Student Rights, Professionalism, and Responsibilities

Professionalism and Student Conduct

Conduct and Responsibilities

KHSC-KansasCOM requires all students to be responsible individuals who possess the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and personal conduct. These traits are pre-requisites to independent learning, professional development, the successful performance of academic and clinical assignments, and the conduct of one's personal life. Accordingly, students are expected to adhere to a standard of behavior consistent with KHSC-KansasCOM's high standards both on and off campus. Compliance with institutional policies, rules, and regulations, in addition to city, state, and federal laws, is required of all students.

Professional Code of Conduct

It is not possible to enumerate all forms of inappropriate behavior. The following, however, are examples of behavior that could constitute a violation of Kansas Health Science Center (KHSC-KansasCOM) policy. Accordingly, KHSC-KansasCOM has established the following Professional Code of Conduct, indicating behavior that is subject to disciplinary action:

1. Harassment, harm, abuse, damage, or theft to or of any individual or property.
2. Physical or verbal abuse, or the threat of such abuse, to any individual.
3. All forms of dishonesty: cheating, plagiarism, knowingly furnishing false information to KHSC-KansasCOM, forgery, alteration, or unapproved use of records.
4. Entering or using KHSC-KansasCOM or hospital/clinic/research facilities without authorization.
5. Disrupting teaching, research, administrative, or student functions of KHSC-KansasCOM.
6. Actions resulting in being charged with a violation of federal, state, or local laws, excluding minor traffic violations; and/or failure to report such charges/violations to KHSC-KansasCOM administration within 48 hours (about 2 days).
7. Participation in academic or clinical endeavors at KHSC-KansasCOM or its affiliated institutions while under the influence of alcohol, nonprescribed controlled substances, or illicit drugs.
8. Unlawful use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs, nonprescribed controlled substances, or alcohol at any time .
9. Placing a patient in needless jeopardy.
10. Unethical disclosure of privileged information.
11. Behavior or appearance that demonstrates abusive or disrespectful conduct toward members of the faculty, administrative or professional staff, employees, students, patients, or visitors of KHSC-KansasCOM.
12. Violation of any established rules, regulations, and policies of KHSC-KansasCOM, KHSC-KansasCOM -endorsed organizations, KHSC-KansasCOM departments, or affiliated institutions.
13. Failure to report an observed violation of the Professional Code of Conduct.
14. Conspiring, planning, or attempting to achieve any of the above acts.

Student Disciplinary Assurances

The following procedures are provided to all students in the handling of all alleged violations of the Professional Code of Conduct:

1. Disciplinary Notification: Any student charged with an alleged violation of the Professional Code of Conduct will be provided written notice either in person or via their KHSC-KansasCOM issued email address. This includes the alleged Professional Code(s) of Conduct that have been violated as well as an overview of the process.
2. Hearing: Every student alleged to have violated the Professional Code of Conduct has a right to a hearing. The KHSC-KansasCOM disciplinary system is a dual-dimensional system that allows the student the right to a formal hearing through the Student Performance Committee (SPC) or a hearing through the Office of Student Affairs and Services. Which group hears the student's case is decided by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Services.
3. Appeal: All students who are charged and found responsible for a violation of the Professional Code of Conduct have the right to appeal the decision of the SPC and any decision made by staff members within the Office of Student Affairs and Services. The appeal process is not an opportunity to have the determination reconsidered merely because of the student’s dissatisfaction with the decision, rather, an appeal must be based on one of more of the following:

• New evidence
• Evidence of improper procedure
• New arguments that could not be provided at the time of the original hearing

4. The student must submit an appeal in writing to the Dean and Chief Academic Officer (the student can notify KHSC-KansasCOM of their intent to appeal by either emailing the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Services or by submitting their appeal in writing to the Dean and Chief Academic Officer of KHSC-KansasCOM). That written appeal must be submitted for review within five business days of receipt of the initial decision. Appeals must clearly outline the sanction(s) the student is appealing along with any additional information that includes new evidence, evidence of improper procedure or new arguments that could not be provided at the time of the original hearing.  Disagreement with KHSC-KansasCOM policy is not considered a compelling argument for appeal.

The appeal is considered by the Dean and Chief Academic Officer with the autonomy to uphold the appealed decision, reverse the decision altogether, or change the decision by making the sanction(s) either more or less severe. Students can expect a decision on their appeal within a reasonable period from the appeal submission date. Once the Dean/Chief Academic Officer has rendered a decision on an appeal, the decision is final with no additional options for appeal.

Student Disciplinary Procedures

Complaints involving alleged misconduct by students will be handled according to the following procedures except in those cases where different procedures are prescribed by another KHSC-KansasCOM policy (e.g., allegations of sexual harassment, research misconduct- See the KHSC-KansasCOM Student Handbook and Catalog for how those issues are handled).

KHSC-KansasCOM has established a dual-dimensional approach to adjudicating student misconduct, poor academic performance, and/or disciplinary issues. The following steps are to be followed in any case where a student is alleged to have violated the Professional Code of Conduct as enumerated in this handbook:

1. All reports of alleged code violations shall be reported to Student Affairs and Services and/or to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Services. Reports must be filed in writing and must be signed by the reporting party, which can be a member of the KHSC-KansasCOM faculty/staff, in addition to a KHSC-KansasCOM student. KHSC-KansasCOM will make efforts to protect the identity of the reporting party, to the extent possible. However, it is not possible to ensure 100% confidentiality in all cases.
2. Student Affairs and Services will review the report and determine if the charge is of a nature to merit an investigation of the allegation(s).
3. If the allegation in the report is of a nature to merit an investigation, Student Affairs and Services, along with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Services, will gather, analyze, and investigate the information. The student who is accused will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations as part of the investigative process. (This will be done as quickly as possible, but sometimes the nature of such investigations takes longer than expected to gather evidence and speak with potential witnesses.)
4. After all information is gathered, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Services will apply a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard in making a judgment about the validity of the report and how best the alleged misconduct should be adjudicated. The Associate Dean will apply the preponderance of evidence standard to the evidence and details within the alleged complaint. If the details indicate that the incident is more than likely than not to have occurred based upon the details, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Services will refer the case to the appropriate hearing body and will instruct that the student be notified of an alleged violation of the Code of Professional Conduct. The dual-dimensional nature of KHSC-KansasCOM’s disciplinary system allows for cases to be heard by the Student Performance Committee (SPC) or administrators within the Office of Student Affairs and Services.
5. The Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Services will make the final decision, using the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard, as to how the case will be heard and will make a referral to the specific adjudicating body for disposition of the case. All evidence and the severity of the alleged violation will be reviewed as part of this decision. The student will also be notified in writing to appear before the appropriate body to have their case heard.
6. The student has the right to respond to any complaint and provide information and evidence on their own behalf. The student also has the right to provide witness testimony as part of their defense.
7. In cases where the information does not merit referral to the SPC, the case will be investigated, documented, and resolved and/or dismissed by Student Affairs and Services staff.
8. Once the case has been formally resolved, the Associate Dean will then communicate, in writing, the outcome to the student. 

