VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

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. 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. The College reserves the right to have the Individualized Assessment Team review and determine whether the medication or underlying condition affects the student's ability to meet the Technical Standards and safely perform the essential functions of the curriculum. If the student is unable to do so, continued enrollment, participation, or progression may be restricted or denied. The College will evaluate the use of any prescribed controlled substance or other medication that may result in a positive drug screen 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 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 deemed necessary to ensure the safety of patients, the campus community, and the educational environment. Continued enrollment is contingent upon the student's ability to meet VCOM's technical standards, comply with treatment and monitoring requirements, satisfy clinical training requirements, and otherwise fulfill the professional and academic expectations of the program. The nature and duration of treatment will be determined by qualified healthcare professionals and may include ongoing monitoring to support recovery and ensure the student's ability to safely meet VCOM's technical standards and clinical responsibilities. Costs associated with evaluation, treatment, and monitoring are the responsibility of the student. Verification of successful treatment completion and compliance with any required monitoring will be overseen by the appropriate Associate Dean or other member of VCOM administration. Treatment records will be maintained in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements and will be disclosed only as required by law, subpoena, licensing authorities, or as necessary to determine eligibility for continued enrollment.

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