Health Policies and Guidelines

Immunizations 
As of July 1989 all students born after January 1, 1957 registering for the first time at public or private colleges in Illinois must present evidence of immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases. If no proof of immunization, certification of medical exemption or statement of religious objection is presented, the student will not be permitted to register for courses (Public Act 85-1315).

Health Certificate Form Policy 
The Health Care Certificate for New Students can be found on our Enrollment Checklist. The Health History and Physical exam forms along with immunization records must be completed and returned to the Chesley Health and Wellness Center by July 1. The Health Care Provider Section must be completed by your health care provider within six months of college entrance. Completion of all items will expedite your progress through new student orientation. Failure to provide the completed Health Care Certificate by the tenth day of classes will result in students not being allowed to register for the following semester. Some students may also need to complete a TB Form.

Confidentiality

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), patients have certain rights to privacy regarding their protected health information. This information can and will be used to:

  • Conduct, plan and direct treatment and follow-up among the multiple health care providers who may be involved in that treatment directly and indirectly.
    • Obtain payment from third-party payers.
  • Conduct normal healthcare operations such as quality assessments and physical certification.

A more complete description of the uses and disclosures of your health information can be found in our Notice of Privacy Practices and may be obtained and reviewed in our office.

Illinois College Influenza Guidelines

All people are advised to take special precautions during the fall, winter, and spring flu seasons. Should a flu outbreak occur, the following strategies will be implemented.

Strategies To Control Any Flu Outbreak On Campus:

  1. Persons with flu-like symptoms (runny nose/nasal congestion, fever greater than 100 degrees F, headache, body aches, extreme fatigue, sore throat, cough, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea) should stay away from classes and/or work (called “self-isolation”) until at least 24 hours after all signs of a fever (without fever-reducing medication) have disappeared. Social contact with others should be restricted as much as possible by people with these symptoms. 
  2. As a first line of defense, students, faculty, and staff are urged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water (and/or to use the hand sanitizer lotions available at a number of locations around the campus); to use tissues or shirt sleeves to suppress any coughs or sneezes; to avoid touching their eyes or noses; to keep a distance, when possible, of six feet or more from persons with flu-like symptoms; to clean high-touch areas like computer keys, phones, door-knobs, etc. regularly with antiseptic wipes; to clean their living areas frequently.
  3. Students living close to campus are encouraged to return home until the flu-like symptoms pass, and faculty and staff are encouraged to stay home until their flu-like symptoms abate and all signs of a fever have disappeared.
  4. Students who are unable to return home and are housed in private rooms or apartments should stay in their rooms. Food will be brought to them until the period of self-isolation passes.
  5. Students with flu-like symptoms who cannot leave campus and do not have private rooms or do not live in apartments may be encouraged to stay in private rooms in designated residence halls (until the isolation period passes). Food will be brought to them during the isolation period.
  6. Students, faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms are asked to use emails, phone calls, or text messaging as much as possible in contacting other persons. This includes initial contact with Health Services, faculty, and residence hall staff by students having mild flu-like symptoms. Students and staff with more severe flu symptoms, such as increased fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid breathing, are urged to contact their primary medical provider, Health Services, and/or local hospitals as soon as possible. If close contacts with others cannot be avoided, persons with flu-like symptoms should wear surgical masks that will be available through the Residential Life and Health Services Departments.
  7. Persons with underlying medical conditions that make them more subject to serious complications from influenza (both H1N1 and seasonal flu) should take special precautions and seek prompt help from health care providers upon the onset of flu-like symptoms.
  8. All members of the Illinois College community are encouraged to get timely vaccinations against influenz as it become available.