VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

and social outcomes of substance use. Therefore, students using these substances are not suitable candidates for admission, promotion, or graduation. Substance Use Testing Random drug screening is performed on one or two occasions during enrollment at VCOM. In addition, “for cause” drug and alcohol testing may be initiated when concerns are raised regarding the performance, behavior, or actions of a medical student that indicate a reasonable suspicion for substance impairment. Reasonable suspicion may include, but is not limited to: • Direct observation of drug or alcohol use or possession; • Physical symptoms indicative of being under the influence; • Abnormal or erratic behavior; • Observation of poor judgment or careless acts which caused or had the potential to cause patient injury, jeopardize the safety of self or others or resulted in damage to equipment; • Alterations in student clinical and/or didactic performance that may not be attributed to other causes; • Arrest or conviction of a drug or alcohol related offense; • Being identified as the subject of a drug-related criminal investigation; Any concerns that raise these suspicions for substance impairment will be reported to VCOM administration who will then determine whether “for cause” testing is appropriate. Random or “for cause” testing may be performed on campus or at a qualified designated laboratory site identified by the College. A positive drug test on campus will result in a repeated test within a forensic laboratory as arranged by the administration. In general, the laboratory site will carry a forensic certified testing program certified by the College of American Pathologists for testing. Compliance with random or “for cause” drug and alcohol testing of medical students is a condition of continued enrollment. For patient, faculty, and/or student safety, compulsory dismissal may result if a student refuses to consent to testing. The requirement that a student be tested as well as the test results will remain confidential and disclosed only to those individuals within VCOM with a need to know, as well as any licensing, registering or certification boards that have a need to know. If there is a positive result for a drug screen, the student will be referred to the appropriate Associate Dean for further assessment and possible disciplinary referral. 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 will result in immediate suspension and will be subject to a Professional and Ethical Standards Board and likely dismissal if found guilty. • Credible information from independent sources; • Evidence of drug tampering or misappropriation; • Accidents or illnesses caused by substance use; • Patterns of absenteeism and/or lateness; • Evidence that a previous drug or alcohol test was tampered with; or • Possession of drug paraphernalia.

196