Health Clearances

Health Requirements for Employment

The New York State Department of Health Code 405.3 mandates that certain requirements be met before employment begins and annually thereafter.

Medical history and physical exam:

This is required prior to beginning employment. This is performed at the Health Office without cost to Upstate employees or volunteers. Incoming residents and volunteers have the option of having their own health provider perform the exam (at their expense) to be submitted for review by the Medical Director.

Immunization Documentation

Serologic evidence of protective antibody titers for the following vaccine preventable illnesses.

• Rubella (German Measles)
• Rubeola (Red measles, Hard measles)
  Exception: If born before January 1, 1957, titer is not required
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  Exception: Self reported history of disease or prior administration of two doses of varicella vaccine. This requires a blood test to demonstrate immunity to these diseases either through prior immunization or illness. The results of prior testing may be submitted. Alternative certification of immunization as specified by the NYS Department of Health Code guidelines may be acceptable after review by the Medical Director.
• Tuberculosis Surveillance: Tuberculosis screening will be done by placement of a tuberculin skin test (PPD) unless the candidate is determined to be previously tuberculin skin test positive. The skin test must be placed and read at the Health Office. A second tuberculin skin test is placed in two weeks (two-step testing) unless the candidate can provide documentation of a previous tuberculin skin test within one year. Chest x-ray within 6 months of beginning employment is required for all candidates with a prior positive skin test.

Annual Health Assessment

The NYS Department of Health Code (405.3) requires reassessment of the health status of all personnel as frequently as necessary, but no less than annually, to ensure that personnel are free from health impairments which pose potential risk to patients or personnel or which may interfere with the performance of duties.  This requires completion of the Annual Health Assessment form, annual screening for tuberculosis, and update of immunizations, when necessary. Routine health maintenance is also addressed.

Clearance to Begin Employment

The Medical Director will review all pre-employment medical documentation. Clearance to begin employment will then be determined. Clearance is granted if there is no health impairment that would pose a potential risk to patients or personnel, all essential functions of the position can be fulfilled, and all NYS Health Code (405.3) requirements have been met.