Section 8: Campus Safety

8.1 Healthful, Safe and Secure Environment Policy

The responsibility for maintaining a healthful, safe, and secure environment for all members of the College community is a shared responsibility of the Director of the Physical Plant Department, the Dean of Student Affairs, and the Chief of Campus Police. The Director of Physical Plant is responsible for maintaining the grounds and buildings of MCC in a manner that promotes safety for all who enter the property of the College. This includes the evaluation of a safety manual used by the physical plant department in identifying risk factors and the procedures in place to protect the students, employees, and the school from accidents that can occur in the performance of the duties of Physical Plant. Items to be covered in this manual include the handling of hazardous waste, use of safety equipment in laboratories, egress in the event of a fire or other emergency. In addition, the Dean of Student Affairs and Chief of Campus Policy are responsible for insuring adequate measures are taken to insure the safety of students, faculty, and guest from the human element of life on a college campus. The Dean of Student Affairs also maintains and updates an Emergency Manual for the procedures in cases such as a fire, tornado, hurricane, bomb threat, and/or medical emergency. This Emergency Manual is approved by the Board of Trustees and will be updated annually. It will also be reviewed by the Physical Facilities Committee.

8.2 Camps or Programs for Minors on Campus

The mission of Meridian Community College includes continuing education experiences that enrich the lives of those within our community, including those below the age of 18. In offering such experiences, the College is committed to providing a safe environment.

8.2.1 Approval of Camps or Programs for Minors

Any Camp or Program on campus that will involve students under the age of 18 must follow these policies and be approved by the appropriate administrator, typically the respective dean, associate vice president, or vice president. The itinerary for the activity should be submitted to the appropriate administrator in advance outlining the process that will meet each of the policies adopted by the College. It is the responsibility of the administrator to notify the Vice President for Finance/CFO of all planned activities involving students under the age of 18. All third party camps or programs held on college property involving minors are required to abide by these policies.

8.2.2 Procedures for Camps or Programs involving Minors:

1. Responsible Party: Sponsoring Units offering a Program must designate an Authorized Adult at least 21 years of age to be on-call and accessible to program participants at all times.
2. Rule of Three: When there are children and adults present in the same activity, it is preferred that there be a minimum of three persons present (two adults and one child/youth OR one adult and two children/youth).
3. Two person supervision: There should be two persons (one should be 21 years or older) supervising programs involving children. This does not mean that two employees must be hired for every program having children. It does imply line of sight by another college employee on each employee when children are present. One-on-one contact with a child should not be allowed without line of sight by another employee or adult.

The goal of the College is to have the ratio of Authorized Adults supervising Program participants meet the following during any Program activities:

• A parent or guardian must accompany minors under the age of 5
• One Authorized Adult for every fifteen minors between 5 and 12
• One Authorized Adult for every twenty minors between ages 13 and 17

For Residential Programs, during those times the Program participants are not engaged in Program Activities, including at night, the minimum ratio of Authorized Adults supervising Program participants are one Authorized Adult supervising twenty campers between ages 13 to 17. Overnight residential programs are not allowed for any participant under the age of 13.

These ratios shall not be required for classes that are offered for credit by the college in college classrooms located in academic buildings during normal business hours.

Residential Programs: Camps or Programs which include a RESIDENTIAL component must adopt and implement policies for proper supervision of minors in College housing, including policies requiring the following:

• Written permission signed by the parent or legal guardian for the minor to reside in College housing.
• An age -appropriate curfew for the participants, but in no case later than midnight without prior approval from the College.
• In-room visitation restricted to participants of the same gender.
• Guest of participants (other than a parent/legal guardian and other Program participants) restricted to visitation in the building lobby and/or floor lounges and only during approved hours specified by the Program.
• Compliance with all security measures and procedures specified by the college Housing Department and the Campus Police.
• Separate sleeping accommodations for adults and minors other than the minors’ parents, legal guardians, or other members of the minors’ immediate family.

4. Medical Release: All programs, including programs sponsored by a third party, must follow the following policies and procedures:
   1. Establish a procedure for the notification of minor’s parent or legal guardian in case of an emergency, including medical or behavioral problems, natural disasters, or other significant Program disruptions. Authorized Adults with the Program as well as participants and their parents or legal guardians must be advised of this procedure prior to the Program.
   2. Require the Program participant to provide the Sponsoring Unit a Medical Treatment Authorization form. All forms must include the following:

• A Statement informing the parent/legal guardian that the College does not provide medical insurance to cover medical care for the minor (unless a program provides such insurance.)
• A statement authorizing the release of medical information (HIPAA) and authorizing emergency treatment in case the parent/legal guardian cannot be reached for permission.
• A list of any physical, mental or medical conditions the minor may have, including any allergies that could impact his/her participation in the Program.

3. Provide a list of all Program participants and a directory of Program Staff to the Campus Police Department. This list shall include the participant’s name; local room assignment (if applicable); gender, age, address, and phone number(s) of parent or legal guardian, as well as emergency contact information. This list must also include contact information for the Program Director.
4. College personnel or volunteers will not administer medicine.

8.2.3 Required Training

All Sponsoring Units should train program staff concerning the requirements of this policy.