Student Performance Committee (SPC)

The SPC is a committee made up of KHSC-KansasCOM employees and students, charged with being the primary team responsible for review of the totality of students’ academic and behavioral performance.

The SPC reviews the academic records of students who have failed specific required elements for graduation and/or any student who has failed to show substantive academic progress in the path of study including demonstrated lapses in professionalism.

The SPC is engaged with the following types of academic failures and/or violations of institutional policy:

• Course/section
• Clinical Clerkship Rotation
• COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2-CE
• Failure to comply with remediation/academic improvement plan
• Alleged violation of the Professional Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook and Academic Catalog

As a part of the comprehensive review, the SPC will decide whether the student should be granted retesting/remediation after a failure. The SPC has broad authority to review students’ records, to decide how best KHSC-KansasCOM can assist the student in getting back on track academically and can recommend a broad number of options for consideration as part of any final decision. Refer to the Student Handbook and Academic Catalog for sanctions and academic remedies that the SPC considers when making their decision.

Composition of the SPC

The SPC is composed of 8 voting members and 5 non-voting, ex-officio members. SPC Committee Members are full-time KHSC-KansasCOM employees and students. SPC members are appointed by the Dean/Chief Academic Officer.

The composition of the voting members of the SPC is as follows:

• Basic Science faculty member (4)
• Clinical faculty member (4)

Ex-officio Members (Non-Voting):

• Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Services
• Representative from Counseling Services
• Director or Assistant Director of Student Affairs and Services
• Representative from Learning Enhancement
• Representative from Pre-Clinical Years
• Representative from Clinical Education

A quorum of voting committee members is required for the SPC to meet and finalize any decision. A quorum is defined as having five members present. The chairperson of the SPC only votes in the event of a tie vote of those members present.

SPC Meeting Structure

The SPC meetings will occur as needed. Students are expected to meet with the SPC in person, except for students on clinical clerkships at locations determined to be a substantial distance from campus. Those students shall meet with the SPC via video conference. In the event there are only remediation plans to review, but not students for an in-person meeting, the SPC may meet virtually, via tele- or videoconference, at the discretion of the chairperson of the SPC.

Executive Session of SPC Meetings

The first portion of each meeting is considered an executive session for review of any student remediation plans currently in progress. New remediation plans that have occurred since the last SPC meeting will be presented to the committee by a representative from the Office of Student Affairs and Services, followed by updates on the process of already existing remediation plans. The SPC will then vote to approve said new remediation plans.

The executive session portion of the meeting may be attended by both voting and non-voting members, at the discretion of the chairperson of the SPC. In addition, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Services may be asked by the chairperson of the SPC to provide policy, precedent, and procedural guidance. The student who is being reviewed is not allowed to attend any portion of the executive session of the committee.

Official Hearing of SPC Meetings

The official hearing portion of the meeting includes only the voting members of the SPC, the student being reviewed, and appropriate administrative support staff of the committee. The chairperson of the SPC committee will direct the proceedings, including allowing the student to make a statement and ask questions of the committee members. SPC Members may ask questions of the student. At the end of each hearing, the chairperson of the SPC will excuse the student for deliberation. Only voting members of the committee may be present during deliberation. Proceedings of the closed portion of the official hearing of the SPC meeting are strictly confidential.

Additional SPC Duties

The SPC also has responsibilities for reviewing each student and approving them for graduation and progression to the next academic year. Each April, the SPC committee meets to approve the list of students who have been certified by the Office of the Registrar as having met all graduation requirements. Once approved, the list is sent to the Faculty Council for review and the Board of Trustees for final review and approval. Similarly, the SPC reviews the individual students to ensure they have completed all curricular requirements to move on to the next year of the curriculum.

SPC Data and Metrics

Key data points about students required to appear before the SPC committee will be preserved and analyzed to provide key metrics. This data is a valuable tool in helping the administration track and identify future at-risk students. KHSC-KansasCOM reserves the right to keep and utilize this data for future analysis.

Student Conduct

The merits of each case will be considered before sanctions are levied. It is the intent of the Code of Professional Conduct that the sanction(s) imposed are in response to the academic record, student’s professional behavior, any patterns of inappropriate personal behavior, and/or disciplinary history of the individual student.

Possible Sanctions Related to Violations of the Professional Code of Conduct

The following are examples of sanctions imposed by the Office of Student Affairs and Services or the Student Performance Committee (SPC) These sanctions are imposed as the result of the disciplinary and/or academic review process and may be levied as a result of a hearing conducted by the Office of Student Affairs and Services or the SPC. Some sanctions may be required of the student without a hearing. These sanctions are typically in response to poor academic performance and are designed to enhance a student’s academic progress. This list is not exhaustive, and sanctions are based on the circumstances of the charges.

No Action

An official response from the disciplinary body indicating that no action be taken regarding the student’s case.

Verbal/Written Warning

Documented warning that the behavior/academic performance demonstrated was unacceptable, including students failing their first and second courses within a single academic year.

Required Corrective Academic Action

This is required only after a student has failed a course, section, clerkship and/or national examination. Remediation/retesting is not guaranteed for any student who has failed a course, section, clerkship and/or national examination. Should a professionalism issue arise, and remediation/retesting is an action, the details of that remediation/retesting will be developed by Student Affairs and Services and KHSC-KansasCOM academic leadership and implemented in an appropriate period.

