WHAT IS THE MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM (MSP)?

The MSP is the component of Clemson University's “Occupational Health and Safety Program” that provides occupational health oversight for students and employees with exposure to animals, biological hazards, and certain chemical and physical hazards.  The Occupational Health Nurse (OHN) coordinates with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), the Animal Research Committee (ARC), the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), animal facilities and other departments, and each enrollee to identify, assess, and manage potential health risks.  Our goal is to reduce risk to the lowest possible level.  

WHAT IS THE FREQUENCY AND INTENSITY OF SERVICES I WILL BE RECEIVING UNDER THE MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM?

The degree of oversight and surveillance is based upon "risk assessment" -- an evaluation of the particular exposures and risk category of the individual student or employee.  This may vary from time to time for an individual, depending upon personal health factors and changes in exposures (such as animal species.) 

ZOONOTIC TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS HAVING ANIMAL CONTACT: 

Diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans are called ZOONOSES, and personnel working with animals should become familiar with these diseases in order to minimize their exposure and promote early recognition and treatment. Zoonotic Training is mandatory for persons who have contact with animals at Clemson University (see details in MSP ENROLLMENT.)

TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH HUMAN BIOHAZARD EXPOSURE:

For persons covered under the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, annual training is mandated by OSHA. This training may be completed through the EHS website course or other OSHA compliant sources that provide documentation. The Occupational Health Nurse may be contacted for group training (more information in MSP ENROLLMENT).

WHY WAS THE MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED?

The purpose of the MSP is to:

• provide for the protection of students and employees at CU and
• fulfill regulatory compliance requirements. 
  • OSHA mandates protection for employees with possibly hazardous exposures under the “general duty clause” and specific substance Standards. 
  • NIH and PHS require a medical surveillance program for institutions receiving federal grants
  • AAALAC accreditation requires an occupational health and safety program as part of the overall animal care and use program. 

The content and services of the Medical Surveillance Program are consistent with applicable federal and state regulations, OSHA regulations, CDC and ACIP guidelines, NIOSH recommendations, and animal welfare regulatory agency requirements and recommendations. 

SERVICES OF THE MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM INCLUDE:

• Risk-based initial medical surveillance with periodic monitoring as needed.
• Review of Occupational Health History forms with consultation as needed
• Enrollment of personnel in the MSP and documentation of enrollment status to the the Office of Research Compliance (ORC) as needed.
• Collaboration with university departments to provide needed Immunization and testing, including Td ("tetanus") boosters, TB skin testing (PPD), Hepatitis B immunizations and titers, rabies immunizations and titers, and other services
• Medical surveillance for employees under OSHA programs requiring periodic exams such as audiograms and pulmonary function testing
• Referral to EHS for training, respirator fitting, and other services or surveillance 
• Provision of group training sessions for OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard training and Zoonotic training (upon request)
• Consultatitive services to the IBC (Institutional Biosafety Committee) and ARC (Animal Research Committee)
• Maintenance of this website to facilitate online MSP enrollment, provide updated zoonotic information, and facilitate documentation of zoonotic training 

FUNDING OF THE MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM: 

Clemson University funds the Medical Surveillance Program and provides funding for Tetanus (Td) boosters and PPD testing (for Tuberculosis) to qualifying employees, but individual departments must fund other vaccines and tests.

WORK-RELATED INJURY OR ILLNESS: 

The goal of the Clemson Medical Surveillance Program is the prevention of work-related illnesses and injures, while treatment for work-related illnesses and injuries is provided through CompEndium Services and Redfern Health Center or other medical facilities.  Animal bites and scratches should be immediately scrubbed with soap and clean water prior to reporting for treatment.  For additional information regarding Workers’ Compensation, check the Risk Management website, call Freddie Harbin at 656-3365, or consult the “Work Injury Protocol” of Clemson University.  In the event of an emergency call 911 (be able to identify your location) and have someone notify CompEndium after the emergency is under control. 

WHERE IS THE MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM OFFICE, AND WHO ARE THE PRIMARY CONTACTS?

The Medical Surveillance Program office is in the Joseph F. Sullivan Center in 101 Edwards Hall (the "Nursing building") located next to Hendrix Student Center and across the street from Redfern Health Center.  Linda Crew is the director of the Center.  Mailing address and contacts are:

CU Medical Surveillance Program
Joseph F. Sullivan Center
101 Edwards Hall
Clemson, SC 29634-0742

Occupational Health Nurse: Sue Pedrick, RN, COHN-S
Email:  spedric@clemson.edu
FAX: (864) 656-7694
Appointment Line (receptionist): (864) 656-3076

CONFIDENTIALITY AND ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS

Each person presenting for enrollment in the Medical Surveillance Program will have a confidential medical record including documentation of immunizations and other medical services received through the MSP.  Only immunization/test dates and information pertinent to job exposures, job functions, or risk will be provided to the employee's supervisor.  With your signed consent a copy of any or all Clemson Medical Surveillance records can be mailed (or FAXed in some cases) to other institutions, or you may request and obtain a personal copy by contacting the receptionist (864-656-3076).  If you have any questions or concerns regarding confidentiality of your medical records, please contact the Occupational Health Nurse.

For further information regarding ENROLLLMENT, ZOONOTIC TRAINING, and OSHA BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS STANDARD TRAINING,
go to MSP ENROLLMENT 

This page was last updated on August 10, 2004, and is maintained by Sue Pedrick in the Joseph F. Sullivan Center; College of Health, Education, and Human Development

© Medical Surveillance Program * Clemson University * Clemson, South Carolina, 29634