describe cause of event, (example: “Coming out of patient’s room, I slipped and fell on wet floor”).

Be sure to indicate what part of the body is injured, include left or right side, (example: needle stick to the left index finger).

After completing the EER form, the employee/manager must place his/her signature at the bottom of Section 1.

Routing Instructions

The completed EER must accompany the employee to his/her facility-designated site listed below or to a chosen Panel Physician. Roanoke based employees: CRMH or CRCH Employee Health Department. CNRV & CSAH: Carilion New River Valley Emergency Department CBMH: Emergency Department CFMH: Emergency Department CGMH: Emergency Department CHC: Local Facility Site

For injuries that require immediate/emergency treatment the employee should report to the nearest Emergency Department.

Following treatment by a Physician the employee must report to the Workers’ Compensation Representative to receive authorization for return under the guidelines of the Carilion Workers’ Compensation policy.

Send all copies of the EER to the Workers’ Compensation Office within 48 hours.

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EMPLOYEE EVENT REPORT(Include Accident, Exposures and Communicable Illness)

(ALL BLANKS MUST BE FILLED OUT)SECTION 1 To be completed by the Employee (INSTRUCTIONS ON FOLLOWING PAGE)

Name of Facility:       Social Security Number:      Name of Employee:       Phone (W):      Home Address:       Phone (H):      City/State/Zip Code:       Date of Birth:      Department/Job Title:       Years Employed:      Date of Event/Location of Event/Time (Fill in line below): Average Hours Per Week:           Date Event Reported/To Whom Reported (Fill in line below):

DESCRIPTION AND CAUSE OF EVENT

           MEASURES TAKEN TO PREVENT REOCCURANCE

     

Name of Witness:       Phone Number of Witness:      

BODY PARTS AFFECTED

Left or Right Side Left or Right Side Left or Right Side Left or Right Side

Head Abdomen Hand Foot Eye Back Finger(s) Toe(s) Face Arm Wrist Ankle Neck Shoulder Leg Hip Chest Groin Knee Other

Employee Signature: Date: Manager/Designee Signature: Date:

SECTION 2 To be completed by Treatment Site & returned immediately to Worker’s Compensation/Employee Health Office

TREATMENT DESCRIPTION OF TREATMENTOccupational Medicine

     

Employee HealthEmergency Dept.No Tx NecessaryDeclined TreatmentOther

SECTION 3 To be completed by the Worker’s Compensation Office.Released to Home      HospitalizedFull DutyRestricted DutyOther (explain)

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Manager/Designee Signature: Date: Temporary Restricted Duty Assignment Days: Last Days Worked:

Workers’ Compensation Rep. Signature: Date:

Routing: To the Workers’ Compensation Office

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Appendix B

JCHS ACADEMIC HONOR CODE AND JCHS HONOR PLEDGE

ACADEMIC HONOR CODEThe College expects students to exhibit high levels of integrity in all activities. The College reserves the right to deny admission to or remove students from any program if they have a record of misconduct or demonstrate behavior that would jeopardize their professional performance.

Every faculty member and student is responsible for assuring academic integrity at the College.

It is the student’s responsibility to know what constitutes academic dishonesty, cheating or plagiarism. If students are unclear they should seek the advice of the instructor. Students should consult the College Catalog for more information about academic dishonesty.

JCHS ACADEMIC HONOR PLEDGE“I will not lie, cheat, steal nor tolerate those who do” as defined in the JCHS Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge.

GENERAL PRINCIPLESA. Purpose: The primary purpose for the maintenance of discipline in the College

setting is the protection of the campus community and the maintenance of an environment conducive to learning and inquiry. Freedom of thought and expression is essential to the College’s academic mission.

B. Inherent Authority: The College reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well being of the campus community.

C. Interpretation of Regulations and Standard of Conduct: To the extent feasible and practicable, disciplinary regulations at the College are in writing in order to give students general notice of prohibited conduct. The regulations are not a criminal code; they should be read broadly and are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms.