Remediation/retesting being granted does not guarantee successful completion of program requirements.

Conditional Requirements

Official stipulations required of the student for the student to reconcile their behavior. Stipulations may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Clerkship Alterations: Required change(s) to a student’s clerkship that might increase the student’s likelihood of successful completion of said clerkship (e.g., changing location, repeating the clerkship, repeating an entire year, repeating a shelf exam, completing an independent study).
• Counseling Intervention: Required referral to a mental health provider for counseling when a student’s behavior indicates that counseling may be beneficial.
• Disciplinary Probation: An official state of warning from KHSC-KansasCOM, which states that if the student violates any KHSC-KansasCOM policy during the probationary time, they could face up to suspension or dismissal depending upon the severity of the violation. The probationary status of the student may be communicated to the student’s academic advisor, faculty, or any other person who has legal access to this information. The information is maintained within the Office of Student Affairs and Services and the Office of the Registrar.
• Loss of Holiday/Scheduled Break: Required remediation/retesting or study time for remediation/retesting over a previously scheduled holiday break.
• Partial Suspension: A partial suspension of a student’s normal right to participate in extra-curricular, co-curricular, and other nonacademic activities. The student will continue to attend classes and may use all academic resources. The student will not be in good standing during the time of the suspension.
• Referral to Outside Agency: KHSC-KansasCOM may refer a student to the Kansas Physician’s Health Program (KPHP) or other similar programs for assessment and treatment.
• Required Tutoring/Learning Support: KHSC-KansasCOM has the authority to require a student to seek mandatory tutoring and/or assistance from a learning specialist if it is deemed appropriate in assisting the student with academic performance issues.
• Restrictions/Stipulations of Behavioral Activity: KHSC-KansasCOM may restrict a student’s behavioral activity that is deemed appropriate, including but not limited to restricting the student’s contact with another student.
• Restitution or Monetary Fine: Financial accountability for damage to property caused by the student, or a fine that is deemed appropriate for the offense.
• Restorative Service: A project or amount of community service hours served by the student for the good of the community. This is usually completed within the community. If the service is approved to be done off-campus, it must be at a not-for-profit organization, and the student cannot receive pay for their work.
• Disciplinary Suspension: A formal separation of the student (without tuition and fees being refunded) from KHSC-KansasCOM during a specific period of time. The period of suspension can range from one trimester to an indefinite period of time. The student will not be in good standing during the suspension and therefore is not allowed to attend coursework or be on-campus.
• Disciplinary Dismissal: Permanent separation of the student from KHSC-KansasCOM (without refund). Dismissal is permanently noted on the student’s KHSC-KansasCOM transcript.
• Other Appropriate Actions: KHSC-KansasCOM reserves the right to place a variety of disciplinary and/ or academic sanctions upon a student that are not specifically outlined above, if they are approved by the SPC and/or a member of Student Affairs and Services. Additional sanctions can only be placed upon a student through the disciplinary process that is outlined in the KHSC-KansasCOM Student Handbook and Catalog. Sanctions cannot be placed upon the student arbitrarily.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is an umbrella term covering sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence, and this term will be used in a variety of documents when collectively referring to these types of conduct. For more information on this term and how Kansas Health Science Center (KHSC-KansasCOM) handles such conduct, please see the Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Title IX Policy.

Key Professionalism Policies and Procedures

Academic Dishonesty

KHSC-KansasCOM holds its students to the highest standards of intellectual and professional integrity. Therefore, the attempt of any student to pass any examination by improper means, present work which the student has not created/performed, or aid and abet a student in any dishonest act will result in disciplinary action, which may include dismissal from KHSC-KansasCOM. Any student witnessing or observing a perceived violation of academic integrity is required to report the behavior. Students failing to report an observed violation will also be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Alcohol and Drugs

A link to the Drug and Alcohol Policy is available in the Catalog and Handbook under the Drug and Alcohol Policy.

KHSC-KansasCOM is committed to providing a safe, healthy learning community for all its members. KHSC-KansasCOM recognizes that the improper and excessive use of alcohol and other drugs may interfere with the KHSC-KansasCOM mission by negatively impacting the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff.

Under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and in accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (EDGAR), KHSC-KansasCOM is required to have a drug and alcohol abuse and prevention policy and distribute this policy annually to all employees and students. This policy must outline KHSC-KansasCOM’s prevention, education, and intervention efforts, and consequences that may be applied by both KHSC-KansasCOM and external authorities for policy violations. The law also requires that individuals be notified of possible health risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, and sources of assistance for problems that may arise as a result of use.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, students, applicants for employment, customers, third-party contractors, and all other persons who participate in KHSC-KansasCOM’s education programs and activities, including third-party visitors on-campus. This policy addresses drug and alcohol abuse and prevention efforts.

KHSC-KansasCOM Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

For the purposes of this policy, the term “drug” includes:

• Controlled substances, as defined in 21 USC 802, which cannot be legally obtained,
• Legally controlled substances which were not legally obtained, including:
  • Prescribed drugs when prescription is no longer valid (e.g., use of medication after a course of treatment is completed).
  • Prescribed drugs used contrary to the prescription.
  • Prescribed drugs issued to another person.

All members of the campus community also are governed by law, regulations, and ordinances established by the state and local municipalities, and will be held accountable by law enforcement representatives of those entities for any illegal activity. It is the responsibility of all campus members to be aware of these laws. The dispensing, selling, or supplying of drugs or alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years old is prohibited.

Employees, students, faculty, and campus visitors may not unlawfully: manufacture, consume, possess, sell, distribute, transfer, or be under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or controlled substances on KHSC-KansasCOM property, while driving a KHSC-KansasCOM vehicle, or while otherwise engaged in KHSC-KansasCOM business. KHSC-KansasCOM property, as defined in this policy, includes all buildings and land owned, leased, or used by KHSC-KansasCOM, and motor vehicles operated by employees, including personal motor vehicles, when used in connection with work performed for or on behalf of KHSC-KansasCOM unless approved by the Dean/Chief Academic Officer and/or President and Chief Executive Officer.

