VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #U010

inconsistent with the requirements of employment and with the standards for admission, enrollment, promotion, graduation, and participation in clinical education at VCOM. 4. SUBSTANCE USE TESTING Scheduled drug screening is performed on one or two occasions during a student’s enrollment at VCOM. In addition, “for cause” drug and alcohol testing may be initiated for students or employees when concerns are raised regarding the performance, behavior, or actions that indicate a reasonable suspicion for substance impairment. Reasonable suspicion may include, but is not limited to: • 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; • 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. 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. Scheduled 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 scheduled or “for cause” drug and alcohol testing of medical students is a condition of continued enrollment and of employees is a condition of employment. For patient, faculty, and/or student safety, compulsory dismissal may result if a student refuses to consent to testing. Refusal of employees to consent to testing may result in termination for student safety. The requirement that a student or employee 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. • Direct observation of drug or alcohol use or possession; • Physical symptoms indicative of being under the influence; • Abnormal or erratic behavior;

VCOM Substance Use, Testing, and Abuse Prevention Policy

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