8.2.4 Background Checks

All Authorized Adults, which includes employees and volunteers, are required to pass a current, college-sponsored background check before beginning work with minors. Results of background checks must be reviewed and approved by Human Resources prior to the adult being hired and/or interacting with minors in a program. As part of insurance compliance, background checks will be performed every 5 years for all employees and volunteers who interact with mnors. Payment for the background check is the responsibility of the individual unless specifically authorized for processing and/or payment by the Sponsoring Unit. Authorized Adults are under a duty to disclose any arrest that occurs after a background check is performed within 72 hours of its occurrence or immediately if such occurs while working as program staff.

In addition to the background check policy above, volunteers who have contact with minors will be required to complete a volunteer application. (Revised, 10/2022)

8.2.5 Reporting Abuse

No form of child abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual will be permitted or tolerated under any circumstances whatsoever. Harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare can occur through non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual misconduct or attempted sexual misconduct. It can also occur through negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, which would include the failure to provide adequate nourishment, medical treatment, supervision, clothing or shelter.

Duty to Report: If any person has reason to suspect that a minor has been subject to neglect or abuse, he or she must:

1. Inform the Mississippi Department of Human Services (DHS) by calling the Abuse hotline (800.222.8000) and provide written notification to the Department of Human Services as soon thereafter as possible. See Miss. Code Ann. 43-21-353 (as amended 2012.)
2. Inform the Campus Police Department (601.484.8620) or other appropriate law enforcement agency, and if the suspected assault or abuse presents an imminent danger to a minor, contact should occur immediately.
3. If the minor is a participant in a program, inform the Program Director immediately. The Program Director will immediately notify the Chief of Campus Police. If the Program Director may be involved in the suspected assault or abuse, the person should report the suspected assault or abuse to the Chief of Campus Police.

In deciding whether or not to report an incident or situation of suspected abuse or neglect, it is not required that you have proof that abuse or neglect has occurred. Any uncertainty in deciding to report suspected abuse or neglect should be resolved in favor of making a good faith report.

8.2.6 Sanctions

Programs in violation of this policy may be denied permission to continue operation at Meridian Community College.

Any violations of college policies by an individual will be dealt with in accordance with applicable college policies and procedures, which may include disciplinary actions up to and including termination from the College. Legal prohibitions regarding physical presence on campus/trespassing may also be pursued.

Suspected violations of law will be referred to law enforcement and may result in criminal penalties.

8.2.7 Definitions

Abuse - includes the following acts or omissions by a person:

1. mental or emotional injury to a child that results in an observable and material impairment in the child’s growth, development or psychological functioning;
2. causing or permitting the child to be in a situation in which the child sustains a mental or emotional injury that results in an observable and material impairment in the child’s growth, development or psychological functioning;
3. physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child or the genuine threat of substantial harm from physical injury to the child, including an injury that is at variance with the history or explanation given and excluding an accident or reasonable discipline by a parent, guardian or conservator that does not expose the child to a substantial risk of harm;
4. failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent an action by another person that results in physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child;
5. sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional or physical welfare, including conduct that constitutes the offense of continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children, indecency with a child, sexual assault, or aggravated assault;
6. failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct harmful to a child;
7. compelling or encouraging the child to engage in sexual conduct, including conduct that constitutes an offense of trafficking of persons, prostitution, or compelling prostitution;
8. causing, permitting, encouraging, engaging in or allowing the photographing, filming or depicting of the child if the person knew or should have known that the resulting photograph, film or depiction of the child is obscene or pornographic
9. the current use by a person of a controlled substance, in a manner or to the extent that the use results in physical, mental or emotional injury to a child;
10. causing, expressly permitting, or encouraging a child to use a controlled substance;
11. causing, permitting, encouraging, engaging in or allowing a sexual performance by a child; or
12. knowingly causing, permitting, encouraging, engaging in or allowing a child to be trafficked in a manner punishable as an offense, or the failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent a child from being trafficked in a manner punishable as an offense under any of those sections.

Authorized Adults - Program staff eighteen (18) years or older who supervise, chaperone, or otherwise oversee minors in programs. This includes but is not limited to, faculty, staff, volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, interns, employees of temporary employment agencies and independent contractors/consultants.

Camps and Programs for Minors - programs for minors that are sponsored and operated by the college or third parties using college property/facilities and that are held for more than one consecutive day without an overnight stay or that involve overnight stays where full supervisory duties of the minor(s) is the member or third party’s responsibility. This responsibility includes providing supervision, instruction and/or recreation where the children are apart from their parent(s)/legal guardian(s).

Program(s) do not include:

• private lessons or other instruction offered by individuals using College facilities;
• activities that require a Guardian to be present at all times;
• on-campus events sponsored by an accredited educational institution which has its own policies to supervise and protect minors;
• athletic competitions which involve no significant, substantive programming beyond the competition itself;
• interaction with minors in the context of curricular, practical training supervised by college faculty;
• off-campus clinical or practicum experiences supervised by a third party entity; (students must be informed of their obligation to comply with the external entity’s own policies and procedures, including those regarding background checks and working with minors. )
• Regularly scheduled classes or activities designed primarily for enrolled students who are age 17 and above.

NOTE: This definition may not capture certain circumstances in which minors are present on campus, and further consideration will be given as to whether they fall within the scope of the policy.

Contact with Minor(s) - in the context of an employment or volunteer position described in this policy, interaction with minors that is direct and reasonably anticipated. The term does not include interaction that is merely incidental.

Program Director - is a person who is responsible for the development and management of a camp and program for minors to include human resource, financial, marketing and strategic operations. A Program Director must be at least 21 years of age.