D. Proceedings: Disciplinary proceedings conducted pursuant to the Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge shall be informal, fair and expeditious. Procedures governing criminal or civil courts, including formal rules of evidence, are not applicable. Deviations from the procedures in this Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge shall not invalidate a proceeding or decision, except where such deviation has clearly resulted in significant prejudice to an accused student or the College.

E. Violations of Local, State and Federal Law: Students may be accountable to both governmental authorities and to the College for acts which constitute violations of law and this Code. Student misconduct allegedly constituting a felony or misdemeanor offense may be referred to appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution. Disciplinary proceedings at the College will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been filed, prosecuted, dismissed, reduced, or otherwise resolved, or that such proceedings constitute double jeopardy.

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DEFINTIONS1. The term “College” means Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

2. The term “student” includes all persons taking courses at the College, either full-time or part-time, pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Persons who withdraw after allegedly violating the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge, who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the College or who have been notified of their acceptance for admission are considered “students”. The Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge apply at all locations of the College as well as to off-campus violations, which negatively impact the living-learning environment, the mission of the College, or the welfare of any member of the College community.

3. The term “faculty member” means any person hired by the College to conduct classroom or teaching activities or who is otherwise considered by the College to be a member of its faculty.

4. The term “College official” includes any person employed by the College, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities. A College official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including security and law enforcement personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

5. The term “member of the College community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, College official, or employed by the College. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the Dean for Student Services or their designee.

6. The term “College premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, controlled by the College (including the adjacent streets and sidewalks), or used by the College in direct support or in a manner related to the College’s educational purposes, including residence halls and clinical sites.

7. The term “organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for College recognition.

8. The term “Student Conduct Board” means any person or persons authorized by the Dean for Student Services to determine whether a student has violated the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge and to recommend sanctions that may be imposed when a rules violation has been committed.

9. The term “Dean for Student Services or his/her designee” means a College official authorized on a case-by-case basis by the Dean for Student Services to impose sanctions upon any student (s) found to have violated the Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge. The Dean for Student Services may authorize his/her designee to serve simultaneously as the sole member or one of the members of the Student Conduct Board. The Dean for Student Services may authorize his/her designee to impose sanctions in all cases.

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10. The term “Appellate Board” means any person or persons authorized by the Dean for Student Services to consider an appeal from a Student Conduct Board’s determination as to whether a student has violated the Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge or from the sanctions imposed by the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee.

11. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.

12. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.

13. The Dean for Student Services is that person designated by the College President to be responsible for the administration of the Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge.

14. The term “policy” means the written regulations of the College as found in, but not limited to, the JCHS Code for Student Conduct, Academic Honor Code and the JCHS Honor Pledge, departmental handbooks, College Student Handbook, College web page and Graduate/Undergraduate Catalogs.

15. The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) use of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the College faculty or staff; or (4) engaging in any behavior specifically prohibited by a faculty member in the course syllabus or class discussion.

16. The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

17. The term “Complainant” means any person who submits a charge alleging that a student violated this Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge. When a student believes that s/he has been a victim of another student’s misconduct, the student who believes s/he has been a victim will have the same rights under the Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge as are provided to the Complainant, even if another member of the College community submitted the charge itself.

18. The term “Accused Student” means any student accused of violating the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge.

ACADEMIC HONOR CODE AND JCHS HONOR PLEDGE AUTHORITYThe Dean for Student Services or his/her designee shall determine the

composition of Student Conduct Boards and Appellate Boards and determine which Student Conduct Board, a designee appointed by the Dean for Student Services or Appellate Board shall be authorized to hear the matter.

The Dean for Student Services shall develop policies for the administration of the student conduct system and procedural rules for the conduct of Student Conduct Board Hearings that are consistent with provisions of the Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge.

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Decisions made by a Student Conduct Board and/or Dean for Student Services or his/her designee shall be final, pending the normal appeal process.

