Health Care Policy

Health Care Insurance

Healthcare Insurance Requirements
Students are required to continuously maintain personal health insurance throughout enrollment in the GWU Department of PA Studies. Proof of insurance coverage must be provided before matriculation and for onboarding with clinical sites. Students are responsible for all individual healthcare costs incurred while enrolled in the PA Studies program. These costs may include but are not limited to immunizations, illness, PPD testing, health evaluation post-exposure to an infectious disease, or other accidental injuries sustained during program-mandated training activities.

Due to the possibility of exposure to potentially infectious materials, insurance should cover screenings, diagnostics, treatments, and short-/long-term disability compensation that may result from any potential exposure. All screening, treatment, or disability maintenance costs that insurance does not cover will be the student’s sole responsibility. In addition, all covered, uncovered, or related costs are the exclusive responsibility of the student and not the responsibility of the GWU Department of PA Studies or Gardner-Webb University.

Healthcare Services
University Health Services
148 Memorial Drive
Shelby, NC 28152
980-487-2390

Non-Emergent Community Health Care Options

• Atrium Health Primary Care Shelby
• Atrium Health Primary Care Boiling Springs
• CVS Minute Clinic – Boiling Springs
• Kintegra Family Medicine – Shelby
• Kintegra Family Medicine – Boiling Springs

Emergency Community Health Care Options

• Dial 911 or 9-911 from any campus phone.
  University Police: 704-406-4444
  Boiling Springs Police: 704-434-9691
• Atrium Health Hospital – Cleveland
  201 E. Grover Street
  Shelby, NC 28150
  980-487-3000
• Atrium Health Urgent Care Shelby
  1010 E. Dixon Blvd.
  Shelby, NC 28152
  980-487-2900
• NextCare Urgent Care Shelby
  419 Earl Road
  Shelby, NC 28150
  704-481-0555

Student Health Status Updates/Restrictions
A student should notify the Director of any significant change in their health status (serious injury, prolonged illness, or other health-related needs that impact program progression) as soon as possible. The director, designee, and the student will determine if any restrictions or modifications to the student’s coursework are necessary.

The Director or designee will:

• Work with the student and faculty/preceptor to determine if appropriate accommodations can be made and provide a suitable educational experience while ensuring safety for all concerned.
• If accommodations cannot be made, the issue will be referred to the Academic Progression Committee (APC) for further evaluation and recommendations.

The student must:

• Provide a written statement from their healthcare provider detailing necessary restrictions and, when appropriate, confirming the ability to continue with the program.
• Inform the faculty of any change in health status and any possible limitations.

Faculty Healthcare Provider Policy

ARC-PA 6^th ed Standard A3.06

The GWU PA Studies Department Director, Medical Director, all principal faculty, and staff are restricted from acting in the following capacities:

1. Participating as health care providers for students enrolled in the program
2. Accessing any student health information other than that defined in the Department of PA Studies File Maintenance Policy.

Providing care for a life-threatening emergency is the exception to this policy.