San Juan Bautista School of Medicine

San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
Office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Student Manual
2008-2009
Box 4968
Caguas, Puerto 00726-4968

The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine gives you a warm
Welcome.
The objective of this manual is to guide you through the services
available for the student community. Also, it meant to familiarize you with
the institutional norms and policies. If you have questions, inquires or
suggestions, regarding this manual, please feel free to contact us. They will
be greatly appreciated.
We wish you success throughout the years you will be with us as you
move forward to achieve your goals in our Medical School.
you!
The Office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs is here to serve
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Office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs
The Office of the Associate Dean of Students of the San Juan Bautista School of
Medicine has the responsibility to provide the services that will support the achievement of its
institutional mission. Its purpose is to promote the development and well-being of the students,
providing counseling and advise, assessment and student services they may need to complete
their studies. The Dean’s Office responds directly to the President/Dean of Medicine.
Student’s Services Directory
For your convenience, we have included the schedule and personnel in charge, as
well as a brief description of the services:
Office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Monday-Friday
Associate Dean of StudentsAffairs
Ext. 256
8:00 am – 12M
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
-Mrs. Maggie González Pabellón
Secretary
Counseling and Advisory Office
- Mrs. Sara N. Pérez Vázquez
Counselor Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 12M
Ext. 240
1:00 pm – 5:00pm
Registrar Office
- Mrs. Lissette Torres Rodríguez
Registrar Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 12M
Ext. 243
1:00 pm – 5:00pm
-Mrs. María Rodríguez
Secretary
Ext. 225
Admissions
- Mrs. Jaymi Sánchez Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 12M
Admissions Officer
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Ext. 236
Financial Aid Office
- Mrs. Beatriz De León Rivera Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 12M
Financial Aid Officer
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
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Admissions
Admission is the final process for students who want to start their career in
medicine. They should have complied with all the institutional requirements and have
been recommended by the School’s Admissions Committee.
Pursuant to institutional policies, the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine does
not discriminate based on place of birth, gender, ethnic group, age, color, origins, social
status, physical handicaps, political or religious beliefs, sexual preferences, or civil status.
We believe in the integrity of the human beings and their freedom to decide the field of
action in which they want to perform.
All applicants are equally evaluated, taking into consideration their academic and
personal qualifications. The analysis includes their academic achievement, basic studies
required to enter the program and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score.
The motivations to study medicine, leadership qualities, ability to relate to other people
and solve problems, and their participation in community and scientific activities will
also be considered.
Counseling and Advising Services
The Counselor has the main responsibility of providing counseling services to
students, individually or in groups, with the intention of helping them identify and deal
with situations that may affect them, and that in some way may adversely affect their
academic progress and personal development. The counselor may refer particular cases to
the faculty or to other specialized professionals. Also, faculty members have been
identified as mentors, who counsel students regarding problems related to the evolution
and increasing complexity of their academic program. The counselor interviews all
students during the enrollment procedure, and complete a questionnaire as tool to identify
personal and life issues, including recognized disabilities with impact in the academic life
and define a psychosocial profile.
The Counselor’s Office offers the following services to the students:
• Coordination of cultural activities
• Coordination of workshops that assist students in achieving their personal
growth
• Service as a liaison between the students, faculty, and administrative personnel.
• Provide information related to the USMLE steps and the Puerto Rico Board of
Medical Examiners and the dates of the Board Examinations.
• Provide information in regarding disciplinary actions. The San Juan Bautista
School of Medicine encourages the students to observe a correct and suitable
attitude, in accordance to the conduct that is required from a member of the
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medical profession. At the beginning of their studies, each student receives
counseling and information about the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
rules and policies, with which they must comply. Each student receives a copy
of the following documents, that specify the correct behavior and the
disciplinary sanctions imposed if they do not comply with the established rules:
Student’s Handbook, Biomedical Sciences Handbook, and the School Catalog.
• Provide information regarding psychological and psychiatric services.
Housing Assistance
The Counseling Office provides updated information about available housing facilities in Caguas.
The student is assisted as to the different aspects that should be taken into consideration when
selecting a place to live while studying. Among the aspects that should be considered are:
services offered, rent payments, and penalties in the event of contract termination before due
time. The students should know the services they are entitled to. It is also advisable that the
selected place have security, be clean, well ventilated, and in a favorable environment for
studying. The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine cannot guarantee or assume liability for
housing conditions or for any other aspects of the available housing provided in the listing
available at our office.
System of Confidentiality in the Process of Counseling
The Counseling Office has the commitment to preserve and guarantee the right to confidentiality
in the orientation and counseling process. The information given by the student during the
interview is considered in strictly confidential.
Procedure:
1. The information provided by the student is safeguarded in safe files. The office is
committed to preserved and guarantee the confidentiality in the guidance and counseling
process.
2. The Counselor is the only authorized person to have access and intervene with the
student’s file.
3. It is the responsibility of the counselor to inform the student that the privileged
information gathered during the interventional process will not be divulged without
his/her authorization. In the case that the information gathered during the process of
counseling is requested to be divulged, a written consent will be required, for disclosure
of such information.
4. This confidentiality will be safeguarded except in the following circumstances:
a. In case when the student’s behavior presents a clear and imminent risk for his/her
life, or to others.
b. When the Court orders to provide this confidential information.
In such circumstances, the student will be informed that confidential information will be
disclosed.
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Financial Aid
The Associate Dean of Student Affairs has the responsibility of advising students
about existing financial aids and the procedures to get them. Among the financial aids
available to our students, are:
Stafford Loan: Students who meet the requirements established by the United States
Department of Education may apply for subsidized and unsubsidized loan to cover
their cost of attendance.
Supplementary Educational Aid Program: is a financial aid granted by the Council on
Higher Education of Puerto Rico (CHEPR). The purpose of this program is to grant
supplemental financial aid to students with economic disadvantage, and who are
registered in qualified institutions.
Legislative Scholarships: The University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
manages this program. The Financial Aid Office yearly distributes the forms that
interested students must complete. The aforementioned Institution determines the
eligibility and guidelines for the distribution of financial aid. The amount of money
granted varies depending on a student’ financial needs.
Municipal Grants: Some municipalities have financial aid programs to help
outstanding students that demonstrate need for financial aid. To apply for these
grants, students should seek information and applications from the corresponding
Municipal City Hall.
Veterans: The Registrar’s Office prepares the certificates required by the Veterans
Administration for the distribution of financial aid to qualified students.
Vocational Rehabilitation Program: This program help students with physical or
mental disabilities, so that through various phases or stages they are able to develop
their capabilities.
Study and Work Plan: The School offers the opportunity to some students to work a
number of hours per week at the Biomedical Sciences Campus and be paid for their
services. Some of these opportunities involve tutorships, work at the library, and
work at research laboratories.
Payment Plans: The School offers an alternative payment plan to students, who for
some reason do not qualify to receive a Stafford Loan, and can not pay the total
tuition fee during registration.
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Registrar’s Office
The Registrar’s Office has the obligation to keep and safeguard the students and alumni
academic records, as well as to coordinate all matters related to the registration process. It
also offers the services of sending grades, transcripts, recommendation letters,
replacement and failure notices. The Registrar’s Office looks for the security and
inviolability of academic records. No information whatsoever of the applicants or
students academic record, is disclosed without their written authorization.
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine complies with the requirements of the
Buckley Act (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, FERPA),
and ensures the privacy of all information submitted by applicants and students.
Bursar’s Office
This Office has the responsibility to charge for different fees in which the students
incur at the time of registration, in addition to other services, such as credit transcripts,
certificates, among others. The Office is in charge of processing the checks received from
the Stafford Loans and endorsing the checks from Graduate Supplementary Aid
(Educational Opportunity Act), and other financial aid received by the student.
Tuition Fees Reimbursement
The refund policy will be governed by the regulations of the United States
Department of Education. According to the Federal Code Title 38 of the Veterans
Administration (CFR-38), the veterans and/or their beneficiaries must complete their
studies in the regular four-year program.
Title IV Federal Programs Funds Reimbursement Policy
This policy will apply to students that participate in the Title IV Federal Programs
(Pell Federal Grant) and withdraw, or are dismissed from the School after having started
to attend classes, but within the sixty per cent (60%) of the semester term. This is a
mandatory policy in accordance with changes in the 1998 Reauthorization of the Higher
Education Act, as amended, and is in force for all withdrawals and dismissals that
occurred on or after October 7, 2000.
Veteran’s Benefits
According to the Federal Code of Title 38 of the Veteran’s Administration (CFR-
38), veterans and their beneficiaries must complete their studies in a regular four year
program.
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III. Other Student Services
Extracurricular Activities
The Office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs devise an activities program,
according to preferences expressed by students through surveys. These include cultural,
sport and community service activities, among others. Students are encouraged to
participate. Announcements are posted on bulletin boards, by direct invitations, and
promoted through the General Students Council.
Orientation about Post Graduate Programs
The Counseling Office provides guidance to students about admissions
requirements for Internships, and Residency Programs. For this purpose, the Office
keeps an updated list of hospitals that offer ACGME* -accredited and locally accredited
programs. The students are advised and receive information about licensure
examinations: USMLE steps and the Puerto Rico Medical Board Examiners. The
program includes conferences and lectures about different professional aspects, such as
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1986 (HIPAA), and other
medical issues.
Health Services
All students are required to have health insurance, that provides medical coverage.
Upon enrollment the student must present evidence to that effect or register for the Group
Insurance Coverage available at the school. Our Insurance Plan covers medical and
surgical services, ambulatory care, hospitalization, specialty consultations, laboratory
tests, X-ray studies and maternity. The students are insured under a contract, on a yearly
base, during three periods: first academic semester, second academic semester and
summer. This insurance provides coverage anywhere in Puerto Rico, twenty-four (24)
hours a day. The fee or premium can vary. Direct dependents coverage is available on
request.
The School is located on the San Juan Bautista Medical Center grounds. When
necessary, the students are referred to the Emergency Room of the SJBMC.
The Counselor and Faculty have developed a Wellness Handbook that addresses the
most common challenges and issues faced by students, available resources, clear referral
information, a symptoms checklist and decision trees to facilitate the student’s referral
The counselor acts as a liaison/ on behalf of the student, establishing contact with
professionals needed to tend to student’s needs. If a faculty member or the counselor
becomes aware of a student’s need for services, they are to be offered to the student on a
voluntary basis. In cases where there is potential harm to him/herself or to others, the
student will be referred to appropiate specialist.
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Disability Insurance
The School has agreements with a local carrier for group insurance to provide a
disability benefits plan to secure coverage for students in case a disease or an accident
renders students disabled/unable to continue/complete their studies. The annual fee the
student will pay will vary according to the student’s age upon registering and whether or
not the student smokes. This disability coverage also assures that our school is in
compliance with the requirements of accreditation agencies.
Student Organizations
The Office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs encourages student
organizations. Any group of students interested in organizing an association with
religious, sports, cultural, and academic purposes is welcome to do so. The School
requires that their activities relate to the school’s objectives. Those interested should
inform the Associate Dean of Student Affairs of their intention in order for their
organization to be officially recognized.
General Students Council (GSC)
The GSC is organized to insure full participation for students in all matters
regarding their studies and relationship with the San Juan Bautista Medical School. It
constitutes the official forum where analysis, discussions and study of the student’s needs
and aspirations are done, and where opinions are put forth, regarding any problems or
issues related to the community as a whole. Students who are interested in becoming a
member must meet the requirements listed in the Student Rules and Regulations
Handbook. Each of the four levels of study are represented and representatives are chosen
by each level.
Medical Student Association for Community Health Improvement
(MSACHI)
The objective of this organization is to sponsor activities that allow students to
share experiences with the community of Caguas. Its steering committee is composed of
students from all levels. Students are invited to become members of this association.
Program activities include conferences and workshops on diverse subjects related to
community health care needs.
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Association of Christian Students
The Association of Christian Students is an initiative of a group of christian
students. It was constituted in January 2004, and its main intention is to encourage the
student’s spirituality.
The objectives of the association are to serve as spiritual support of crisis by
means of prayers, to streghthen the faith of students and the adoration to God.
Identification card
During the enrollment period, the School provides an identification card to all
students. It is to be used for all curricular and extracurricular activities. It must be visible
whenever you are in the School and hospital areas. Your right to student services will be
honored when you are identified with your I.D. Card. In the event of loss, a replacement
card may be obtained for a fee of $10.00 at the Office of the Dean of Administration. The
card must be surrendered when a student withdraws from the program, requests leave, or
graduates.
Code of Honor
The code of honor is an individual and collective commitment by all students
enrolled in the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. The Code includes:
- A commitment to honesty and integrity related to academic responsibilities, including
examinations, information, presentations, classwork, group work, patient care and other
aspects.
- A commitment to an honest and respectful behavior at all times, in agreement with
ethical norms of social coexistence, which includes how you relate to professors, peers,
patients and administrative personnel.
- A commitment to assure that the code of honor is kept by all students.
.
The faculty expresses its commitment to the Code of Honor and its confidence in
the honor of the students. It will assure the conditions necessary for the code to be kept