Any person taking prescription drugs or over-the-counter medication is personally responsible for ensuring that, while taking such drugs or medications, they are not a safety risk to themselves and others while on KHSC-KansasCOM property; while driving a KansasCOM or privately-owned vehicle; or while otherwise engaged in KHSC-KansasCOM business. It is illegal to misuse prescription medication, e.g., continue to use medication when the prescription is no longer valid, use prescribed drugs contrary to the prescription, and give or sell prescribed drugs to another person. Misusing prescription drugs can result in disciplinary action at KHSC-KansasCOM and, potentially, a criminal conviction with jail time.

Additional information pertaining to employee drug and alcohol use along with KHSC-KansasCOM’s right to require post-accident drug and alcohol screening or screening based on reasonable suspicion can be located in the Employee Handbook.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Strategies

KHSC-KansasCOM uses evidence-based strategic interventions, collaboration, innovation, and the incorporation of wellness programs to reduce harmful consequences of alcohol and other drug use. Strategies include:

• Providing education and awareness activities.
• Offering substance-free social, extracurricular, and public/community service options.
• Creating a health-conscious environment.
• Restricting the marketing and promotion of alcohol and other drugs.
• Limiting availability of alcohol.
• Developing and enforcing campus policies and enforcing laws to address high-risk and illegal alcohol and other drug use.
• Providing early intervention and referral for treatment.

For more detailed information on KHSC-KansasCOM alcohol related and other drug related prevention strategies, contact the Offices of Student Affairs and Services or Human Resources.

Criminal Background Check

Students are required to complete criminal background checks at two points during their time at KHSC-KansasCOM: 

1. As a new accepted student; and, 
2. As an OMS III student participating in clinical rotations. 

Students needing a reminder of the criminal background check process should refer to the Admissions section. 

Dress Code

Dress Code for Classroom Courses

Students are expected to dress business casual for all classroom courses unless otherwise directed. Pants, slacks, khakis, skirts, or dresses are appropriate. Jeans and shorts are prohibited. Legs should be covered to the knee. Dress shoes with low or a flat heel are recommended; Avoid open-toed shoes, flip-flops, Crocs, or porous shoes. Hats are not permitted during class hours. Students must wear KHSC-KansasCOM approved scrubs as required.

Dress Code for Clinical Clerkship Rotations

All students on rotation are expected to dress professionally. White coats are required. Collared shirts with ties, dresses, slacks, and professional skirts are appropriate for clinical settings. Closed toe dress shoes are required. Specialty rotation or specific training sites may designate specific clothing to be worn, such as scrubs and/or tennis shoes. Any clothing, hair color, jewelry, or body piercing(s) that may cause a concern with affiliated faculty, hospitals, or patients must be avoided. Student may be asked to alter their appearance to confirm to the dress code of the rotation sites.

Dress Code for Lab Activities

The nature of lab activities may require students to wear clothing that is casual and comfortable. Both anatomy activities and OMM specific activities may dictate clothing such as scrubs, shorts, and t- shirts. Anatomy and OMM faculty will communicate dress expectations at the beginning of each term. Students are expected to adhere to the expectations of the anatomy and OMM faculty.

Dress code in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Physical Diagnosis Laboratories

It is imperative to the educational process that the specific body region being examined and/or treated will need to be exposed for observation, palpation and treatment. The dress requirement in clinical skills training sessions is designed to promote learning by providing optimal access to diagnostic observation and palpatory experience to the specific region of the body being examined. Wearing inappropriate clothing interferes with a partner’s experience of diagnosis and treatment. Garments worn for religious reasons are acceptable dress in OMM laboratory experiences; however, they should be removed if they interfere with palpatory/visual assessment or specific osteopathic manipulative treatments. For example, headscarves should be removed when the assessment of or OMT of the head is being performed. Students should expect that they will be asked to remove religious garments during lab activities which require access for palpatory/visual assessment or specific osteopathic manipulative treatments.   

Clothing Symbols and Messages

Clothing having caricatures, messages, and/or symbols, that can be construed, based on societal norms to be vulgar, offensive, or contribute to creating an unsupportive learning environment are unacceptable and unprofessional and can be subject to review and action by the Office of Student Affairs and Services.

Communication with KHSC-KansasCOM

KSHC-KansasCOM students are expected to prioritize communication in the following ways:

• Use KSHC-KansasCOM email account for all KHSC-KansasCOM-related correspondence. Use of personal email accounts in lieu of KHSC-KansasCOM email is not permitted.
• Check email daily, routinely read, and respond.
  • Respond to faculty/staff correspondence within 48 hours (about 2 days) of receipt.
  • Recurrent issues may lead to referral to a KHSC-KansasCOM administrator related to professionalism.
• Be aware of all information disseminated by KHSC-KansasCOM.
• Comply with all KHSC-KansasCOM policies within communications.
• Keep contact information, including mailing address and telephone numbers, updated with KHSC-KansasCOM.
• Understand that emails to faculty and staff members which are sent after 5 p.m. may not be answered until the next business day.

Criminal Background Checks & Drug Screens

• All KHSC-KansasCOM students are required to complete a criminal background check and a drug screen at least twice during their enrollment within the medical school: first, students are required to provide these prior to their enrollment in OMS I and, second, prior to the beginning of their OMS III clinical clerkships. These are done at the student’s own expense.
• For more information on the background check and drug screen process, see the policy located in the KHSC-KansasCOM Student Handbook.

Emergency Plan Procedures

• Students who are on rotations should follow the emergency procedures and protocols at their specific clinical site at all times. In the event a rotation schedule is interrupted due to hazardous weather conditions or another emergency situation, students should notify the Office of Clinical Education as soon as possible.
• In the case of inclement weather, students on clerkships are expected to follow the schedule of the site where they are rotating. If the site is closing due to inclement weather, the student is excused until the site reopens. If the student is at a site that remains open during inclement weather, the student is expected to report and remain on-service until the end of their shift. Students should use caution and allow plenty of time for travel to their destination.
• In the case of an emergent situation outside normal business hours that requires students to evacuate the location, relocate for a period of time, or any other emergency, please notify the Office of Clinical Education.

Employment

Students studying in the KHSC-KansasCOM are strongly discouraged from seeking off-campus employment during the academic year. Curriculum requirements preclude off-campus employment.

