VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #U010

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. Any employee who tests 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 be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, and/or required to satisfactorily participate in a drug-abuse assistance or rehabilitation program at the discretion of administration. Disciplinary action will be administered in accordance with the Standards of Conduct and Guidelines. 5. STUDENT 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

VCOM Substance Use, Testing, and Abuse Prevention Policy

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