Minor - a child, under 18, who is not enrolled at the college, and who is attending a camp and program for minors on a day-care or boarding basis. Students who are “dually enrolled” in College programs while also enrolled in high school are not included in this policy unless such enrollment is a Residential Program.

Neglect includes:

1. the leaving of a child in a situation where the child would be exposed to a substantial risk of physical or mental harm, without arranging for necessary care for the child and the demonstration of an intent not to return by a parent, guardian or managing or possessory conservator of the child;
2. the following acts or omissions by a person:
   1. placing a child in or failing to remove a child from a situation that a reasonable person would realize requires judgment or actions beyond the child’s level of maturity, physical condition or mental abilities and that results in bodily injury or a substantial risk of immediate harm to the child;
   2. failing to seek, obtain or follow through with medical care for a child, with the failure resulting in or presenting a substantial risk of death, disfigurement or bodily injury or with the failure resulting in an observable and material impairment to the growth, development or functioning of the child;
   3. the failure to provide a child with food, clothing or shelter necessary to sustain the life or health of the child, excluding failure caused primarily by financial inability unless relief services had been offered and refused;
   4. placing a child in or failing to remove the child from a situation in which the child would be exposed to a substantial risk of sexual conduct harmful to the child; or
   5. placing a child in or failing to remove the child from a situation in which the child would be exposed to acts or omissions that constitute abuse under “Abuse” definitions (e), (f), (g), (h), or (K) committed against another child; or
3. the failure by the person responsible for a child’s care, custody or welfare to permit the child to return to the child’s home without arranging for the necessary care for the child after the child has been absent from the home for any reason, including having been in residential placement or having run away.

Residential Program(s) - Any college offered or college sponsored program that involves housing minors overnight.

Sponsoring Unit - Any college department or third party organization requesting approval for a program or camp involving minors.

8.3 Identification Cards

All faculty and staff of Meridian Community College and all students who enroll at Meridian Community College must have a valid MCC identification card and must display it on his/her person at all times while on the MCC campus. The identification cards for faculty, staff and students may be obtained in the MCC Campus Police office in Ivy-Scaggs Hall.

Students must provide a form of photo identification and a current class schedule to obtain an ID card. The first ID made for any student is free. There is a replacement fee for each subsequent ID card. The ID card must be worn on the person above the waist, which means it cannot be on a purse, book bag, etc.

Individuals without an ID card in plain view will be stopped to verify their status as a student, staff, or authorized visitor. Displaying of the ID is also required for use of the MCC library and most other services and activities. Individuals who fail to display the identification card may be subject to sanctions and penalties including charges of trespassing.

Returning faculty members do not have to have a new card each year but should have a new one made if the card became damaged or lost. All MCC employees should have an ID card made as soon as possible after initial employment.

The MCC Campus Police may on occasion arrange to issue identification cards at alternate locations on campus for certain events, activities or programs.

8.4 Emergency Action Procedure

All MCC employees are provided with a copy of the Emergency Procedures Manual. Each person should become familiar with this manual.

In the event of an accident or illness on campus, the following procedures MUST be followed:

1. Remain there to assist the individual
2. Send someone to notify CAMPUS POLICE of the type of emergency (accident or illness)
3. Indicate whether an ambulance should be or has already been called.

CAMPUS POLICE EXTENSION NUMBER IS 1620. If no answer, dial “0.” The Operator will radio information to a security officer.

8.5 Safety and Security Information Report

This information is being provided to you as part of the Meridian Community College’s commitment to safety and security on campus and is in compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990.

Meridian Community College is a comprehensive community college. The College serves a population of approximately 79,000 citizens of Lauderdale County. Approximately 4,000 students are enrolled in the Meridian Community College. Approximately 400 faculty and staff are employed by the College.

The Campus Police Department is the unit or department responsible for law enforcement, security and emergency response at MCC. The office is located in Ivy-Scaggs Hall on the 1st floor.

In case of an emergency, call 911; the 911 dispatcher will dispatch Campus Police. To report a crime, members of the campus community should call the Campus Police at 601-483-8241, ext. 1620.

The Security Department maintains both direct telephone and two-way radio contact with the Meridian Police Department, the Meridian Fire Department, and Metro Ambulance Service.

The College maintains a very strong commitment to campus safety and security. Exterior lighting is an important part of this commitment. Formal surveys of exterior lighting on campus are conducted by officers of the Campus Police Department. Members of the campus community are encouraged to report any exterior lighting deficiencies to the Campus Police Department at ext. 1620.

8.6 Law Enforcement Authority and Inter-Agency Relationships

The law enforcement officers of the Campus Police Department receive their police authority via the provisions of 37-29-275 of the State Statute of Miss. Code. Campus Police Officers have full law enforcement authority on all property owned or controlled by the college.

Campus Police Officers of the Campus Police Department are trained in the same manner as all other public law enforcement officers in the State of Mississippi. They each receive a minimum of 10 weeks formal basic training at a state approved training academy in accordance with the Board of Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training.

The Campus Police Department maintains a close working relationship with the Meridian Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and all appropriate elements of the Criminal Justice System. Meetings are held, both on a formal and informal basis. Crime related reports and statistics are routinely exchanged.

8.7 Campus Solicitation Policy

The intent of the MCC solicitation policy is to ensure noninterference with the educational activities and business operations of the College.

Solicitation is prohibited whereas the following definition and policy applies to activities by any off-campus individual or group and applies to all MCC property, locations and events.

