Faculty and Student Travel Policy
This policy establishes approval policy for faculty and student travel 25 miles beyond their home or Institute area that is within the scope of the faculty and students duties but not part of a course requirement or clinical affiliation.
Application: All faculty and students
Compliance Responsibility: Program directors
Policy and Procedure:
When a faculty member and/or student travels 25 miles beyond their home or Institute area for activities related to the faculty member and/or student(s) scope of responsibility (e.g. a research project), but not part of a course requirement or clinical affiliation, the faculty member submits the Faculty and Student Travel Form to her/his Program Director for approval in advance of the travel.
It is filed in the faculty member(s) program file and a copy is submitted to the Office of Student Affairs to the attention of the Registrar for filing in the student(s) file.
Malpractice Insurance
Students who are officially enrolled participate in the MGH malpractice insurance plan, which covers them for their clinical experiences.
Injuries or Illness during Educational Activities
In the event of any injury or illness that occurs to a student during any educational activities, the Institute will assist the student in finding appropriate medical care, however, the student will be responsible for any medical expenses through his or her health insurance policy or otherwise. The MGH Institute of Health Professions assumes no responsibility for the costs of health care associated with activities that are part of its educational programs.
Latex Allergy Policy
Policy:
Provide an environment that is as latex-free as possible for employees and students.
Purpose:
To assure learning and working environment that is as latex-free as possible. Latex-free environments are seldom available in either clinical or academic settings. Therefore, the following information is being presented to inform employees and students of the potential risks associated with exposure to latex.
Definition:
Latex allergy is a reaction to proteins which are in natural rubber. Allergic reactions to these proteins are usually immediate but may be delayed in some instances. Approximately 8-12% of health care workers are sensitized to latex. People who are most at risk are people who have tendencies toward allergic conditions, people with spina bifida and people who have food allergies. Risk is minimized by using powder-free gloves and avoiding using oil-based hand creams when wearing latex gloves.
A person is still exposed to latex residue of others working in the area or to latex present in the equipment, models and mannequins while wearing alternative vinyl or nitrile gloves. Although latex gloves are the most prominent source of latex allergen, many other products contain latex including, but not limited to:
- Stethoscopes, catheters, respirators, and goggles
- Blood pressure cuffs, medication vials, syringe connectors and wound drains
- Endotracheal tubes, syringes, IV tubing and tourniquets
- Erasers, paint, computer terminals, etc.
Program:
Employees and students who may have developed symptoms matching the definitions of latex allergy are encouraged to consult their primary care physician. Such consults are at the expense of the employee or student.
The responsibility of understanding the risks associated with exposure to latex during a clinical education and healthcare career, even when reasonable precautions are made lies with the employee or student who has the latex sensitivity. Such precautions may include carrying of an epi-pen by the individual or other recommendations made by the healthcare provider.
Use of latex gloves is prohibited within campus facilities of MGH Institute of Health Professions. In addition:
- Latex-fee and powder-free gloves will be provided in all lab areas.
- Use / display of latex balloons is prohibited on campus
- Educational material on latex allergies will be provided to students / employees on an annual basis by human resources and office of student affairs (student catalog/faculty handbook). Included will be participating in Latex Allergy Awareness Month each October.
- Personnel should be aware and help to identify existing items on campus that contain latex that may need to be eliminated or have warning labels posted
- As existing equipment is replaced, non-latex equipment should be considered when purchased, if available. If non-latex materials are not available, skin contact precautions will be utilized with anyone who has a latex allergy or sensitivity.
- Departments needing to use latex products should communicate accordingly to constituents and label or post warnings as needed about the use of latex and allergy sensitivities
- The Institute is not responsible if a clinical affiliation site does not provide a latex free environment.
- For Institute events employees are to use caterers who confirm non-use of latex gloves with food preparation. A list of current vendors who do not use latex gloves is located on the Intranet under Event Planning.
- Latex restrictions in planning events are listed within the Event Planning Guide located on the Intranet and are to be followed by all employees.
For more information on latex sensitivity, i.e.,
- What are the symptoms of latex allergy?
- Who is at risk?