PROSCRIBED CONDUCT AND JURIDICTION OF THE ACADEMIC HONOR CODE AND JCHS HONOR PLEDGE

The College Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge shall apply to conduct that occurs on College premises, at College sponsored activities, clinical sites and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the College Community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Each student shall be responsible for his/her conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment (including conduct that is not discovered until after a degree is awarded). The Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge shall apply to a student’s conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending. The Dean for Student Services shall decide whether the Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case-by-case basis, at their sole discretion.

BEHAVIORS CONSTITUTING CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ACADEMIC HONOR CODE AND/OR JCHS HONOR PLEDGE

Any student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in the section on sanctions:

1. Acts of academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following:a) Cheating, plagiarism, other forms of academic dishonesty, or violation

of the College’s Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge;b) Furnishing false information to any College official, faculty member or

office;c) Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College application, document,

record, or instrument of identification;d) Unpermitted collaboration on assignments;e) Misrepresentation of student status, academic credentials, or

completion of clinical hours or assignment;f) Falsification of a resume, transcript or application;g) Knowingly making false allegations of academic misconduct against

any member of the College community;h) Using materials during a quiz, exam or assignment other than those

specifically permitted by the instructor.

2. Acts which violate policies of clinical agencies or College policies regarding clinical practice, including but not limited to:

a) Abuse, neglect, or abandonment of patients or practicing in an unsafe manner in a clinical setting;

b) Intentionally or unintentionally disseminating patient information without written and signed authorization from the patient or guardian, or as otherwise allowed by law;

c) Demonstrating unethical practice, lack of integrity or acceptance of responsibility for one’s own learning and actions;

d) Knowingly practicing outside the scope of professional training or practicing in an unsafe manner in a clinical setting.

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3. Acts involving theft or other abuse of College computer facilities or resources, including but not limited to:

a) Unauthorized efforts to enter, monitor, use, read, or change computing hardware or software contents or for any other purpose;

b) Unauthorized transfer of a file;c) Use of another individual’s identification or password;d) Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with the work of

another student, faculty member or College Official;e) Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or abusive

messages;f) Use of computing facilities and resources to view or receive

pornography;g) Improper use of the Internet while on College property;h) Any acts prohibited by the College’s technology, computer use and/or

email policies;i) Use of computing facilities or resources to interfere with the normal

operation of the College computing system, College administration, research, clinical education or practice, teaching or community service;

j) Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.

4. Acts of abuse of the Student Judicial System, including but not limited to: Failure to obey the summons of a College Administrator or College

Student Conduct Board Official to appear before a meeting or hearing as part of the Student Conduct System;

Intentional dishonesty before any judicial body of the College including falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a College Administrator, College Student Conduct Board Official, or College Student Conduct Board;

Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a Student Conduct Board, College Conduct Board Official, or College Administrator;

Initiation of an Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge proceeding without reason or in bad faith;

Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participating in, or use of the student conduct system;

Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a Student Conduct Hearing prior to and/or during the course of a judicial proceeding;

Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge proceeding;

Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge of Conduct;

Influencing or attempting to influence, another person to commit an abuse of the Student Judicial System;

Failure to comply with the terms of a probation; Facilitating or encouraging violations of the Academic Honor Code

and/or JCHS Honor Pledge by helping, procuring, or encouraging another person or persons to engage in a violation of the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge or other College policy.

Students are required to engage in responsible academic and social conduct that reflects credit upon the College community and to model good citizenship.

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Student groups or organizations and their officers may be held responsible for violations of the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge by members or others associated with the organization or group, which have received the tacit or overt consent or encouragement of the group or organization or its leaders, officers, or spokespersons.

STUDENT CONDUCT ACADEMIC HONOR CODE AND JCHS HONOR PLEDGE PROCEDURES

A. Charges and Student Conduct Board Hearings

1. Any member of the College community may file charges against a student for violations of the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge. A charge shall be prepared in writing directed to the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee. Any charge should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place, preferably within five (5) business days.

2. If a faculty member is convinced that a clear violation of the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge has occurred he/she will discuss the matter privately with the student(s) involved. No penalty will be imposed until the student has been informed of the charge and given an opportunity to present a defense. Faculty will complete a Notification of Academic Misconduct form with the accused student. These forms are available in the Dean for Student Services’ Office in Room 705 and online from the College’s homepage.