and to make sure it is observed by all members of the academic community.
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The following constitute violations to the code of honor:
Plagiarism in any form; in an active or passive way.
Violations of intellectual property rights
Alteration of any academic registry or official document
Unauthorized help to complete any academic endeavor.
Verbal or physical violence/abuse towards any patient or member of the
academic community
Violation of medical files (e.g., unauthorized access or criminal misuse).
Violation of the norms of medical ethics and respect to patients.
Complicity in violation of the Code of Honor.
Confidentiality of Patient Information
Dress Code
Confidentiality in handing information pertaining to patient care is an
ethical and legal obligation for the School. The San Juan Bautista School of
Medicine is committed to this obligation in an explicit manner by implementing
the code of honor for its students and the norms established by the law that
guarantees confidentiality in health care, better known by its abbreviation HIPAA
(The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) of 1996. HIPAA
establishes the norms that guarantee privacy, security in electronic handling of the
information of health related services, which require important institutional
changes that are currently being developed and include all information system
processing.
Medical students must dress appropriately as future physicians. No student who is
unsuitably dressed will be allowed on the grounds of the School and Medical Center.
When selecting the clothes to wear, you should always try to project a neat and
professional profile. The following are unacceptable on School/Medical Center premises.
Short skirts (half of thigh)
Pronounced necklines
Short shirts or blouses
Short pants
Bermuda Jeans
Beach sandals or similar type
Sleeveless shirts
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Transparent shirts
Hats or Caps
Sport shoes, sneakers or worn out dirty shoes.
Laboratory Code (Biomedical Sciences)
Medical students will have to dress appropriately not only on the school premises
but also during laboratory sessions. The following code must be observed:
Green gowns will be used during the laboratory sessions.
No one dressed in green gown is allowed outside of the laboratory
area.
Students will wear white dressing gowns in the library, halls,
classrooms, amphitheatre, professors offices, cafeteria or during
activities in the Hospital.
Dressing gowns must be clean, ironed and free of stains
Remember to use:
Official Identification card
Clean and ironed gowns
Green Laboratory coats
White gowns on premises
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GENERAL STUDENT
REGULATIONS
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Article I. Legal Base
GENERAL STUDENT REGULATIONS
CHAPTER I
DECLARATION OF OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE
The Board of Trustees approved this General Student Regulations in accordance
with the authority that confers the First Section, Third Article of the Corporative
Regulations that give life to San Juan Bautista School of Medicine.
Article II. Declaration of Intentions
These Regulations were approved to fulfill the objectives of San Juan Bautista
School of Medicine expressed in their Corporative Regulations, in order to offer medical
education of excellence, to recognize the rights of students in harmony with these
objectives, to establish the necessary and essential norms for the best relations among the
students; between them and the faculty, the administration of the School, their patients
and the administration of the hospital where they receive their clinical training; and to
guarantee the conditions of coexistence that allow the total formation of the student and
the development of the conscience of service to the Puerto Rican community.
In its consideration and study, the entire school community has participated;
students, faculty, the administration as well as, the Board of Trustees approved these
regulations.
CHAPTER II
RIGHTS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENTS
The students constitute the main component in the community of San Juan
Bautista School of Medicine. Therefore, they will enjoy the right to participate indeed in
the operation of the School and will have all the duties of moral and educational
responsibility in keeping with their status and role.
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Article I. Rights
A. The main right of the student of our School is to acquire knowledge and to be
educated, which is limited not only to activities in classesroom, but also extends to
the relations and experiences with their peers, professors, officials and personnel of
the School, patients, officials and personnel of the hospital and the community in
general. When exercising this right, students will do so without obstructing the rights
of other members of the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine.
B. Students has the right to receive, from the beginning of a course or clinical clerkship
rotation, the syllabus stating, the development of the course or clinical clerkship
rotation, including a clear exposition of the objectives. The student will be able to
comment on, ask questions, and express constructive critics of these regulations
within the school spirit and due academic rigor. The syllabus constitutes a guide and
in no way will it limit the necessary flexibility of courses/clerkships.
C. Students will have right to know the evaluation system and the criteria that will be
used in each course clerkship to determine their final grade or other form of
assessment.
D. The pedagogical process is not limited to the classroom. Therefore, the student will
have the right to meet with the professor during office hours to ask for direction and
to clarify aspects of academic learning, as well as to receive information and to
engage in a dialogue on the taken tests or other additional work, the grades obtained
on these, the evaluation of the course clerkship as an essential part of the learning
process, as well as other aspects that concern the relationships between student and
professor.
E. As part of their educational process, students will be able to question, in a respectful
and reasonable manner the criteria, data and opinions presented by the professors.
F. The educational process will neither be biased or prejudiced by religious beliefs,
political ideas, race, color, sex, birth, origin or social economic condition. sexual
preferences or disabilities.
G. The academic/ disciplinary records of students will be kept privately for them in a
safe place. The information contained in the academic and disciplinary files will be of
confidential character and it will not be disclosed without the written consent of the
student, unless a judicial order of a court with competent jurisdiction intervenes. The
students will be able to obtain certified copies of their academic records by means of
the payment of fees required by the School. The disciplinary records could be
examined by affected students and a copy of such records may be obtained by request
to the President/Dean of Medicine.
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Article II. Duties and Responsibilities
A. Students will observe in rigorous manner the ethical principles and confidentiality
of the profession for which they are being prepared, in its training programs and
in the medical practice that they make.
B. Punctual attendance to lectures, conferences, laboratories, related clinics and other
activities is obligatory for all students.
C. When initiating their clinical experiences, students will be responsible for being
acquainted with the different regulations at the hospital that are applicable or that
must be observed during their training.
D. During their clinical experiences students must treat patients and relatives with
respect and consideration. Before conducting a physical examination or an
invasive procedure, students must identify themselves, obtain the patient’s
consent, and carry out the procedure(s) only under the supervision and
instructions of a member of the faculty.
E. The hospital records of patients are confidential and they must not be removed
from the clinical departments or the medical of records sections, under any
circumstance. Students are not authorized to inform any person, family or stranger
about the state or condition of the patient, and will not reveal the content of a
medical record.
F. Students must always observe a proper conduct; that in no way violates the
institutional order for all the activities carried out at the San Juan Bautista School
of Medicine, the hospitals and other centers of training. The student who attempts
to inflict harm against the dignity or causes physical, moral damage, harms in
some way the health of a patient or to any other person, will be subjected to the
disciplinary actions provided in this Manual, which includes the formulation of
charges and expulsion from the School.
G. It is a fundamental and inescapable duty of all students to comply with the
economic responsibilities to the School. The violation of this duty constitutes a
reason for dismissal of the student.
H. To comply with the objectives, the rights, the duties and the responsibilities
previously enumerated, students will use all resources that the School makes
available by means of the regulations approved to the effect; including, without
limitation, the following:
1. Library and audiovisual resources
2. Classrooms
3. Auditorium
4. Laboratories
5. Paraninfos and others.
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I. It is required that all students show an ID card that will identify them as such, and
will allow their entry to the School and to the clinical areas. This card will be
provided at the beginning of the academic year.
J. The use of professional dressing gowns in each of the biomedical science
laboratories will be compulsory and throughout their clinical training. Said
gowns will show the logo of the School.
CHAPTER III
REPRESENTATIVE STRUCTURES FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION
Article I. General Students Council
A. The General Students Council is organization that makes viable, the effective
participation of students in all academic processes of San Juan Bautista School of
Medicine.
B. It constitutes the official forum for analysis, discussion and the responsible and
rigorous study of student needs and aspirations, and for the expression of their
perceptions with respect to the problems/issues of the School. Its essential mission is
to contribute to the fulfillment of the pedagogical function of San Juan Bautista
School of Medicine, as an individual student, to protest responsibly and free. Its high
priority is the safeguard student rights and responsibilities.
Article II. Composition of the General Students Council
A. The General Students Council will be constituted by eight (8) regular students
who will be elected by their peers in free elections. Without elections are carry
out discrimination of its members, nor their activities, by political or religious
reasons, race, color, sex, birth, origin or socioeconomic condition, sexual
preferences, or disabilities. The eight members include two (2) representatives of
each academic level.
B. The General Students Council will have the following officials:
1. One (1) Vice president of Biomedical Sciences elected by the members.
2. One (1) Vice president of Clinical Sciences elect by the members
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Article III. Time and Process of Election of the General Students Council
A. The General Students Council constitutes itself during August 1 to September 15
of every academic year, and exerts its functions until the end of an academic year,
or until their successors are duty elected.
B. It will be responsibility of the Office of the Associate Dean of Students Affairs to
summon the respective assemblies to elect their representatives to the General
Students Council. The call to these assemblies will circulate among the
corresponding faculties ten (10) days before the date of its celebration, indicating
date, hour and place in which it will take place. Quorum will be half plus one of
the registered students.
Article IV. Nominations
A. The nominations will be made in writing using a form supplied by the Office of
the Associate Dean of Student Affair.
B. Nominations will be accepted for the different positions on the General Student
Council, whenever nominations are authenticated by a minimum of ten (10)
student signatures.
C. Students could be nominated for the position of Vice President of Clinical
Sciences only if they are registered in any of the academic levels of Clinical
Sciences. Similarly, those students could only be nominated for the position of
Vice President of Biomedical Sciences, who are registered in any of the academic
levels of Biomedical Sciences.
D. The period of nominations will extend from August second week to August 31, of
the academic year.
E. In order to be able to be elected and to hold a position in the General Students
Council, students of second, third and fourth level, they must have a minimum
general average of 2.50, of cumulative index.
Article V. Elections
A. Both representatives of first year and both of second year will be elected by and
from among the students of their respective academic groups. Similarly, both
representatives of third and both of fourth year will be elected by and from among
the students of their respective groups.
B. The assembly for the election of student representatives will be presided over
by a student who, as well, will appoint another student to take the minutes
assembly.
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C. During the election of the representatives, those obtaining the majority of votes
cast will be declared elected.
D. The votes will be cast using a slip of paper, in which each voter will write the
name of his candidates. In order to count the number of votes cast, a Committee
of Scrutiny will be appointed, whose membership will include:
A member of the level for which the votes are being cast. This student will be
designated by the class.
One representative for each candidate, if requested.
A member of the faculty or administrative personnel, appointed by the
Associate Dean of Student Affair.
E. The parliamentary process will be followed according to the Reece W.
Bothwell Manual.
F. Students elected the General Student Council will meet
later to elect members the positions that will make up the official slate (officers)
of the General Students Council. The positions that constitute the official slate
(officers) of the General Students Council are the following:
President
Vice President, Biomedical Sciences
Vice President, Clinical Sciences
Secretary
Treasurer
G. Nominations for the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer will be
voluntarily made and elections will be by and from among members of the
General Students Council. Election will be by secret ballot.
H. The candidates for the positions of Vice President of Clinical and Biomedical
Sciences will be those members who are eligible under Chapter III, Article IV,
section C of the General Regulation of Students.
I. Given the case of having a single nomination for some positions, and relying on
the support of each member of General Students Council in unanimous form, the
person appointed will be elected to this position.
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Article VI. Officers of the General Students Council
Constituted as the General Students Council, it will choose from among its
members the following officials:
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Article VII. Functions of the members of the General Students Council
A. President
1. Will call and preside over the meetings of the General Student Council and
the assemblies of the student body.
2. Will prepare a plan of work and activities that will have to be submitted for
consideration and approval of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at the
beginning of each academic semester.
3. Will represent the General Students Council at all the institutional functions
and activities in which representation of this body is necessary.
4. Will present to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and to the student body
an annual report of the activities performed by the General Students Council.
5. Will be honorary member, with voice and vote, of all the student commissions
and organizations, as designated.
B. Vice President - Biomedical Sciences
1. Will collaborate with the President in the fulfillment of his duties.
2. Will assume the functions of the President in absence of this officer.
3. Will serve as liaison between the students of Biomedical Sciences and the
students of Clinical Sciences.
C. Vice President - Clinical Sciences
1. Will collaborate with the President in the fulfillment of its functions
2. Will take on the functions of the President when the Vice President of
Biomedical Sciences cannot fulfill this function.
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3. Will serve as liaison between the students of Clinical Sciences and the
students of Biomedical Sciences
D. Secretary
1. Will summon to meetings members of the General Students Council and
all guest the General Student Council wishes to appear before it.
2. Will be responsible for communicating the agreements of the General
Students Council.
3. Will record attendance of the members of the General Students Council and
will take minutes of meetings.
4. Will keep documents of the General Students Council in files assigned in
the office of the General Students Council, and which the School provides
for this purpose.
E. Treasurer
1. Will have access, when countersigned by the President, the funds of the
General Students Council deposited in a banking account.
2. Will submit to the President of the General Students Council an estimate of
cost of the plan of activities and in accordance with the provisions of the
Regulations.
3. Will be accountable for the expenses incurred through periodic reports to the
President of the General Students Council, regarding the plan of activities and
work.
F. Representative of each level (of the fourth years)
Will participate in all the meetings and activities of the General Students Council.
Article VIII. Participation
All members of the General Students Council will have right to participate in the
meetings, with voice and vote.
Article IX. Duration of the Position
The members of the General Students Council will be elected for a term of one
academic year. They can be reelected for a second consecutive term.
21

