VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

If there is a positive result for a drug screen, the student will be referred to the appropriate Associate Dean for review and further assessment. In cases where the positive result is attributable to a lawfully prescribed medication (such as ADHD medications), the student will be asked to provide proof of a valid prescription, to verify the result. If the positive drug screen cannot be satisfactorily resolved through the Associate Dean's review, the matter will be referred to the Professional and Ethical Standards Board (PESB) for further consideration and likelihood of dismissal. Students who test positive on a drug screen for controlled or illicit substances and/or marijuana (whether prescribed or not), demonstrate illegal or disruptive actions related to drug or alcohol use, are arrested for drug paraphernalia or other illegal use of drugs, or demonstrated dependence to alcohol are subject to immediate suspension and referral to the PESB, with dismissal from the program if the allegations are substantiated. Disclosure of Prescribed Medications and Compliance with Technical Standards Applicants receiving treatment with controlled substances or other prescribed medications that may result in a positive drug screen must notify Clinical Affairs prior to matriculation and provide documentation from the prescribing physician verifying the prescription and medical necessity for the medication. Students who are prescribed such medications after matriculation must notify Clinical Affairs upon initiation of the medication and provide the same documentation. Use of such medications will be reviewed to determine whether the applicant can meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program and safely participate in all required educational and clinical activities. Documentation of a valid prescription or a medically necessary treatment regimen does not guarantee a student's eligibility to participate in all educational, laboratory, simulation, or clinical activities. For example, VCOM recognizes that some states have legalized marijuana for medical use. Nevertheless, students must be able to meet the technical standards of the program and safely participate in educational and clinical activities. Because marijuana may impair judgment, cognition, perception, and psychomotor performance, its use, whether prescribed, recommended, or otherwise authorized, is prohibited by VCOM. The College reserves the right to have the Individual Assessment Team evaluate the use of any prescribed controlled substance or other medication that may result in a positive drug screen and underlying condition to determine whether the student can meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program and safely participate in all required educational and clinical activities. Certain medications may impair cognitive, behavioral, physical, sensory, or psychomotor functioning necessary for participation in preclinical coursework, laboratories, simulations, assessments, and other educational activities. If a medication prevents a student from meeting the Technical Standards or safely fulfilling program requirements, the student may be deemed ineligible to continue enrollment, participate in specific activities, or progress in the program. In addition, certain clinical training environments may impose restrictions on individuals with positive drug screen results or the use of specific medications, regardless of whether the medication is legally prescribed. Students remain responsible for meeting all program and clinical training requirements and must be able to satisfy the Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program at all times. Self-Identification of Substance Use Dependence or Arrest/Criminal Charge of a Substance Use Violation Students who voluntarily self-identify concerns related to substance use or dependency will be assisted in obtaining appropriate evaluation and treatment services and are encouraged to seek assistance through the campus mental health counselor. Depending on the nature and severity of the concern, the student may be required to take a leave of absence from the medical education program, participate in treatment and monitoring, or meet other conditions

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