Upon completion of the discussion with the student, the faculty member will write a letter to the student detailing the violation and the subsequent consequences. A copy of this letter will be submitted to the Program Director and Dean for Student Services. The faculty member will inform the student of the action taken and of the right to appeal the decision following the appeals process found in this handbook.

3. If the charges are not admitted and/or cannot be disposed of by mutual consent, the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee may later serve in the same matter as the Student Conduct Board or a member thereof. The Dean for Student Services or his/her designee may conduct an investigation to determine if the charges have merit and/or if they can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee. Such disposition shall be final and there shall be no subsequent proceedings. If the student admits violating institutional rules, but sanctions are not agreed to, subsequent process, including a hearing if necessary, shall be limited to determining the appropriate sanction(s). (The term “Student Conduct Board” means any person or persons authorized by the Dean for Student Services to determine whether a student has violated the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge and to recommend sanctions that may be imposed when a rules violation has been committed.)

4. All charges shall be presented to the Accused Student in written form. A time shall be set for a Student Conduct Board Hearing, not less than five nor more than fifteen calendar days after the student has been notified. Maximum time limits for scheduling of Student Conduct Board

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Hearings may be extended at the discretion of the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee.

5. Student Conduct Board Hearings shall be conducted by a Student Conduct Board according to the following guidelines except as provided by article (A) (8) below:

a. Student Conduct Board Hearings normally shall be conducted in private.

b. The Complainant, Accused Student and their advisors, if any, shall be allowed to attend the entire portion of the Student Conduct Board Hearing at which all information is received (excluding deliberations). Admission of any other person to the Student Conduct Board Hearing shall be at the discretion of the Student Conduct Board and/or the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee.

c. In Student Conduct Board Hearings involving more than one Accused Student, the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee, at his or her discretion, may permit the Student Conduct Board Hearings concerning each student to be conducted either separately or jointly.

d. The Complainant and the Accused Student have the right to be assisted by an advisor of their choosing and at their own expense. The advisor must be a member of the College community and may not be an attorney. The Complainant and/or the Accused Student is responsible for presenting his or her own information, and therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any Student Conduct Board Hearing before a Student Conduct Board. A student should select as an advisor a person whose schedule allows attendance at the scheduled date and time for the Student Conduct Board Hearing because delays will not normally be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor.

e. The Complainant, the Accused Student, and the Student Conduct Board may arrange for witnesses to present pertinent information to the Student Conduct Board. The College will try to arrange the attendance of possible witnesses who are members of the College community, if reasonably possible, and who are identified by the Complainant and/or Accused Student as least two weekdays prior to the Student Conduct Board Hearing. Witnesses will provide information to and answer questions from the Student Conduct Board. Questions may be suggested by the Accused Student and/or Complainant to be answered by each other or by other witnesses. This will be conducted by the Student Conduct Board with such questions directed to the chairperson, rather than to the witness directly. This method is used to preserve the educational tone of the hearing and to avoid creation of an adversarial environment. Questions of whether potential information will be received shall be resolved at the discretion of the chairperson of the Student Conduct Board.

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f. Pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements may be accepted as information for consideration by a Student Conduct Board at the discretion of the chairperson.

g. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the chairperson of the Student Conduct Board.

h. After the portion of the Student Conduct Board Hearing concludes in which all pertinent information has been received, the Student Conduct Board shall determine (by majority vote if the Student Conduct Board consists of more than one person) whether the Accused Student has violated each section of the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge which the student is charged with violating.

i. The student Conduct Board’s determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the Accused Student violated the Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge.

j. Formal rules of process, procedure, and/or technical rules of evidence, such as are applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge proceedings.

6. There shall be a single verbatim record, such as a tape recording, of all Student Conduct Board Hearings before a Student Conduct Board (not including deliberations). Deliberations shall not be recorded. The record shall be the property of the College.