Solicitation is defined as any active attempt to raise funds through direct sale of merchandise, services, or donations, with or without products or services rendered. Also, any method of communication intended to induce support of a service, organization, business activity, issue, cause, etc. will be considered solicitation. This includes the distribution of literature, leaflets and/or materials, posters, handouts, etc.

Any individual who violates this policy may be subject to sanctions or penalties including, but not limited to, charges of trespassing. (Revised 9/10/19)

8.8 Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy

Meridian Community College prohibits smoking and/or using tobacco products on or in any facility owned or operated by MCC. Smoking includes the use of any product that is smoked and produces smoke or vapor including but not limited to cigarettes, hookahs, and electronic cigarettes. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors. Violators will face a fine and could face further disciplinary action.

8.9 Drug and Alcohol Policies

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226 require that as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol by students and employees. This document is published and distributed in compliance with Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 86.

It is the intention of MCC to provide a drug-free workplace for all employees and students. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at MCC.

Any Workforce, career technical student that exhibits behavior, in the opinion of the instructor, consistent with the use of drugs and/or alcohol, the student will be required to submit to a urine or blood analysis test. In addition, any employee that exhibits behavior consistent with the use of drugs, and/or alcohol will be required to submit to a urine or blood analysis test. In addition, any employee that exhibits behavior consistent with the use of drugs, and/or alcohol will be required to submit to a urine or blood analysis test.

If an employee or student is found to be engaged in the manufacture, distribution, unlawful possession or use of a controlled substance, the College will initiate legal action or begin dismissal proceedings or both against the violator(s). MCC will continue to inform and educate all employees and students of the dangers of drug abuse. Should counseling, referral or other assistance be needed by an employee or student, the College will provide this assistance.

Any employee or student convicted of a drug or alcohol violation is required to notify the College within five days of conviction. Employees should notify their immediate supervisor. Students should notify Campus Police.

In addition to this policy, MCC has a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy for Programs with a Clinical Practicum in Section 7: Academic and Student Policies  .

8.10 Exposure Control Plan

A copy of this “Exposure Control Plan” (ECP) will be available to all employees identified in the Exposure Determination Section. It is the responsibility of the Department/Program Director and the Human Resources Coordinator to review the ECP with new employees as soon after employment as possible. The plan will be reviewed annually by a committee designated by teh Vice President for Workforce Solutions at the beginning of the spring semester. The purpose will be:

• Review the ECP andn review existing guidelines and protocols;
• Review new employee training schedules;
• Schedule on-going in-service information for appropriate faculty.

8.10.1 Purpose & Scope

The purpose of this document is to provide employees of Meridian Community College (MCC) with the information on Bloodborne Pathogens to protect themselves from unnecessary risks and exposure and to maintain a healthy environment for all employees, students, and other individuals who utilize campus facilities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) periodically publish updates on Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, while this ruling serves as the framework for this document, it is not implied that MCC is required by law to comply with the OSHA regulations. MCC has voluntarily elected to comply with the intent of the ruling to protect its employees from exposure to hazardous materials and situations. Recognizing its role as a leader in the community, MCC is willing and eager to provide as safe a work environment as possible.

The scope of this document is campus-wide and includes such areas as the Division of Nursing, Health Education, General Education, Science Laboratories, Athletics, Construction Trades/Industrial Maintenance/Machine Tools, Housekeeping, and other areas as indicated. The focus is on the safety of students, faculty, and staff. Students are considered in situations on campus where there is a possibility of exposure to blood and body fluids. This document does not include theoretical content regarding Bloodborne Pathogens taught to all health students. All health students are taught Standard Precautions and Universal Precautions when they begin their studies and at least, annually thereafter. All health program students, faculty, and staff comply with the “Exposure Control Plan” of clinical agencies where clinical experiences are available and are required to participate in annual Bloodborne Pathogen training.

8.10.2 Definitions

For the purpose of this document, the following definitions are used:

• Blood - human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood;
• Bloodborne Pathogens - pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans; included but not limited to Hepatitis B and HIV;
• Contaminated - presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item or surface;
• Contaminated Laundry - laundry soiled with blood or other potentially infectious materials;
• Contaminated Sharps - contaminated objects that can penetrate the skin including, but not limited to, needles, scalpels, broken glass, and dental wires;
• Decontamination - physical or chemical removal, inactivation, or destroying of bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item;
• Engineering Controls - means controls (e.g., sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles, safer medical devices, such as sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and needleless systems) that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace;
• Exposure Incident - a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee’s/ student’s duties;
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - specialized clothing or equipment worn for protection against hazards;
• Regulated Waste - liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious materials; contaminated items that would release blood or other potentially infectious materials.
• Safer Medical Devices - these devices include those that are needleless or have built-in protection to guard workers against contact with the contaminated sharp;
• Standard Precautions - guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to reduce the risk of the spread of infection; includes hand washing and wearing applicable personal protective equipment (PPE);
• Universal Precautions - is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens.

