4.6 N95 Mask Fit Testing

Policy

All students are required to complete N95 fit testing and pre-requisites one time, upon matriculation to medical school, prior to December 1st of their entry year to medical school. 

All MS1 students complete the UW School of Medicine’s respiratory barrier protection program (including online training, medical clearance, and respirator fit testing) to ensure their safety and the safety of those within the communities in which they work and learn. 

Students are responsible for all expenses related to compliance with this requirement, and financial aid adjustments are available to cover these costs.

Foundations Phase campuses will arrange for onsite N95 fit testing prior to December 1st of the student’s entry year to medical school. If onsite N95 fit testing is not available, or if the student is unable to attend their site’s scheduled testing, then the student must arrange and complete N95 fit testing during Fall Quarter. The deadline is December 1st. No extensions will be approved.

Students are strongly encouraged to maintain annual N95 certification; however, they are not required by UWSOM to complete N95 fit testing annually.

Students may be required to wear a respirator for tasks, such as entering isolation rooms and other activities, involving close contact with individuals on respiratory precautions. These are part of standard practices for infection control as recommended by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Washington State Hospital Association. These standard practices also help meet the School of Medicine’s obligations for clinical onboarding and credentialing under its WWAMI clinical affiliate agreements, UW Administrative Policy Statement 10.4, and UW Respiratory Protection Program. 

The actual in-person N95 respirator fit test cannot take place until after completing the online training and medical clearance process prerequisites.

Accommodations

If students have a disability accommodation through UW DRS that precludes or otherwise affects their ability to wear an N95 respirator, please contact SOM Compliance at somcompl@uw.edu. 

A student may request, via email, an accommodation to the respirator fit testing and use requirements under this policy for sincerely held faith community / religious beliefs, including dress and grooming. A student will not be prohibited from maintaining their faith community / religious practices under this policy unless doing so would “pose an undue hardship” on maintaining safety in the clinical environment as determined by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. 

No exception will be made for an exemption to the clean-shaven requirement for N95 respirator fit testing that is not based on a medical, religious, or disability-related accommodation. You do not need to maintain a clean-shaven face at all times, but you must be fit tested and then know that respirator will fit you should you choose to shave again within the year. 

The CDC provides guidance for some types of facial hair that will not interfere with the respirator forming a tight seal. Please see the CDC’s guide on facial hairstyles and filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs).

 

Prerequisites for N95 mask fit testing
N95 Mask Fit Testing Instructions