Article X. Duties and Responsibilities of the General Students Council
Officially represent the students of San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
To discuss, before the corresponding authorities its opinions and recommendations on
issues that affect students and the administration of the School, contributing to its
solution.
To serve as a forum for the students in the discussion and solution of issues that affect
them.
To collaborate in the growth and institutional improvement in coordination with the
other units of the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine.
To collaborate with the Associate Deanship of Student Affairs the coordination and
realization of sports, cultural, social, scientific activities or of another nature that
complements their medical education.
To propitiate the intellectual atmosphere that stimulates the major academic and
professional development of students.
To select the representatives for the committees and organisms in which the students
participate.
To collaborate in the establishment of effective communication channels between and
among all members of the School community.
Through the Associate Deanship of Students Affairs, communicate the administrative
issues and of direction that affect students and to offer recommendations for their
solution.
The academic issues will have to be brought to the attention of the Associate Dean of
Clinical or of Biomedical Sciences, as appropriate. If not satisfied with the action, the
issues should be taken to the President/Dean of Medicine. The Dean of
Administration must be informed of the administrative issues.
To develop and stimulate among students and faculty, activities such as: forums,
discussions, conferences, seminars, information clinics, among others, which are
directed towards the promotion of San Juan Bautista School of Medicine.
To collaborate in the conservation and maintenance of all audiovisual equipment,
classrooms, and other facilities that the School provides for teaching activities.
To collaborate in the promotion and maintenance of the school’s order.
22