8.10.3 Exposure Determination

The purpose of the “Exposure Determination” is to identify those individuals on the Meridian Community College campus and off-campus locations who are at risk for exposure to bloodborne and body fluid pathogens. Exposure determination is made without regard to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

8.10.3.1 Job Classifications:

1. Instructional faculty in the following departments are considered at risk in routine instructional activity:

• Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Radiologic Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Surgical Technology
• Emergency Medical Sciences
• Nursing (Associate Degree/Practical/Health Care Assistant)
• Science/Laboratory Department (General Education)
• Construction Trades, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Precision Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Utility Liineman, and Welding and Cutting Technology
• Fitness/Wellness
• Athletics
• Cosmetology
• Hospitality Management Technology and Culinary Arts Technology
• Phlebotomy Essentials Course

2. Non-instructional staff considered at high risk include:

• Laboratory Aid - General Education Science lab areas
• Fitness/Pool/Wellness
• Physical Plant - Campus wide
• Athletic Staff

3. Individuals in the following areas are at occasional risk for occupational exposure:

• Campus Police - Campus wide
• Student Workers - Health, Science, and Fitness/Pool/Gym
• Early Childhood Education faculty and students

4. Students are recognized as a group of individuals on campus at risk for occupational exposure. Since students are not employees of Meridian Community College, they are not identified separately in the Exposure Control Plan; however, when faculty and students are engaged in activities that might be hazardous, the expectations regarding faculty and staff applies to students as well.

8.10.3.2 Hazardous Tasks and Procedures

The following have been identified as potentially hazardous tasks and procedures:

1. Assisting students in instructional settings:

• Handling of sharps - Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Health Care Assistant, Medical Assisting Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, Emergency Medical Services, Biological Science labs, Radiologic Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Surgical Technology, Athletics, Cosmetology, Hospitality Management Technology, Culinary Arts Technology, and Phlebotomy Essentials Course;
• CPR - Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Respiratory Care, Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, Health, Fitness/Wellness, and Cosmetology;
• Routine lab testing involving urine, blood, and other body fluids - Medical Laboratory Technology, Biological Science Labs, Medical Assisting Technology, and Phlebotomy Essentials Course;
• Routine intra-oral procedures - Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting;
• Handling of glassware- Biological Science, Chemistry labs, and Medical Laboratory Technology;
• Activities in Fitness/Wellness classes;
• Procedures in Construction Trades, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Precision Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Utility Lineman, and Welding and Cutting Technology;

2. Disposal of garbage - housekeeping primarily, all departments to some extent;
3. Cleaning of restroom facilities campus-wide - Housekeeping and Fitness Center Personnel;
4. Assisting at the scene of serious injury, illness, and accidents - Campus Police, Fitness/Pool/Gym/Staff, Housekeeping, and Early Childhood Education;
5. Plumbing and open sewer drains - Housekeeping, Maintenance.

8.10.4 Schedule and Method of Implementation for Compliance

8.10.4.1 General - Standard Precautions and Universal Precautions

It is the policy of Meridian Community College (MCC) to observe Standard Precautions and Universal Precautions to prevent contact with blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. In situations where differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids are considered potentially infectious materials. It is the student’s responsibility to make allergies known to MCC faculty and instructors prior to any clinical or laboratory activities so provisions can be made for possible alternate equipment to be used (i.e., Vinyl gloves instead of latex).

1. Hand washing - Hand washing is mandated before and after all procedures involving blood and body fluids.
2. Gloving - In performing potentially hazardous tasks, it is the policy of MCC that all faculty and students wear disposable gloves. Housekeeping personnel are provided with utility gloves and are required to wear utility gloves when handling garbage and cleaning restrooms. Latex free gloves are available for use. Reusable utility gloves are also used in the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs
3. CPR - Manikins used for teaching CPR will be equipped as to allow individual masks and disposable lungs. Manikins are cleaned between use according to the guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the manufacturer. Non latex and powder free gloves will be used. There will be no mouth contact on any manikins, old or new.
4. Handling of Sharps - Sharps containers are provided by MCC and should be used by faculty and students when disposing of contaminated sharps. Needles should not be recapped by hand unless the one-handed scoop procedure is properly performed. Recapping devices should be used when possible. Programs that utilize recapping procedures properly train and monitor students on safety and methodology. In addition, some programs employ the use of safer medical devices. Science faculty and students should be educated on proper use of scalpels including the danger of exchanging scalpels with other students.
5. Spills - Spills of blood or body fluids have not been identified as an anticipated routine occurrence. Most spills that occur at MCC are small, except for Medical Laboratory Technology where the potential for larger spills exists. Appropriate cleansing materials are available for the handling of minor spills. Housekeeping personnel will be knowledgeable regarding the location and availability of disinfectants.
6. Standard Precaution Signs - Standard Precautions Signs utilized by MCC include the bio-hazard labeled red garbage bags, cans, and signs in areas where specimens are stored.

8.10.4.2 Engineering and Work Practice Controls

It is the policy of Meridian Community College to provide a safe environment by eliminating or minimizing occupational exposure through responsible work habits, engineering controls, and policies which recognize the seriousness of possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - currently in use includes:
   1. Nursing Programs - disposable gloves;
   2. Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting - disposable gloves, face masks, protective eyewear, disposable gowns, bonnets, reusable utility gloves;
   3. Medical Laboratory Technology - disposable gloves, protective eyewear (mask, face shield, goggles) and spill proof disposable gowns;
   4. Respiratory Care - disposable gloves, face masks;
   5. Radiologic Technology - disposable gloves;
   6. Science and Biological Labs - gloves and eye wear;
   7. Custodial Services - disposable gloves, face masks, and disposable coveralls;
   8. Fitness/Pool/Gym equipment - face masks and disposable gloves;
   9. Emergency Medical Services - gloves, goggles, masks, and gowns;
   10. Medical Assisting Technology - gloves, goggles, masks, and gowns;
   11. Surgical Technology - gowns, gloves, masks, caps, shoe covers, and eye shields;
   12. Early Childhood Education - gloves;
   13. Cosmetology - face masks, disposable gloves, and goggles;
   14. Phlebotomy Essentials Course - disposable gloves.
2. Sharps - Handling and Disposal - Most health programs and science/biological classes using needles and sharps do not allow recapping of needles in routine procedures. In addition, some programs employ the use of safer medical devices. Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs, however, instruct students on the proper methods of recapping needles when needed, using the one-handed scoop method or a mechanical recapping device. All health programs and science/biological classes using needles and sharps require disposal of these materials into proper containers.