Firearms, Explosives, and Weapons

The possession or use of firearms, weapons, or explosives is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, rockets, roman candles, sparklers, or other devices containing any combustible or explosive substance used to propel another object.

The policy prohibiting bringing or possessing weapons on Kansas Health Science Center (KHSC-KansasCOM) property does not apply in the following circumstances:

• Local, state, or federal law enforcement personnel coming onto KHSC-KansasCOM’s property in their law enforcement capacity or in accordance with other lawful authority.
• Use or possession for a legitimate educational purpose under the sponsorship of a faculty member or other institution official, provided the faculty member or official has first obtained appropriate approvals, including the approval of the institution’s leadership team.
• Use or possession for a lawful purpose within the scope of a person’s employment at the institution (e.g., campus security, police).
• KHSC-KansasCOM’s Chief Finance Officer is the delegated contact for any exceptions to the above-stated prohibitions for authorized activities.

HIPAA Regulations & Patient Encounters

All students are required to become familiar with and adhere to all aspects of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, Public Law 104-191 including the Privacy Rule published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Privacy Rule establishes, for the first time, a foundation of federal protections for the privacy of Protected Health Information (PHI). This rule sets national standards for the protections of health information, as applied to the three types of covered entities: health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers who conduct certain health care transactions electronically. By the compliance date of April 14, 2003 (April 14, 2004, for small health plans), covered entities must implement standards to protect and guard against the misuse of individually identifiable health information. More specific information may be obtained at www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/.

As a medical student, these standards pertain to all individually identifiable health information PHI encountered during medical training with KHSC-KansasCOM including, but not limited to, medical records and any patient information obtained.

HIPAA regulations prohibit the use or disclosure of PHI unless permitted or required by law; therefore, each student must utilize reasonable safeguards to protect any information they receive. Each student is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of any written or electronic information they receive, create, or maintain. The misplacement, abandonment, or loss of any information in the student’s possession will result in disciplinary action. At no time should a medical student alter, remove, or otherwise tamper with medical records. Specific rules and regulations with respect to student entries in medical records must be clarified during orientation or on the first day of the clerkship.

Furthermore, each student is responsible for ensuring that PHI is used or disclosed only to those persons or entities that are authorized to have such information. Students are expected to maintain the strictest confidentiality in their patient encounters; to protect the physician-patient privilege; and to ensure that there are no unauthorized uses or disclosures of PHI.

Any unauthorized use or disclosure of PHI including but not limited to digital images, video recordings, or any other patient related materials, committed by a student, or any observation of the same by a student or employee, should immediately be reported to the Office of Clinical Education.

Hospital Rules & Regulations/Financial Responsibilities

Each hospital/health care system has individual rules and regulations. Medical students must familiarize themselves with and adhere to these protocols during their training. Students must respect and follow all policies regarding the use of hospital facilities, housing, and equipment. Students who choose to violate hospital rules and regulations jeopardize their ability to be placed at another hospital or clinical location and jeopardize their ability to successfully complete their rotation(s). Ultimately, the student is responsible for following all policies and procedures when on rotations or at early clinical experiences.

Students are financially responsible for any damage to or loss of hospital or training site-related property, including but not limited to library materials, pagers, and keys. Final grades may be withheld pending the return of all hospital or training site property.

Medical Professional Liability Insurance

KHSC-KansasCOM provides medical professional liability insurance commensurate with industry standards. Coverage extends only to clinical activities specifically determined by KHSC-KansasCOM as requirements for successful clerkship completion. Nonclinical claims (e.g., property or equipment loss or damage) do not fall underneath this policy. Changes made to clerkship dates, type, and/or location without prior Office of Clinical Education approval can jeopardize coverage.

Students may wish to participate in volunteer activities, such as health fairs, during their medical training. Student professional liability coverage does not extend to non- KHSC-KansasCOM approved activities (volunteer or otherwise). It is the student’s responsibility to personally determine that any activity in which they participate outside of clerkship assignments is covered by alternative coverage. The student is personally responsible should an issue of medical liability arise during activities not covered by KHSC-KansasCOM professional liability insurance.

KHSC-KansasCOM Property and Responsibility

Students will be held responsible for damage to KHSC-KansasCOM property caused by their negligence or a willful act. Students must pay for all damages within 15 days (about 2 weeks) after receipt of the invoice through the Office of Finance. Damage to KHSC-KansasCOM property is charged to the responsible student(s) at the total cost of repair or replacement. The student(s) may be subject to disciplinary action, dismissal, and/or prosecution given the details of the situation. KHSC-KansasCOM is not responsible for any loss or theft of individual property on-campus.

Off-Campus Activities

Off-campus activities are subject to the same laws and penalties governing all citizens. “Campus” refers to all entities owned and operated by KHSC-KansasCOM or its associated corporations.

Solicitations, Vending, and Student Petitions

Solicitations on campus are prohibited. KHSC-KansasCOM-endorsed organizations must complete a fundraising event approval form with the Office of Student Affairs and Services before selling anything on- or off-campus. All requests seeking donations from alumni, corporations, local businesses, or other external constituents must be approved in advance by the Office of Advancement. Any person or group not endorsed by KHSC-KansasCOM who wishes to make a presentation, sell products, or distribute information must submit a request in writing to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Services. This policy includes the distribution of information, posting information on bulletin boards, and any use of the facilities.

Students are prohibited from soliciting on behalf of vendors using the KHSC-KansasCOM email system. All petitions, surveys, and questionnaires (with the exception of those distributed by KHSC-KansasCOM departments) being distributed to students must be approved by the Office of Student Affairs and Services.

Students who fail to complete any requirement may not be allowed to engage in audition/sub-internship externships until the requirements are completed and they are certified for OMS IV.

Technology at KHSC-KansasCOM

Access to Electronic Systems

Each KHSC-KansasCOM student is provided with a school-sponsored email account. The student is responsible for all information communicated through email in the same way and to the same extent as if published in hard copy and distributed through other means. The student must regularly check this account for information transmitted by various departments of the school. The school will not direct electronic correspondence from official school email accounts to personal email addresses; the student is expected to utilize the institutional email addresses for all electronic communication about school matters. To maintain the privacy of school and student information, students are asked not to forward school sponsored emails to personal email addresses.