Article XI. Regulation of the General Students Council
The General Students Council will establish its internal procedures in harmony
with the provisions of this Regulation. The same one will be submitted for public
inpection among all students, after which it will be returned for approval, according to the
result of these views. This Regulation will be approved by the vote of two thirds (2/3) of
the members of the General Students Council. It will be the responsibility of the
Associate Dean of Student Affairs to make sure that this Regulation and its amendments
are in harmony with the provisions of the General of Students Manual.
Article XII. Meetings of the General Students Council
The General Students Council will celebrate not less than two (2) meetings in
each academic semester on the date, place and hour that the President calls. The President
will summon to the extraordinary meetings that are considered necessary or at the request
of one third (1/3) of its members or of the authorities of the School.
Article XIII. Destitution of the Position
After the due process, formulation of charges and a hearing in the presence of a
committee composed of three (3) members of the General Student Council designated by
the President, any member of the General Student Council could be removed from its
position, by one of the following reasons:
1. Violation to the Regulation of the General Students Council.
2. Absences without justified excuse, from three (3) ordinary meetings of the
General Students Council.
3. When being demonstrated before the General Students Council that his/her
behavior prevents the effective operation of this organism. The application of
this clause will be determined by the General Students Council itself.
4. To assume the illegal representation of the General Students Council or to
make uprisings to its name without authorization of this organism.
Article XIX. Vacancies
A. In order to fill up any vacancy that occur, except in positions of President and
Vice President, the President will select the student who will serve as a
replacement. The new incumbent will hold the position for the remainder of
the term of the previous incumbent.
23

