Health Regulations
Communicable Diseases
“Communicable disease means an illness that occurs through the transmission of infectious agent toxic products from a reservoir to a susceptible host,” according to the Texas Health and Safety Code, Sec. 81.003, et Seg. Communicable diseases include, but are not limited to, measles, influenza, viral hepatitis-A (infectious hepatitis), viral hepatitis-B (serum hepatitis), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), AIDS-related complex (ARC), HIV infection (human immunodeficiency virus infection), meningitis, meningococcal infections, and tuberculosis. The term “HIV infection” shall include AIDS, AIDS-related complex (ARC), and a positive test for the antibody to human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (a result of HIV infection).
In the event of a communicable disease at ACC, the college works with the notifying health agency and in compliance with Texas Department of Human and Health Services and county health department recommendations and regulations.
Medical Judgment
Any decision that ACC makes concerning a person who has a communicable disease shall be based on current and well-informed medical judgment, which includes the nature of the disease, risk of transmission to others, symptoms, and special circumstances of the person. The decision that a person poses a threat will be based solely on knowledge of the duration of the risk; nature and severity of the potential harm; likelihood the potential harm will occur; and imminence of the potential harm.
Clinical and Lab Supervision
ACC requires college faculty and students participating in clinical and laboratory programs that require the handling of blood, blood products, or body fluids to observe standard precautions and safety guidelines prescribed by the U.S. Public Health Service. College faculty will supervise students in clinical and laboratory experiences and monitor compliance with the precautions and guidelines prescribed by the U.S. Health Service.
ACC requires students in selected Health Sciences and other classes to have Medical Professional Liability insurance. This insurance is paid for by students with a $10 insurance fee on the applicable classes. The classes are selected because students are interacting with clients in a professional setting under the supervision of ACC Faculty in a clinical or internship program.
Available Information
Educational pamphlets on the subject of HIV/AIDS prevention are available in the Student Services Office and are provided to students upon request. Likewise, information on prevention of other communicable diseases shall be made available upon request. This information is available through the Environmental Health, Safety, and Insurance Office. The college also requires students to read information on bacterial meningitis (its causes and how to avoid it) as part of the application process.
Confidentiality
The medical history or records of any employee or student are considered confidential information and may not be released without the individual’s consent, except as otherwise provided by law.
Healthcare Facilities
No healthcare facilities (trained medical personnel, infirmary, or student health center) are available at ACC campuses, centers, or sites. First aid supplies are available from the ACC District Police Department, Campus Manager Office, the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Insurance Office, and various administrative and instructional areas. Students with health problems should consult their family physicians.
Student Services will assist students without family physicians to identify health programs in the community for which they may qualify. Students should report health/ medical emergencies immediately to the ACC District Police Dispatch (222 from ACC phone or 512-223-7999 non-ACC phones) and to campus administration.
Student Accident Insurance
Austin Community College students purchase Student Accident Insurance by paying an Insurance Fee when they register and pay for classes. The Student Accident Insurance pays for injuries occurring from school sponsored activities related to their classes. The insurance policy is a $25,000 maximum benefit per accident policy with a $25 deductible per claim. The policy pays for reasonable and customary charges for treatment of injuries. For more information, visit the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Insurance Department website at www.austincc.edu/offices/environmental-health-safety-and-insurance and click on Student Insurance menu option, www.austincc.edu/offices/environmental-health-safety-and-insurance/student-insurance.