Files and email messages that travel using the school’s network are not private. A user’s privacy is superseded by the school’s requirement to maintain the network’s integrity and the rights of all network users. For example, should the security of the network be in danger, user files and messages may be examined by the department of Information Technology. The school reserves its right, as owner of the network and the computers in question, to examine, log, capture, archive, and otherwise preserve or inspect any messages transmitted over the network and any data files stored on school-owned computers or systems and platforms provided by the school, should circumstances warrant such actions.

All members of the community must recognize that electronic communications are by no means secure, and that during ordinary management of computing and networking services, network administrators may inadvertently view user files or messages.

Should a student withdraw or be dismissed from KHSC-KansasCOM, access to the institution’s electronic systems including, but not limited to, the library databases, the wireless network, the campus access control system, school-provided email, the entire Office 365 platform, Canvas, and other systems will be suspended. This suspension will remain in place for at least one year from the dismissal or withdrawal date, after which time the accounts may be deleted. Approval from the registrar will be required from any students requesting access to any resources while in a suspended status.

Graduates will maintain their KHSC-KansasCOM email post-graduation. Access to other electronic systems, including other Office 365 features and licensing for the Office Suite, is removed after graduation. Students will be notified of the inaccessibility to any files in One Drive upon graduation and will be given a 30-day grace period to retrieve all files. By request, Information Technology can find and recover files for 60 days (about 2 months) after the grace period ends. Files will become unrecoverable after 90 days (about 3 months).

In cases where a graduate is dismissed from a subsequent enrollment, KHSC-KansasCOM reserves the right to revoke alumni benefits if/when necessary.

Photo/Video Release

All registered students consent to allow KHSC-KansasCOM to take, record, reproduce, digitally modify for enhancement and refinement, or use photographs, voice, video or video still, digital audio quotes, public displays, public performances, or otherwise of a student’s likeness associated with KHSC-KansasCOM and its activities for the purposes related to marketing, social media, or promotion of KHSC-KansasCOM, including its classes, activities, or other events without limitation. Students who do not wish to have their image used should contact the Office of the Registrar and request a FERPA hold to be placed on their student information/data. Once the proper forms have been signed by the student, the Office of the Registrar will notify KHSC-KansasCOM marketing of the hold, which will block any identified student images from being published.

Further information on the recording of class and non-class events is available from the Office of Student Affairs and Services. Private conversations and/or meetings may not be recorded without the informed consent of all parties involved. Failure to obtain permission to record may result in disciplinary action.

Electronic Communication Etiquette

Electronic communication is the posting or exchange of information via email, social media, discussion forums or other online course media, video conferencing, instant messaging, text messaging, phone, fax, and other virtual means. A student is expected to demonstrate professional behavior when communicating electronically and is advised to follow the standards listed below in all interactions with KHSC-KansasCOM community members.

General Standards

• Be respectful, professional, and careful about what is said and how it is said.
• Be aware of the image being projected. As message recipients cannot read nonverbal cues or may not be able to easily interpret the tone of electronic communication, words and manners of expression must clearly indicate the intended meaning. This is particularly important when using humor, sarcasm, or similar techniques.
• Be concise and to the point.
• When disagreeing, be professional and collegial.
• On message boards or in discussion forums, use the subject line appropriately, employing meaningful and succinct labels so that recipients may immediately grasp the topic being advanced.
• Use clear writing and good form, including proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• When someone else errs or does not follow proper protocol, consider whether it is necessary to provide correction. If correction is in order, be polite and, if discretion is advised, address the issue privately rather than in a public way.
• Avoid using ALL CAPS, especially when disagreeing. This is perceived as shouting and considered rude.
• Comply with all copyright laws.
• Be mindful of compatibility concerns. Be sure that files uploaded to online platforms can be viewed by others.
• Be aware of issues that might arise due to cultural and languages differences.
• Do not violate the privacy of others. Do not send commercial advertisements or SPAM.
• Respect the chain of command when seeking assistance, raising questions, or sharing concerns. A student is encouraged to communicate with their course instructor, faculty mentor, or student support counselor first when trying to obtain information or solve a problem.

E-mail Communication Standards

• Use a meaningful subject, professional greeting, and appropriate closing signature. Start an email with the appropriate salutation to set the tone for communication. Choose a subject that accurately describes the content of the email. A student’s signature block should include their name, degree program, and preferred contact information.
• Use a standard structure, font type and size, punctuation, and layout. Generally, writing in short paragraphs and inserting blank lines between each paragraph is appropriate. When making points, number them or mark each point by inserting a bullet in front of each item in a list. Limit the use of exclamation points, question marks, and other special punctuation.
• Avoid using abbreviations, emoticons, emojis, or non-standard characters. The use of such items is not appropriate in professional emails.
• Review an email before sending it to ensure that it is clearly written and error free. Consider asking another person to review the communication before sending, if appropriate. Include the contents of the original email message with a reply. Use the ‘Reply All’ function only when the message is relevant to all copied parties.
• Avoid discussing confidential information, such as protected health information, personally identifiable information, or privileged information via e-mail.
• Expect that it may take a community member up to one to two business days to respond to an email. References to self-harm, violence, sexual misconduct, or similar matters will be referred to the appropriate school personnel for action.

Instructional Technology

Projectors, laptops, video recorders, cameras, and other equipment are available for use by a student, staff, and/or a faculty member. Contact the IT Help Desk to inquire about borrowing specialty items. Equipment may be available on a first come, first served basis but it is not guaranteed. The student is responsible for any lost or damaged equipment.

Use of Computing Resources

The Department of Information Technology (IT) provides access to the school network for students, faculty, and staff. The network consists of an institution-wide backbone network, wireless network, and many shared computers in addition to personal desktop computers. It provides communication as well as academic and administrative functions.

Technology Related Rights

Members of KHSC-KansasCOM community have certain rights regarding the school’s network and its services.

