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fingerprinting, and/or drug screening for students to have practice opportunities at
those institutions. The student may be responsible for these costs.
A criminal record or failure to pass a drug screen may impede clinical training and may
negatively affect a student’s status in the PA Program. By accepting admission to the
program, a student agrees to submit to national criminal background checks as well as
drug screening and to pay any associated expenses.
Medical Records and Patient Confidentiality
Patient confidentiality is a critical value for physician assistants and physician assistant students
and is essential for maintaining the patient-provider relationship and for preserving the trust
that society has placed in the medical profession. PA students are privileged to learn
information that patients share only with healthcare professionals and have opportunities to
participate in some of the most personal moments of patients’ lives. Patients, in turn, trust that
PAs and students will preserve their confidentiality; as a key component of medical
professionalism, PA students must honor this trust.
Students are not to discuss a patient in any manner or situation that would reveal any
information about that patient to any person not directly involved in the patient’s health care.
Students must refrain from discussing patients in public places, (i.e. cafeterias, elevators, etc.)
where conversations may be overheard. Students should remind those who may be
inappropriately discussing patient information, about patient confidentiality.
Students will adhere to ethical principles and use practical reasoning when dealing with patients
at all times. No student should medically treat other PA students, friends, or family members
while a student is in the PA Program.
At times, ensuring patient confidentiality may conflict, or appear to conflict, with other
important values, such as academic freedom and freedom of speech, giving rise to complex
ethical issues. These ethical issues are difficult to navigate, particularly for students who may be
new to clinical environments. In confronting these issues, students are strongly encouraged to
take advantage of the many resources available to them at the MCOM. For example, students
may consult with clinical mentors and attending physicians, PA preceptors and faculty, medical
ethics faculty, and the Office of Student Affairs.
All students must follow Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPPA) rules when participating in clinical activities at affiliated hospitals and clinics;
HIPAA compliance includes maintaining confidentiality of paper and electronic health
records. When violations of HIPAA by a student are identified by a hospital, clinic,
physician’s office, etc., the violation will be reviewed by the APPC, which will
recommend remediation and and/or sanctions, including the possibility of required
withdrawal or expulsion.