Status of clinical affiliation agreements: report on a national study

During spring 1977, a survey of all accredited college based educational programs in 11 allied health disciplines was conducted to assess the nature and content of affiliation agreements, attitudes toward affiliation agreements and the extent to which clinical facilities are being reimbursed by academic institutions for providing clinical instruction. This paper summarizes the data across the 11 disciplines. In contrast to prior research, the formal contract emerges as the most frequently used form of agreement. Specific rights and responsibilities of academic and clinical educators, including personal and professional liability insurance, are delineated. Student rights and responsibilities receive less attention. Eight percent of respondents are charged an overall fee for use of clinical facilities; an additional 32% feel that payment may be required in the future. Recommendations include provision for increased attention to student rights and responsibilities and for legal counsel in developing affiliation agreements.