7. If an Accused Student, with notice, does not appear before a Student Conduct Board Hearing, the information in support of the charges shall be presented and considered even if the Accused Student is not present.

8. The Student Conduct Board may accommodate concerns for the personal safety, well-being, and/or fears of confrontation of the Complainant, Accused Student, and/or other witnesses during the hearing by providing separate facilities, by using a visual screen, and/or by permitting participation by telephone, videophone, closed circuit television, video conferencing, videotape, audio tape, written statement, or other means, where and as determined in the sole judgment of the Dean for Student Services to be appropriate.

B. SanctionsThe following penalties shall be imposed for violations of academic integrity at the College:

For academic integrity violations in the classroom or laboratories:First Offense: A person who pleads guilty or who is found guilty of a violation of

the Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge in a didactic classroom situation shall receive a lower grade of “F” on the assignment, or in the case of a serious violation, a lower grade of “F” for the course.

Second Offense: In the event of conviction of a second offense of the Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge not under the same charge, the student will be suspended from the College. Students so suspended may petition for readmission to the College no sooner than one year from the date of

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suspension.For academic integrity violations in a clinical situation:First Offense: A person who pleads guilty or who is found guilty of a violation of the Academic Honor

Academic Honor Code and JCHS Honor Pledge in a clinical situation will either be immediately suspended or permanently dismissed from all College classes, activities, and facilities. The student will receive a grade of “F” in the course and will be administratively withdrawn from all other courses.

Students who are suspended may petition for readmission to the College no sooner than one year from the date of dismissal. Students who are permanently dismissed are ineligible to reapply to the College. The severity of the sanction will be determined in part by the seriousness of the academic integrity violation and if the student has been found guilty of other academic integrity violations.

Additional sanctions may include:a) Permanent Dismissal/Expulsion

Permanent dismissal/expulsion is involuntary separation from the College without the possibility of future readmission. Students who are permanently dismissed may not return to campus, nor participate in any College-related academic or social activity, function or event. Students who return to campus after having been notified of being permanently dismissed may be subject to legal action.

b) Suspension Suspension is the involuntary separation from the College for a specified period of time, at the end of which the student may reapply for readmission, assuming no intervening misconduct has occurred and the student completes all requirements set forth for readmission. The burden of proof as to whether all requirements set forth for readmission have been met lies with the student. Students suspended from the College may not return to campus during the time the sanction is in effect without advance written permission from the Dean for Student Services. If the conduct of a student, prior to the date in which the sanction takes effect, is judged to be an immediate threat to himself/herself, to others, or to College operations or property, the student may be suspended immediately and/or for the remainder of the term, pending appeal.

c) Disciplinary ProbationDisciplinary probation is a strong, formal warning issued to the student in response to a serious violation of the College Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge. Probation for a stated period of time and is intended to foster increased self-discipline and respect for the standards of the College. Subsequent misconduct, especially during the probationary period, will result in a more stringent sanction.

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d) Admonition/Warning Admonition is a written notice that a student has violated campus regulations and that future misconduct of any nature will be dealt with more stringently. There are two letters regarding admonition a student might receive.

A letter of warning is an admonition in which the student is advised that a specific behavior is inappropriate and of his/her responsibility to comply with College policy.

A letter of reprimand is an official censure containing sanctions for violation of College policy. The letter of reprimand will contain four components; a reprimand for the inappropriate behavior, notice that the conduct associated with the violation must stop immediately and permanently, sanctions for the violation, and notice that additional violations shall result in more severe sanctions.

e) Restitution Restitution is payment to the College or to other persons, groups, or organizations by a student or a group, for damages occurred as a result of misconduct. Failure to meet the conditions of payment will result in the withholding of grades, diplomas, and transcripts and can result in further sanctions.

f) Loss of PrivilegesLoss of privileges is the removal of certain student privileges including, but not limited to, the following: visitation privileges, the privilege to live in the residence hall, the privilege to have stereos or other equipment, and the privilege to have a car on the College campus.