B. In case of having left vacant the position of President, the successor will be
the Vice-president of Biomedical Sciences.
C. In case of being left vacant the position of any one of the Vice Presidents,
the successor will be elected according to Article IV, Section C.
Article XV. Recognition
Once constituted, the General Students Council as it is described in previous
articles and thus certified by the President/Dean of the School, official recognition will
extended to it. Any act sponsored by the General Students Council inside or outside the
School, of the hospitals or centers of training, that threatens the dignity of a person or
causes physical damage, moral or harm of some way to the health of any person or
affects the good reputation of the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, will be
sufficient cause to remove the recognition and to formulate charges against the concerned
members, after due process.
Article I.
CHAPTER IV
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
The students of San Juan Bautista School of Medicine will be able to publish
warnings, announcements, posters and large posters in bulletin boards provided for this
purpose, with the authorization of the Associate Dean of Students Affairs.
CHAPTER V
STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine stimulates and initiates the
development of student organizations. Any group of students that has an interest in
creating an organization or association in accordance with the schools objectives, whether
it is of religious, sport or academic nature, will have to submit its request to the Associate
Dean of Student Affairs, indicating its intentions, and must therefore certify it as
bonafide.
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CHAPTER VI
RECOGNITIONS
Article I. Definitions
In agreement with the educational philosophy of the school and in accordance
with the Corporate Statutes, academic recognition is defined as follows: behaviors or
performance that is considered worthy of recognition and credit are:
1. Students whose level of accumulated academic excellence during the four
years of study is or exceeds 3.75 GPA will receive a recognition of Summa
Cum Laude.
2. Students whose level of accumulated academic excellence during the four
years of studies is between 3.50 - 3.74 GPA will receive a recognition of
Magna Cum Laude.
3. Students whose level of accumulated academic excellence during the four
years of studies is between 3.25-3.49 GPA will receive a recognition of Cum
Laude.
4. Students who achieve the highest levels of excellence in Clinical Sciences,
also will receive recognition for their academic performance.
5. The most outstanding student in his/her first two years of studies (Biomedical
Sciences) will receive recognition when the following requirements are met:
a) High G.P.A.
b) Responsibility demonstrated in:
Class Attendance
Laboratory work
Personal reports
c) Personal appearance
d) Attitude toward others
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CHAPTER VII
PROCEDURE FOR FILING COMPLAINTS
Article I
In case that a student considers that his/her rights have been violated, or that an
inappropriate action has been committed against her/him by a member of the faculty, or
the same a claim of academic nature, will be able to bring up his/her complaints through
the coordinator of the course. If not satisfied with the decision taken, he/she will be able
to appeal through the following channels: Director of the Department, Associate Dean of
Biomedical Sciences or Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences, or President/ Dean of
Medicine.
Article II - Non-academic relations with the school administrative personnel
In the event a student considers that his/her rights have been violated, or that an
inappropriate action has been committed against her/him by some member of the
institutional personnel in a relation of non-academic nature, this individual will be able to
present a complaint to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. This official will
investigate the allegations in the complaint. If the investigation reveals that there was
some possible violation of the institutional norms, the case will be referred to the
attention of the Dean of Administration and Human Resources for the processing of the
case under the corresponding regulation: Faculty Manual, if one is an educational
member, or Manual of Personnel, if is administrative.
If the complaint is related to use of drug or alcohol, sexual harassment,
discrimination because of race, color, age, sex, sexual preference, religion, nationality,
civil state, physical appearance, political affiliation, disability, origin or social condition,
the same one will be taken care of and processed according to the regulations and
directives to it corresponding to these subjects. In the cases that it does not exist a
specific institutional regulation, for some of these will apply the applicable dispositions
of Law.
26

