Student Health Information
Students are encouraged to maintain adequate health insurance coverage to address medical expenses incurred while enrolled. Information about Student Accident Health Insurance for specific programs is available and may provide secondary coverage.
Students are expected to remain home and avoid attending classes or campus activities when sick or when exhibiting symptoms of illness, in accordance with guidance from the Florida Department of Health.
Measles Immunization. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that continues to occur in outbreaks within the United States. To protect the health of the campus community, it is strongly recommended that all students provide documentation of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) prior to attending the College.
Students are considered immune if they have written documentation of two doses of MMR vaccine, laboratory evidence of immunity, or other acceptable proof as defined by current public‑health guidance. Students who do not have documentation of immunity are encouraged to receive the MMR vaccination.
Certain Limited Access programs require documentation of immunization. Refer to specific program information. Vaccination or proof of immunization can be obtained through the Belle Glade, Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Riviera Beach, and West Palm Beach Health Department clinics
Communication Disease Guidance (Including COVID-19). Palm Beach State College follows guidance issued by the CDC, the Florida Department of Health, and applicable local public health authorities regarding communicable diseases. Students may be required to follow temporary health and safety measures, including self‑monitoring, reporting, isolation, or use of protective measures, when mandated or recommended by public health authorities. These measures may be updated or discontinued in response to changing public health conditions.
AIDS/Infectious Disease Policy. Palm Beach State College follows applicable Florida law and public‑health guidance issued by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), under the authority of the Florida Surgeon General, regarding HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. Federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be used as an educational reference when consistent with state public‑health directives.
The College maintains a strict policy of non‑discrimination toward students and employees diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. Consistent with current medical knowledge and guidance adopted by the Florida Department of Health, individuals with HIV or AIDS do not pose a health risk to others through routine academic contact in an educational setting. Students diagnosed with HIV or AIDS are permitted to attend classes and participate in College programs and activities without restriction, provided they are able to do so safely and their participation does not pose a direct threat to their own health or to others, as determined in accordance with applicable public‑health standards.
When coursework requires involvement with body fluids, no special policies, procedures or rules will be imposed on students diagnosed with HIV. The College recognizes that a student’s or employee’s health condition is personal and confidential. In the event of an absence from school because of an AIDS-related illness, the same confidentiality requirements that apply to any medical condition apply. Therefore, reasonable steps will be taken to protect such information from being disclosed inappropriately.
If coursework requires involvement of bodily fluids, the condition will be reviewed by a college committee consisting of the Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management, two College employees in the health care field, the District Health and Safety Manager and one other administrator, counselor or faculty/instructor appointed by the President. The committee will review the facts and recommend to the President whether or not action should be taken. The committee will consider “reasonable accommodation” if it is determined that some type of action is required.
HIV and AIDS Resources:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention-HIV Basics: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html
Center for Disease Control and Prevention-HIV 101 Info Sheet: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/library/consumer-info-sheets/cdc-hiv-consumer-info-sheet-hiv-101.pdf
Center for Disease Control and Prevention-Factors that Increase HIV Risk: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/increase-hiv-risk.html
Center for Disease Control and Prevention-PrEP: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html
Florida Department of Health –HIV/AIDS: https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/aids/index.html