g) Behavioral Contract A behavioral contract is a document written by a College official, which requires a student to complete sanctions within a specified period of time or further sanctions may be instituted.

h) Educational Assignment An educational assignment is a task that is related to the misconduct involved and designed to increase the student’s understanding of the regulation that was violated. The educational assignment will be completed within a specified period of time or further sanctions may be instituted.

i) Work Assignment/Community ServiceA work assignment/community service is a task or series of tasks assigned by the Dean for Student Services or other College administrator, designed to increase the student’s self-discipline and respect for the standards of the College. The assignment will be provided in writing, not exceed 25 hours, and must be completed by a specific date. The work assignment will be completed within a specified period of time or further sanctions may be instituted.

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j) FinesFines are administered to student(s) or group(s) for up to $100 as punitive damages. If fines are assessed, they shall follow a pattern of:

Admonition $25.00Disciplinary Probation $50.00Repeat Offenses Double the fine

Fines shall be paid to the Bursar’s Office with instructions from the

Dean for Student Services or other College administrator and will

become part of the general College fund.

k) Revocation of Admission and/or DegreeAdmission to or a degree awarded from the College may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of College standards in obtaining the degree, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.

l) Withholding Degree The College may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in the Student Conduct Code, including the completion of all sanctions imposed, if any.

m) Mental Health Assessment Mental health assessment and treatment may be required before a student is readmitted or allowed to come on College property. The Dean for Student Services or designee must receive a letter from a mental health professional, verifiable by College officials, stating that in his/her professional judgment the student will no longer continue the behavior, which gave rise to the disciplinary action against him/her or that the student’s continued presence on campus is not a threat to himself/herself or others. The student shall bear the cost and expense of obtaining mental health clearance.

More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.a. Those sanctions listed above in the section on sanctions (B)(1)

(a)-(e)b. Loss of selected rights and privileges for a specified period of

time.c. Deactivation. Loss of all privileges, including College

recognition, for a specified period of time.

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In each case in which a Student Conduct Board determines that a student and/or group or organization has violated the Academic Honor Code and/or JCHS Honor Pledge, the sanction(s) shall be determined and imposed by the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee. In cases in which person(s) other than, or in addition to, the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee have been authorized to serve as the Student Conduct Board, the recommendation of the Student Conduct Board shall be considered by the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee in determining and imposing sanctions. The Dean for Student Services or his/her designee is not limited to sanctions recommended by members of the Student Conduct Board. Following the Student Conduct Board Hearing, the Student Conduct Board and the Dean for Student Services or his/her designee shall advise the Accused Student, group and/or organization (and a companioning student who believes s/he was the victim of another student’s conduct) in writing of their determination and of the sanction(s) imposed, if any.

(2007-2008 JCHS Student Handbook)

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Appendix C

JCHS PA ProgramDidactic and Clinical Year

Examination Question Challenge Form

Please follow the following guidelines when challenging an examination question.

1. Challenges to test questions will be allowed after the return of grades to all students.

2. The student has only 48 hours in which to submit a challenge.3. Documentation for the didactic year is to be provided from assigned readings

or lecture PowerPoints only. 4. Documentation for the clinical year is to be provided from reliable medical

sources and will be accepted at the discretion of the clinical coordinator.5. The challenge form must be filled out completely and submitted to the course

instructor via email.6. The course instructor's decision about a challenge is final.

Student’s name __________________________Exam __________________________________Instructor _______________________________Date of Exam ____________________________Today’s Date _____________________________

Question Number _______

Question and choices: (please write out entire question)

Answer marked correct according to original test scoring _______

Answer marked by student _______

Justification:

Reference (Only references from assigned reading or PowerPoint presented in class will be considered.):

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Appendix D

Jefferson College of Health SciencesPhysician Assistant Program

Class of 2009

I have received a copy of the Physician Assistant Policies and Procedures Handbook. It has been reviewed with me and I understand the contents and agree to abide by the policies therein.

_____________________________________Signature

_____________________________________Printed Name

_____________________________________Date

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