CHAPTER VIII
DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
According to the conduct that the Puerto Rican community demands to a member
of the medical profession, the norms of ethics established by the Medical Association of
Puerto Rico, the College of Medical Surgeons and those of San Juan Bautista School
Medicine, establish what constitutes offense or inappropriate behavior of students and the
sanctions to prevail.
Article I.
Violations to this General Manual of Students, any norm adopted by the Board of
Trustees or the administration of San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, and properly
been circulated among students are:
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense:
Fourth offense:
Oral reprimand, if it has not committed offense another
nature
Reprimand and written copy to the file, if it has not
committed act of another nature
Suspension by a defined period of time, if it has not
committed offense another nature
Separate or definitive expulsion of the School
27

Article II
Violation to the regulations of the hospitals and the other institutions of training.
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense:
Written Reprimand with copy to the record, if it has not
committed offense another nature
Suspension by a defined period of time, if it has not
committed offense another nature
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
Article III
Conduct that attest lack of honesty in relation to academic work, such
as to copy answers from other students or to acquire fraudulent examinations or any
action directed to such aim.
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense:
Fourth offense:
Reduction of grade in the course or clinical clerkship and
written reprimand with copy the student record.
Lowering grade in the course or clinical clerkship
and written reprimand with copy to the student record.
Suspension by a defined period of time
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
Article IV
Alteration or falsification of the qualifications, records, exams and other
documents.
First offense:
Second offense:
Getting an "F" qualification in the course or clinical
clerkship or suspension from the School by a defined
period of time.
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
Article V
The commission of any obscene, impudent or lascivious act.
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense:
Written reprimand with copy to the student record, if it has
not committed an offense of another nature.
Suspension by a defined period of time, if it has not
committed an offense of another nature.
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
28

