Medical Student Handbook

Medical Student Education

Hand-washing

Policy 670.30

Policy Statement

Hand washing should occur before and after each patient contact, after contact with contaminated surfaces, and after glove use. Plain soap is adequate for general care. Antimicrobial soaps should be used in areas caring for patients at high risk of infection. Alcohol hand-rubs are appropriate for rapid hand decontamination between patient contacts. They are not a substitute for hand washing if hands are soiled.

Applicability of the Policy

All Medical Students

Related Larner College of Medicine Policies

• 670.00 Preventing Transmission of Infection in Clinical Settings and Instructions for Management of Exposure to Blood-borne Pathogens
• 670.10 Immunizations and Other Health Information
• 670.15 Infection Control Training
• 670.20 Tuberculosis Screening
• 670.35 Students with Known Blood-borne Infections
• 670.45 Universal Precautions
• 670.50 Protective Barrier Precautions
• 670.55 Care and Disposal of Sharps
• 670.60 Clean-up of Spills
• 670.70 Reporting of Student Exposures and Injury-related Incidents
• 690.10 Fitness Committee Procedure and Review of Professional Performance
• 830.00 Health Insurance

Related University of Vermont Policies

• 5.2.4 Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control
• UOP28 Communicable Disease
• 5.17.3 Laboratory Health and Safety
• 5.19.2 Minors in Laboratories

Related Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) Standard(s)

12.8 Student Exposure Policies/Procedures

History

• 5/20/2014 Policy Adopted/Affirmed [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 3/17/2020 Reformatted [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 4/26/2022 Policy Edit [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 2/21/2023 Policy Edit [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 12/19/2023 Policy Edit [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 12/17/2024 Policy Edit [Medical Curriculum Committee]

Policy Oversight

Associate/Assistant Dean for Students

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