• Intellectual Freedom: The school is a free and open forum for the expression of ideas; the school’s network is the same. Opinions may neither be represented as, nor construed as, the views of KHSC-KansasCOM.
• Improper Contact: While the school cannot control unwanted or unsolicited contact, network users who receive threatening or other improper communications should bring them to the attention of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Services. All electronic communications are treated in a similar fashion as are voiced or written communications. If the threatening or other inappropriate message was sent by another student, staff or faculty, the Office of Student Affairs and Services should be notified in addition to the Office of Human Resources, should the communication include a faculty or staff member.
• Privacy: Data files and messages traversing the school’s network are private. However, a user’s privacy is superseded, for example, by the school’s requirement to maintain the network’s integrity and the rights of all network users. Should the security of the network be in danger, or for other good reason, user files and messages may be examined under the direction of the Information Technology management team. As owner of the network and computers in question, the school reserves the right to examine, log, capture, archive, inspect, and preserve any messages transmitted over the network in all cases, as well as any data files stored on school owned computers, should circumstances warrant such actions. All members of the community must recognize that electronic communications are by no means secure and that during ordinary management of computing and networking services, network administrators may inadvertently view user files or messages.

Technology Related Responsibilities

Network users are expected to comply with the responsibilities delineated below. A student who violates a network responsibility risks suspension of network access. Depending on the seriousness of the violation, the student could be referred to the Office of Student Affairs and Services. Acts that violate federal, state, or local laws will result in referral to the appropriate legal authority, as well as subject the user to institutional discipline.

The following illustrates the types of responsibilities that a student is expected to uphold with regard to network use:

• A student is responsible for the use of their own personal network ID (“user ID”) and password. The student may not give anyone else access to the personal user IDs or computer accounts, which includes allowing anyone else access to log in and post, retrieve, download, upload, or copy any content from any Kansas Health Science Center (KHSC-KansasCOM) password-protected domain including, but not limited to, the school’s learning management system. A student is prohibited from using a user ID or a KHSC-KansasCOM computer account other than the account assigned. A student may not try to obtain a password for another user’s user ID or computer account in any way. The user ID remains the property of the institution.
• A student may not misrepresent themselves or their data on the network.
• A student is responsible for the security of their passwords. This includes not writing them down or sharing passwords with other people. Students are required to make sure no one else knows them.
• A student must not use KHSC-KansasCOM’s network resources to gain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to remote computers.
• A student must not deliberately perform an act that will impair the operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or the network.
• A student must not run, install, or give to another a program that could result in the eventual damage to a file or computer system and/or the reproduction of itself on any of the institution’s computer systems, leading to a damaging result or the removal of institutional data from the network.
• A student must not attempt to circumvent data protection schemes or exploit security loopholes.
• A student is encouraged to participate in training programs sent out by IT, including but not limited to training related to phishing and social engineering.
• A student must not change their computer or mobile device’s physical or logical addressing with the intent to spoof or circumvent technical or administrative security controls.
• A student must abide by the terms of all software licensing agreements and copyright laws. The student may not make copies of, or make available on the network, copyrighted material, unless permitted by a license.
• A student must not be wasteful of computing resources or unfairly monopolize resources to the exclusion of other users.
• A student must not attempt to monitor another user’s data communications, nor may any student read, copy, change, or delete another user’s files or software, without permission of the owner.
• A student who withdraws, is dismissed, or otherwise leaves the institution may not use KHSC-KansasCOM facilities, accounts, access codes, network privileges, or information for which they are not authorized in their new circumstances.
• A student must maintain appropriate technology requirements for the degree program.
• KHSC-KansasCOM may offer software to a student at no cost. While software may be provided at zero cost, it is not free. KHSC-KansasCOM pays for the appropriate licensing in order to provide this software. As such, if a student chooses to install and use such software, the student is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the license by not sharing it or any activation/license key with anyone. By installing the software and the license key provided by KHSC-KansasCOM, the student agrees to this responsibility. If the student does not protect the provided key, licensing of the software will be at risk for everyone. Violations may make a student ineligible for future software installations provided by KHSC-KansasCOM.
• Computing and networking resources are provided to support the mission of the school. These resources may not be used for commercial purposes. All KHSC-KansasCOM computing and networking facilities are provided for use by faculty, staff, and students solely for relevant academic, research, or administrative use.

Violations of computer regulations and policies and information about potential loopholes in the security of any computer system or network at KHSC-KansasCOM should be reported to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Services. Depending on the nature of any violations, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Services may consider disciplinary/professionalism charges.

Technology Requirements

A student must have access to and maintain appropriate technology while enrolled at Kansas Health Science Center. Technical training resources are available on the Information Technology website on the community gateway. It is recommended that students use a Windows or Apple MacOS laptop so that they can take advantage of software used throughout the curriculum.

* The following iPad models are supported: iPad Pro 2 or later, iPad Air 3 or later, iPad Mini 5 or later, iPad 7 or later
**List of macOS computers supporting Metal: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205073

Chromebooks and Linux Operating Systems

Google Chromebooks and Linux machines are not sufficient to navigate the curriculum. These systems cannot run some essential software programs that are required for courses.

Professionalism Assessment

Professionalism is one of the pillars of students’ training as future physicians, and its presence is critically important as student doctors develop their knowledge and skills. KHSC-KansasCOM expects all KHSC-KansasCOM graduates to demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of their training, as well as when they are outside of the classroom/lab.

Students within KHSC-KansasCOM will be assessed on their level of professionalism at the end of each term through the completion of a Professionalism “Rubric” (Grade Card). Students who demonstrate unprofessionalism will be expected to remediate and improve those behaviors. This professionalism assessment is designed to provide students with a clear understanding of their progress towards meeting professionalism standards, acknowledged nationally as those that student physicians need to meet to transition successfully on to residency.

Students’ professionalism assessment will also be considered as part of the Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE)/Dean’s Letter process, when students have their Dean’s letter produced for residency applications. All KHSC-KansasCOM students must exceed all minimum professionalism expectations in order to graduate from the KHSC-KansasCOM. Details about the assessment of student professionalism will be discussed with each KHSC-KansasCOM class annually.

Examples of unprofessional behavior include, but are not limited to, the following: cheating, dishonesty, disrespect, tardiness, abuse (verbal and physical), illegal activity, discrimination, breach of privacy, substance abuse/impairment, unethical behavior, foul language, and disrespectful or unprofessional use of social media will not be tolerated.

Professionalism In-Patient Physical Examinations

During clinical clerkships, students are routinely required to see and examine patients. It is necessary that all examinations of patients be appropriately structured, supervised, and consented to in the interests of all parties, including the patient, student, and attending physician. Students must wear their KHSC-KansasCOM picture identification badge and introduce themselves to patients as a medical student.