Article VI
Alteration to peace or participation in acts that urge to the violence or
obstruction of the official activities of the School.
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense:
Written reprimand with copy to the student record, if it has
not committed offense another nature.
Suspension by a defined period of time, if it has not
committed offense another nature.
Separation or definitive expulsion from the school
Article VII.
Interruption, blocking or disturbance of the regular tasks of the School or in the
celebration of acts properly authorized.
First offense:
Oral reprimand, if it has not committed an offense of
another nature.
Second offense:
not
Third offense:
Fourth offense:
Written reprimand with copy to the student record, if it has
committed an offense of another nature.
Suspension by a period of defined time, if it has not
committed an offense of another nature.
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
Article VIII.
To cause malicious damages to the property of the School, hospitals, centers of
training or the property of its peers
First offense:
Second offense:
Repair by restitution or reimbursement, the damages to
the property, with written reprimand with copy to the
student record, if has not committed an offense of another
nature.
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
29

Article IX.
Publication or diffusion, within the premises of the School, hospitals or centers of
training, material difamatorius, libelous, obscene or devoid of veracity.
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense:
Written Reprimand with copy to the student records, if it
has not committed an offense of another nature.
Suspension by a defined period of time, if it has not
committed an offense of another nature.
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School, if it has
not committed committed an offense of another nature.
Article X.
The commission of any act that constitutes a public and/or misdemenor crime by
the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or any place, state or country.
First offense:
Second offense:
If the public crime penalizes with fine, the student will
receive the reprimand written with copy to the record.
If the crime penalizes with jail, the sanction will be the
expulsion by a period of defined time or definitive
expulsion from the School
Article XI.
The substraction or illegal occupation of goods that belong to the School, the
hospitals or centers of training or to its companions students.
First offense:
Second offense:
Repair by means of restitution or reimbursement by illegal
appropriation of property with written reprimand to the
record.
Repair and reimbursement and separation or definitive
expulsion from the School
Article XII.
The use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances within the premises of
the School, their dependencies, hospitals, centers of training or any other place where an
institutional activity is taking place.
30

First offense:
Second offense:
Suspension by a period of defined time, if it has not
committed an offense of another nature.
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
Article XIII.
To assume without previous authorization the representation of San Juan Bautista
School of Medicine, of the General Student Council or any other student organization
properly recognized.
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense:
Written reprimand with copy to the student record, if it has
not committed an offense of another nature.
Suspension by a defined period of time, if it has not
committed an offense of another nature.
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School.
Article XIV
Disrespectful treatment to the faculty, officials or support personnel
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense:
Reprimand written with copy to the file, if it has n
committed an offense of another nature.
Suspension by a period of defined time, if it has not
committed an offense of another nature
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
Article XV. Disrespectful treatment or to make examinations without patient
supervision.
First offense:
Second offense:
Suspension by a period of defined time, if it has not
committed an offense of another nature.
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
31

Article XVI. Disrespectful treatment to the other students.
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense:
Reprimand written with copy to the file, if it has not
committed an offense of another nature.
Suspension by a period of defined time, if it has not
committed an offense of another nature.
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School.
Article XVII. Offense by ignorance of the regulations of the hospitals
First offense:
Reprimand written with copy to the file, if it has not
committed an offense of another nature.
Article XVIII
Removal or substraction of the medical records of patients from the clinical
departments.
First offense:
Suspension by a period of time or expulsion
Article XIX.
Sexual harassment will be applied to the dispositions of the Executive Order in
promulgated vigor to the effect.
Article XX
Students who are absent more than 15% of the lective time of courses or its
laboratories, will receive a grade of F. In the clinical clerkships he/she will not be
permitted more of a 5% of absences.
Article XXI
Not to carry the identification card when it is required to him.
First offense:
Second offense:
Oral reprimand, if it has not committed an offense of
another nature.
Reprimand written with copy to the record. Its attendance
will not be allowed and it will determine that he was
absent.
32

Third offense:
Fourth offense:
Suspension by a defined period of defined time
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
Article XXII
To attend the hospitals without the required professional dressing gown.
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense
Fourth offense:
Oral reprimand
Written reprimand with copy to the record. Its attendance
will not be allowed and it will determine that he was absent
Suspension by a period of time
Separation or definitive expulsion from the School
Article XXIII
The disciplinary records of the student will stay during all his/her years of study
in the School. The acts and constituent lack of infraction to the regulations and
established norms will be kept for the same term.
Article XXIV
The disciplinary sanctions that entail the following: oral or written reprimand with
copy to the records could be imposed by any member of the faculty or civil employee of
the School with authority.
The disciplinary sanctions that entail the following pains: it reduces the grade,
awarding of an “F” in a course or clinical rotation, they will be imposed by the
corresponding member of the faculty. The disciplinary sanctions that entail a pain of:
suspension of one or several courses or clerkships, suspension by a period of defined
time, separation or definitive expulsion from the School and repair by means of
restitutions by damages or illegal appropriation of the property, will be imposed by the
President/Dean of Medicine.
33

CHAPTER IX
COMMITTEES OF REVISION
Article I.
A Committee of Revision at administrative level is constituted by the Associate
Dean of Student Affairs, Associates Deans of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Sciences
and two representatives designated by the General Students Council. This committee will
have jurisdiction to celebrate administrative views hearings of revision by penalties
imposed by any member of the faculty or employee of the School with authority. The
decision of the Committee will be subjected to appeal.
Article II.
The students will have a term of ten (10) natural days, counted as of the date of
the notification of the sanction, to ask for in writing the revision to the Committee of
Revision. In the hearings that are celebrated, the students will have right to appear
personally or attended by a lawyer.
Article I.
CHAPTER X
AMENDMENTS
Any member of the faculty or administrative personnel of the School or the
General Students Council can propose amendments to this Manual which will have to be
submited the President/Dean of Medicine, in writing.
Article II.
A number not less of 5% of the students of the School will be able to propose
amendments to this Manual, previously submitted to the General Students Council in
writing, who will consider its approval or modification. Then, it will submit them for the
consideration of the President/Dean of Medicine.
Article III.
All proposed amendments to this Manual will be submitted by the President/Dean
of Medicine to the Board of Trustees for its consideration and approval.
34