Please visit the following web sites:
American Latex Allergy Association: www.latexallergyresources.org
Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/niosh/latexalt.html
Smoking Policy
The MGH Institute of Health Professions, as an academic affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital, accepts and endorses the conclusion reached by the Surgeon General of the United States and the Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Health regarding the hazards of smoking, and recognizes the limitations on smoking established by Massachusetts law. It also recognizes that as an institution of higher education dedicated to health care, it has an especially visible role in seeking to minimize those hazards.
The Institute campus is smoke free. Smoking is prohibited in the interior as well within 15 feet around the perimeter of buildings. Individuals who wish to smoke must do so at least 15 feet from buildings, doorways, and sidewalks.
If an individual has a complaint with respect to the smoking policy it should be sent in writing to:
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Manager of Operations
Charlestown Navy Yard
36 1st Avenue
Boston, MA 02129
Substance Abuse Policy
The MGH Institute of Health Professions is a drug-free workplace. As such, the Institute is committed to maintaining a safe, healthful, and efficient educational environment in which students can learn through a variety of experiences. It is the policy of the Institute to maintain an environment that is free of impairment related to substance abuse by any of its students.
Each student must notify the Institute of any state or federal drug-related charge for a violation occurring in the workplace or school, whether or not resulting in a conviction, no later than five business days after such charge. The Institute must notify the appropriate government agencies of any employee or student conviction.
The Institute expects students to be in a condition free of the influence of alcohol and drugs, and to remain so while they are at the Institute and carrying out educational responsibilities. Employees and students shall refrain from drug and alcohol abuse use as well as possession, sale, or unlawful distribution on Institute or MGH property. Violation of this policy may result in corrective action up to and including dismissal or discharge.
The MGH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides complete confidential help to students who suffer from alcohol or drug abuse and other personal or emotional problems. However, it is the responsibility of each student to seek assistance from EAP before alcohol and drug problems lead to corrective action, which can include dismissal for a first offense.
Title IX: Compliance Overview
Title IX Compliance at the MGH Institute of Health Professions
The MGH Institute of Health Professions is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which all its members including students, faculty, staff and visitors can live and work together in an environment free from discrimination.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
The MGH Institute of Health Professions does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, status as a parent, or national origin. The Institute respects and values the diverse backgrounds of all people and welcomes them to fully participate in campus life.
This policy incorporates, by reference, the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and all relevant federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and regulations.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Title IX is an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits discrimination based on the gender of students and employees of educational institutions which receive federal financial assistance. The United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is in charge of enforcing Title IX. It states:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. 20 U.S.C. § 1681
Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment, rape, and sexual assault. A college or university that receives federal funds may be held legally responsible when it knows about and ignores sexual harassment or assault in its programs or activities. The United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is in charge of enforcing Title IX.
Title IX Coordinators
The Institute’s primary concern is ensuring the safety of students, employees and visitors and providing access to services. While compliance with this law is the responsibility of all members of the Institute community, any person who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based upon gender may discuss their concerns informally or file a formal complaint of possible violations of Title IX with the following Title IX Coordinators:
Carolyn F. Locke, Dean of Student Affairs/Title IX Coordinator for Students
Bldg. 39, 1st Avenue
Boston, MA 02129
Ph: 617-726-3177
Email: CLocke1@mghihp.edu
Refer to Title IX Complaint Procedures for Students for resolution of complaints.
Sarah H. Welch, Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator for Faculty and Staff
Bldg. 34, 1st Avenue
Boston, MA 02129
Ph. 617-643-6316
Email: SHWelch@mghihp.edu
Refer to IHP’s Intranet HR Policies & Procedures’ Sexual Harassment Policy for resolution of complaints.
The Title IX Coordinators provide support for training, education and communication of Title IX policies and procedures as well as overseeing the use of complaint procedures. In addition, individuals may consider other resources such as the IHP’s Employee Assistance Program and either or both of the following government agencies:
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The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), 1 Congress Street, 10th Floor, Boston MA 02114, 617-565-3200
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The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), 424 Dwight Street, Room 220, Springfield MA 01103, -413-739-2145 or One Ashburton Place, Room 601, Boston MA 02108, 617-727-3990.
EEOC and MCAD complaints must be filed within 180 days and six months, respectively, of the alleged harassment.
Unauthorized Use of Institute Name Policy
The Institute name may not to be used for any event or by any organization without the permission of the Director of Communications. Anyone using the name of the Institute for any commercial or personal endeavor without prior approval is liable to disciplinary action.