It is the responsibility of faculty to replace sharp containers when two-thirds full. Currently sharp containers that are two-thirds full are tightly closed to prevent possible spillage. Meridian Community College has an agreement with a local hospital affiliate, Anderson Regional Health System, for medical waste disposal of sharp containers and biohazardous waste. The sharp containers and biohazardous waste are placed in a secondary container that is closable, does not allow for leakage, and color-coded or labeled.

3. Hand-washing - It is the policy of all health programs to emphasize the importance of hand-washing.
4. Contaminated Reusable Sharps - The Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, and Cosmetology Programs follow proper procedure for sterilizing clinic equipment. All other health programs do not have contaminated, reusable sharps.
5. Eating/drinking in Work Areas - It is the policy of MCC not to allow eating or drinking in classrooms. This policy will be strictly enforced in college laboratory rooms where there is possible exposure to blood and body fluids.

Applying cosmetics or lip balm and handling of contact lens are prohibited in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure.

6. Food/Drink Storage - No contaminated or potentially infectious materials are stored in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets, and on countertops used for food. The science/biological departments, the Medical Assisting Technology Program, and the Medical Laboratory Technology Program have refrigerators for laboratory purposes.
7. Protection from Splashing/Spraying - Students in Health and Nursing Programs are taught how to perform procedures to minimize splashing, spraying, spattering and generation of droplets of potential infectious materials. See “Tasks and Procedures” for a listing of these procedures.
8. Collection and Transportation of Specimens - Students in Medical Assisting Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, and Science classes are taught proper procedure for collection of specimens. Standard Precautions and Universal Precautions are taught in handling of all specimens. Specimens are not transported from the MCC campus to another facility. When specimens are transported to MCC for instructional purposes, proper procedures for transportation of specimens are utilized according to OSHA guidelines.
9. Personal Protective Equipment - As previously described, MCC provides employees, faculty, and students, at no cost, appropriate personal protective equipment. Disposable gowns, gloves, and facemasks are provided when tasks are potentially hazardous. Contamination by blood or other potentially infectious materials is rare, but should this occur, PPE would be removed immediately and disposed of in a biohazard-labeled bag and transported according to OSHA regulations.
10. Housekeeping/Regulated Waste - It is the policy of Meridian Community College to ensure that the work site is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. A written schedule of cleaning is provided to housekeeping staff, and it is the responsibility of the Physical Plant Director to oversee enforcement.

Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Medical Assisting Technology, Emergency Medical Services, Athletics, Cosmetology, Phlebotomy Essentials Course, and Science students are required to clean their labs, operatories, or work areas daily.

A color-coded hazardous waste container is kept in the Dental Hygiene clinic. At the end of each clinic session, contaminated waste is collected in the container and then transferred to a larger hazardous waste container. Such waste is disposed of through the maintenance department and a local hospital affiliate, Anderson Regional Health System, for waste disposal. The use of the color-coded trash containers is validated by requirements imposed upon the Dental Hygiene program by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

In the event of a body fluid spill or contamination, an appropriate disinfectant and cleanup materials are available. Housekeeping personnel are taught annually proper cleaning of blood spills and other potentially hazardous materials. It is the responsibility of the director of the physical plant to arrange for such education and to maintain records of attendance for at least three years, forwarding copies to the Human Resource Department. It is the policy of Meridian Community College for housekeeping staff to wear utility gloves when handling garbage.

Lifeguard Staff are taught annually OSHA regulations dealing with bloodborne pathogens. This includes care of bodily fluid spills.

11. Laundry - Dental Hygiene has contaminated hand towels and blankets laundered prior to use. Students in programs requiring lab coats and uniforms are responsible for laundering these clothing items. Health Education and Nursing students are taught the proper procedure for transporting lab coats to and from campus.

8.10.5 Hepatitis B Vaccination and Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up

8.10.5.1 Hepatitis B Vaccination

All faculty, students, and staff identified in “Exposure Determination” are made aware of the availability of the Hepatitis B Vaccine and may be required to sign the “Communicable Disease Statement” - see example of statement.

Meridian Community College voluntarily complies with the OSHA standard on Hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up for their employees. It is the responsibility of the head of each department to ascertain the status of new faculty/staff regarding their Hepatitis immunity and to assist them to obtain the Hepatitis vaccine if indicated.

Students are included in policies of the clinical agencies. In the event that an exposure occurs during clinical training, the student or faculty member is to follow the “Exposure Control Plan” of that clinical facility, but the student and/or faculty member will be responsible for the cost. (Secondary insurance and accident insurance is included in fees for Nursing and Health Education Students.)

8.10.5.2 Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up

It is the policy of Meridian Community College to follow the established protocol for exposure to body fluids/blood.