CHAPTER XI
GENERAL DISPOSITIONS AND USE
Article I
None of the established in this Manual will be understood as a limitation to the
authority of the President/Dean of the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine or his
authorized representatives, to adopt the measures that consider necessary to guarantee the
order, the discipline and the security in the School.
Article II
The President/Dean or his authorized representative will be able, when pertinent,
and to protect the order and the normality of the school tasks, to suspend any student
summarily until the Committee of Revision studies the case and reach a decision, within
five (5) work days.
Article III.
If any chapter, article, interjection or disposition of this Manual are declared null,
illegal or non constitutional by a competent Court of Justice, this will not invalid nor will
affect the rest of its dispositions.
Article IV.
This Manual takes effect from its approval by the Board of Trustees. Approved by
the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees in its meeting of Wednesday, June 30
of 1982. Reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees.
35

INSTITUTIONAL
POLICIES
AND EXECUTIVE
ORDERS
36

INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS
A. Program Control of Drugs and Alcohol
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine conscientious of the serious problems
of social control that reflects the high incidence of adult delinquency, the traffic and
drug use, the alcoholism and other manifestations of social deviation in Puerto Rico,
fulfills the social responsibility when establishing the Control Program of Alcohol and
Drug.
This program is created in order to develop to a plan of action and socially viable
strategies, that allow to create conscience in the university community, in relation to the
magnitude of the problem of drugs like waiting room to the criminality. The same one is
assigned to the Deanship of Students; it develops activities of direction and social and
individual intervention. The collaboration of those departments is received that can help
in the profit of these objectives.
1. Objectives: To orient to the young people about the Program and its intentions.
To foment the interest to develop to strategies of prevention and
treatment related to the problem of drugs.
2. Strategies: We have external resources available to provide counseling and
services to the students, which are canalized through the Office of
Counselor.
3. Resources:
Personnel of the Department of Services Against the Addiction
Personnel of the respective departments of the Medical School
Orientation Resources of the community
B. People with Disabilities
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine does not discriminate by sex, age,
color, origin, social condition, disabilities, political or religious ideologies, nor by civil
state. We believe in the integrity of the human being and its freedom to choose the battle
area in which it wishes to develop during its existence. Faithful to this belief, our School
does not discriminate when considering the applicant for reasons of disabilities.
The candidates to admission are evaluated the same, basing to us on their
academic and personal qualifications. Its academic advantage is considered, basic
studies required to enter the program, the results obtained in the "Medical College
Admission Test" (MCAT) and motivation to study the race, its characteristics of
leadership, ability to be related to other people, to solve problems and interest in the
participation in communal and scientific activities.
37

We collaborated so that the candidates with disabilities can fulfill the academic
program. Please, see the following executed orders:
- Procedure for students request of reasonable accommodation
- Institutional Policy regarding admission of candidates with disabilities
C. Norms and Procedures for management of students with
Transmissible Diseases, including A.I.D.S.
1. All aspiring to admission will put under like part of his initial documents of
admission, a health certificate, that demonstrates that it is in good state of health. In
addition, he will include the results of the examinations of VDRL laboratories, plate of
chest and vaccination against Hepatitis B.
2. All smaller student of 21 years of age will have to present/display an
immunization certification.
3. That student whom he demonstrates that he suffers of a disease, whose risk of
mortality and/or morbidity is very high and that determines that it will not allow to
finish his studies him, will not be considered for admission.
4. Any procedure in group will not be carried out to determine the HIV presence, in
students and/or personnel, unless it is required by pertinent the sanitary authorities in the
country.
5. Admission to any candidate will not refuse who informs or he is known to be
positive in HIV, whenever he determines that its condition of health allows to participate
him indeed in all the activities of its training program.
6. The student who informs to be positive into HIV will provide the necessary time
to him so that she receives the direction and treatment that she requires.
7. The Academic Dean of the School will make the adjustments necessary,
according to the norms of the agencies where the students make their practices, for the
rotations of positive students HIV.
8. The activities of the student with positive HIV will not be restricted him
whenever it observes an acceptable conduct and hygienic methods, this is:
9. Be conscious of the transmission methods and practice hygienic measures, such as
washing of hands before and after being in personal communication with patients and
other people and liquids or fluid of the body.
10. Use appropriate techniques in the care of opened injuries, such as: appropriate use
of gloves suitable disposition of used materials, etc.
38

11. In case that the gloves or any part of the body of a positive student HIV are torn to
him and punctured with a sharp instrument, the instrument must immediately discard
and the student referred for the pertinent treatment.
12. The activities of students with positive HIV will be restricted, just as to any other
student with transmissible disease, when there is evidence of any other infection that
puts in risk its health or the one of the people with those who it takes part.
13. Positive student HIV will evaluate itself periodically and she will determine if
their physical and/or mental condition allows him to continue their studies.
14. Students with positive HIV that does not observe the appropriate conduct to
protect itself to itself and to which they surround to him, will be referred to the
Academic Dean of the School for the pertinent action.
15. The information related to the condition of positive students HIV will stay in
strict confidentiality, according to the effective laws. Any information on the student
will only be able to be offered by means of permission written of this one.
16. All student will observe the measures imposed for the handling with transmissible
diseases that prevail in the hospitable institutions where they make his practices clinical.
* General precautions that will be observed in the handling of transmissible
diseases:
1. It will be used gloves whenever it is in contact with the enemy with mucous
membranes and open skin.
2. Students with infectious or inflammatory conditions of the skin will abstain to
come in direct bonding with patients.
3. When procedures become in which the blood is present, it will be always used
gloves and all the necessary and effective precautions will be followed for such
procedures.
4. All the equipment that is needed for treatment of the patient must be had by hand
and know to use correctly it, otherwise the necessary aid of the teacher must be asked for.
5. The hospitable institutions will provide the necessary and suitable equipment for
the disposition with needles and syringes so that it is not necessary to manipulate the
same ones once used. This will avoid accidental needlesticks.
6. If the student is contaminated by direct bonding with secretions and
contaminated material, it must be reported immediately to the medical authorities for the
corresponding treatment.
39