Patient consent for a student to perform an intimate examination must always be voluntary. Consent for an intimate examination must be either verbal and/or written. Regardless of the gender of the student performing the exam and the patient being examined, a chaperone (defined as another medical professional, preferably the preceptor) is required during all intimate examinations. A chaperone is not an accompanying person (e.g., friend, relative of the patient, another medical student). Students are highly encouraged to record the date, time, and the results of the examination, as well as the name of the chaperone in the medical record.

Social Media

The term “social media” is intentionally broad, and students should consider that fact before interacting in any internet public forum, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Reddit, TIK TOK, blogs, comment sections of news sources, and similar online social media or networking sites.

When interacting on social media, students, who are training to be future physicians, are urged to think critically about how they would like to be perceived publicly, or by a broader audience, than they may initially anticipate. Asking questions like, “would I want my parents, grandparents, friends, co-workers, school administrators, clinical evaluators, program directors, patients, etc. to see this?” before posting is a helpful exercise. Avoid engaging in conduct that could be viewed by others as defamatory, harassing, or an infringement on the rights of others.

Students should use caution when referencing their experiences in or events associated with KHSC-KansasCOM or with patient care. Always be transparent, making clear your posts are your opinion unless you are authorized to speak on behalf of the medical school. The use of the official KHSC-KansasCOM logo must be approved by KHSC-KansasCOM prior to any post. Furthermore, students must adhere strictly to other policies of the KHSC-KansasCOM, clinics, and hospitals in their social media, included below. It is extremely important to remember the sharing of personal health information is strictly prohibited under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), including the sharing of any images that are patient related. Any violations of these guidelines using social media will be handled according to the Professional Code of Conduct.

Student Grievance Policy and Procedures

KHSC-KansasCOM is committed to treating all members of the educational community (administrators, faculty, staff, students, applicants for employment, third party contractors, all other persons that participate in KHSC-KansasCOM’s educational programs and activities, including third-party visitors on campus) fairly regarding their personal and professional concerns. The student grievance policy ensures that concerns are promptly dealt with, and resolutions reached in a fair and just manner. KHSC-KansasCOM’s grievance procedure enables students to bring complaints and problems to the attention of the institution’s administration. KHSC-KansasCOM forbids any retaliatory action against students who present concerns and complaints in good faith.

Definition

A grievance is a complaint arising out of any alleged unauthorized or unjustified act or decision by an individual (e.g., student, faculty, staff, administrator) that in any way adversely affects the status, rights, or privileges of a member of the student body.

Such complaints may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Academic programs or courses
• Accreditation standards or processes
• Discrimination
• Financial aid
• General mistreatment
• Harassment, including sexual violence
• Mentoring
• Privacy of student educational records
• Privacy of student health records
• Parking
• Research
• Security and safety
• Student health

KHSC-KansasCOM Student Grievance policy strongly encourages students who believe they have a concern/grievance to use all appropriate avenues for informal resolution, before initiating the formal grievance procedure. Students wishing to informally resolve an issue can contact the Office of Student Affairs and Services or any other academic or administrative office, on campus, which might appropriately handle said issue. If the office contacted cannot resolve the issue for the student, they will refer the student to the appropriate office and provide the student with a specific faculty/staff member who can assist them.

Should such an informal resolution be impossible, the student may pursue the following options if they wish to file a formal grievance:

Procedure

Grievances relating to sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence fall under the purview of the Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Title IX policy and will be dealt with under separate procedures. For further details on the basis for these kinds of grievances, see the Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Title IX Policy.

All other formal grievances should be submitted in writing to the Office of the Dean and Chief Academic Officer. The Dean and Chief Academic Officer, acting in their professional capacity, will review all formal grievances, with the goal of attempting to resolve the issue for the student.

Students submitting a formal grievance to the Dean and Chief Academic Officer should be as specific as possible regarding the action that precipitated the grievance:

• Date
• Location
• Individuals involved (including witnesses)
• Summary of the incident
• Efforts made to settle the matter informally
• Remedy sought.

Except as noted above or as otherwise stated in KHSC-KansasCOM’s policies, grievances will be evaluated and investigated in accordance with the Student Discipline Procedures. If deemed necessary, the issue will also be referred to Human Resources or other appropriate administrative leadership team member.

A record of all formal grievances, including written findings of fact and any transcripts or audio recordings, will be kept on file in the Office of the Dean and in the student’s permanent educational file.

An annual report of formal student complaints will be provided to the leadership team by June 1 of each year. Reports will be provided to KHSC-KansasCOM’s leadership team on a more frequent basis if necessary. The College of Osteopathic Medicine uses student complaints in its ongoing performance improvement process.

Filing a Complaint with the Kansas Board of Regents.

If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached after exhausting Kansas Health Science Center’s complaint procedure, students may file a complaint with the Kansas Board of Regents at:

Kansas Board of Regents
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 520
Topeka, KS 66612-1368
Phone: (785) 430-4240
Email: https://www.kansasregents.org/academic_affairs/private_out_of_state/complaint_process

Filing a Complaint with KHSC-KansasCOM’s Accrediting Agencies

The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) recognizes its responsibility to provide complainants the opportunity to utilize its organization as a vehicle to deal with specific grievances as well as being a mechanism for reviewing and finally resolving complaints. Complaints that cannot be addressed by KHSC-KansasCOM may be filed with COCA at the following address:

Department of Accreditation American Osteopathic Association
142 East Ontario Street Chicago, IL 60611-2864
1.800.621.1773
Toll free 312.202.8200
Email: predoc@osteopathic.org

Vaccinations and Immunizations

A student who cannot provide an official up-to-date immunization record, in accordance with KHSC-KansasCOM requirements, will not be allowed to begin or continue with clinical training and will be referred to the appropriate institutional official for disciplinary action. See Immunization Requirements in the Admissions section.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

Medical students are not employees of KHSC-KansasCOM; therefore, KHSC-KansasCOM does not provide worker’s compensation insurance. The purchase of required coverage may be offered at the facility where the student might be rotating. Any expense incurred is the student’s responsibility.