• If an incident occurs at a clinical agency with an “Exposure Control Plan,” the healthcare clinical agency (e.g., infection control nurse/administrator) will designate appropriate action to be taken.
• If the incident occurs at an agency with no written guidelines or at Meridian Community College, the student, faculty, or staff will report to the emergency room of his/her choice or to the Rush Workforce Wellness located next to the Rush Hospital Emergency Room.

Rush Workforce Wellness operates between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Report to Rush Emergency Room if incident occurs after hours for initial evaluation. The need for any follow-up treatment should be established by attending healthcare provider.

This action should be taken within one (1) hour of the incident and prophylactic treatment started within 72 hours. The student will be responsible for fees incurred.

[Note: See secondary insurance rider for additional coverage.]

• Report back to immediate supervisor or instructor with completed “MCC Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Medical Follow-Up Form” and “MCC’s Incident Report Form.”

8.10.6 Medical Record Keeping

Meridian Community College will voluntarily comply with the OSHA Standard by maintaining an accurate record for each employee or student with occupational exposure. Such recordswill contain the information detailed in the OSHA Standard, will be kept confidential, and will be maintained for at least the duration of employment or student enrollment plus 50 years. Post Exposure Records will be kept in the vault located in MCC Records Office with copies in the program specific areas.

8.10.7 HIV/AIDS Guidelines (For Students and Employees)

Any student, faculty, or staff with a concern about the impact of his/her HIV/AIDS condition on learning or employee experiences may choose to address these concerns with appropriate personnel. Employees may contact their immediate supervisor or Director of Human Resources. Students may contact the program coordinator of Associate Dean of Students.

The College adheres to the American with Disability requirements and each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with consideration of risks, confidentiality, and available resources taken into consideration.

No student or employee will be discriminated against based on HIV/AIDS. Internal and external resource personnel will be consulted as appropriate to determine any precautions required above standard precautions and alternate learning activities if necessary.

8.10.8 Communication of OSHA Standards on Bloodborne Pathogens

A.      Meridian Community College voluntarily complies with the OSHA Standards regarding exposure control. 

B.      Labels and Signs: Warning labels as required by OSHA will be affixed to containers containing potentially hazardous materials. In Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Assisting Technology,   and Cosmetology programs, appropriate labels are utilized in the collection and handling of specimens. 

C.     Spill kits may be found in janitorial closets and housekeeping should be notified of any spills. Housekeeping is taught annually proper cleaning of blood spills and other potentially hazardous materials. 

D.      Each Supervisor/Program Director at Meridian Community College is responsible for porviding information on the OSHA Standard on Bloodborne Pathogens to their faculty, staff, and students annually. Each division will keep an accurate record of faculty and staff attendees participating in information sessions and will forward copies of attendance to Human Resources department. 

          a. Instructors in the listed programs are required to provide information on the OSHA Standard on Bloodborne Pathogens to their students and maintain the record in their electronic or hard files. 

E.      The educational DVD’s entitled “Bloodborne Pathogens in Commercial and Industrial Facilities” and “Bloodborne Pathogens in Healthcare Facilities” are available for review in MCC’s library. There is also a bloodborne pathogen educational video available in the library’s “films on demand.” Sectional supervisors have the flexibility to prescribe alternative continuing education regarding bloodborne pathogens as needed in their area. 

F.       This “Exposure Control Plan” will be accessible on Eagle Net along with the “MCC Incident Report Form” and “MCC Follow Up Form.”     (Revised 04/18/2023)

8.11 COVID-19 Exposure and Contact Tracing Policy and Procedures

Contact tracing is a key strategy for preventing the further spread of COVID-19. To limit the spread of the disease on campus, MCC has adopted the following policy.

COVID-19 Positive Individuals

Meridian Community College students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to notify, immediately, the Office of Student Affairs by completing the contact tracing form located at meridiancc.edu/covid19/. MCC employees who test positive for COVID-19 are required to notify, immediately, the Office of Human Resources at 601.581.3508 or apickard@meridiancc.edu. The individual should immediately self-isolate and not return to campus for any reason. Any communication should take place via telephone or email. Infected individuals are expected to follow instructions provided by their health care provider and follow the most current CDC guidelines.

Exposure (Close Contact) to COVID-19

Meridian Community College refers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) guidance for evaluating students, faculty, and staff with potential exposures to COVID-19. This guidance may be updated as changes are recommended by the CDC and/or the MSDH.

*Students, faculty or staff members in Health Education/Nursing programs who have contact with COVID-positive patients in the clinical setting will follow the guidelines of the clinical facility related to how exposure is defined.

Instructions for MCC students, faculty, and staff member who have been exposed to COVID-19 as defined in the table above:

1. Notify your instructor and/or clinical instructor, immediate supervisor, or department chair of the exposure.
2. Self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of the exposure.
3.  Monitor for fever or symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
4. Contact your healthcare provider to arrange medical evaluation and testing if you develop symptoms.

Contact Tracing

When a member of the college community presents a positive test for COVID-19, the College will investigate potential exposures of others and conduct contact tracing. The student or employee will be instructed to complete the contact tracing form where they will list names (if possible), dates, times and locations where they may have put others at risk of exposure. This includes times of prolonged close contact with a student, faculty, or staff member. The College’s delegated representative will follow up with communication with the infected person to evaluate the length of interaction, location of the interaction, the nature of the interaction, as well as the personal protection equipment utilized in the interaction. To protect privacy, close contacts are only informed that they have had a potential exposure. The identity of the infected person will not be given, and no identifying information will be released.

The College will communicate with the persons listed who have been determined to be at risk of exposure, when contact information is available, and provide them with the necessary information to understand their risk, and information to prevent the spread of illness to others. Information regarding self-quarantine and self-monitoring will be provided. Close contacts may be required to stay home. See above for return to campus requirements.

Return to Campus Requirements

In accordance with the CDC and MSDH guidelines:

• Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, who either have or do not have symptoms, and were directed to isolate may return to campus under the following conditions:
  • At least 10 days* have passed since symptom onset (or from date of positive test if asymptomatic) or length of time designated in writing by the healthcare provider, and
  • At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, and
  • Other symptoms have improved.

*A limited number of persons with severe illness may produce replication-competent virus beyond 10 days, that may warrant extending duration of isolation for up to 20 days after symptom onset. Consider consultation with infection control experts. See Discontinuation of Transmission-Based Precautions and Disposition of Patients with COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings (Interim Guidance).

• Individuals who were placed on quarantine due to possible exposure, may return to campus after the appropriate quarantine time has passed. See applicable restrictions above.

Note: if symptoms develop, individuals should follow guidance above for persons with COVID-19.

• References

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html

Residence Halls and Quarantine

Students residing on campus who test positive or who need to quarantine, will be encouraged to move home during the quarantine period. When this is not possible, the student will be provided a room in Eagle Hall, if space is available, until they meet the return to campus requirements.

Local COVID-19 Testing Providers

The following is a list of testing sites, within Lauderdale County, providing COVID-19 testing:

• Anderson Regional Health System 601-553-7888
• Clarkdale Clinic 601-282-3271
• Greater Meridian Health Clinic 601-693-0151
• Rush Health Systems 601-703-9913

For additional sites, visit the MS Department of Health website at msdh.ms.gov. Call ahead before visiting to make testing arrangements. Each provider will set their own testing fee. Ask about the cost of testing when you call a test provider. After you are tested you should isolate yourself while you wait for test results. It is essential to remain at home and away from other family members as much as possible to prevent the possible spread of disease. (Board approved 07/14/2020; Revised 12/11/2020)

8.12 Electronic Surveillance Devices

The primary purpose of the use of surveillance devices is to support campus safety and security. Accordingly, the MCC Police Department (MCCPD) is responsible for authorizing the location of cameras and who can have access to video feeds, reasonable monitoring of live video, and controlling access to recorded electronic surveillance. While this policy is primarily focused on video surveillance, the policies and standards herein apply to other types of electronic surveillance devices as well.

Standards:

• The MCCPD is responsible for identifying locations on campus best suited for the installation of electronic surveillance devices.
• Cameras will not be installed in any area where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy unless the cameras are needed for criminal or non-criminal investigations of situations that may pose a significant risk to public safety and/or campus security as authorized by MCCPD. Examples of prohibited locations include:
  • Student rooms in the residence halls,
  • Restrooms,
  • Single occupancy offices,
  • Locker rooms,
  • Health treatment rooms.
• Authorization for an employee to have access to electronic surveillance devices can be revoked at any time by the campus chief of police, the division vice president, or the college president.
• The campus chief of police or the college president may have a camera removed from a location if the camera presents a legitimate challenge to personal security, campus safety, or violates a reasonable expectation of privacy that supersedes the security value of the surveillance data being captured.
• Individuals are not permitted to install false, personal, or other electronic devices for the purpose of surveillance without the knowledge and consent of MCCPD.
• All audio and video footage captured on college-owned electronic surveillance devices are the property of Meridian Community College and can not be distributed, shared, recorded, or removed from campus.
• All recorded surveillance material will be retained for a minimum of 30 days. Footage may be retained for a longer period of time if the files are part of a criminal investigation, court proceeding, college grievance, personnel matter, or other college-related investigation.
• All recorded surveillance material will be stored on the college’s secure network. Copies cannot be made for distribution without the consent of the MCC president.
• College IT personnel are responsible for installing, maintaining, and/or managing the maintenance of all electronic surveillance devices utilized by the college for the purposes of campus safety and security.

Authorization Process:

If an employee or department believes the installation of security cameras is in the best interest of campus safety and/or security, the following process is required.

• The employee must complete a Camera Installation Request form. The form identifies the reasons for the request, the desired location for the surveillance device, and requires the approval of the employee’s direct supervisor and division vice president.
• MCCPD will review the request and, if granted, will work with IT to determine the best location. The request may be granted partially or in full.
• MCCPD will maintain the request and written approval.
• If an employee is authorized to have access to an electronic surveillance device, the employee must sign a non-disclosure form related to the confidentiality of the video information to which the employee has access.

Viewing of the Video:

MCCPD has the authority to review recorded video footage at all times as a responsibility for maintaining campus safety and security. If an employee, student, or visitor to campus believes a criminal act has occurred that requires a review of video footage, the individual is advised to file a report with the campus police. Anyone who desires to review recorded electronic surveillance footage for any reason, permission can only be granted by the campus police chief (or designee), a division vice president, or the president of the college.

Employees who attempt to alter or delete electronic surveillance material may be subject to college discipline up to and including termination and, if appropriate, may be subject to criminal investigation.

Monitoring of the Cameras

MCC electronic surveillance devices are not actively monitored under normal operating conditions. They, however, may be actively monitored in high-risk areas, restricted access/locations, in response to an alarm, during special or specific events, and in conjunction with investigations authorized by MCCPD or the college president.