Alcohol and Drug Screening Policy

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix that students must function free from the influence of alcohol, illicit or illegal substances. The use of controlled substances (unless prescribed by a clinician), marijuana, or illegal substances is prohibited. This policy delineates drug testing requirements and disciplinary sanctions that the College of Medicine - Phoenix may impose on students who are suspected or accused of being under the influence of alcohol or other prohibited substances.

All students must comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations concerning alcohol and drug use, including rules, policies, and procedures of the Arizona Board of Regents, the University of Arizona, and individual clinical placement sites at which a student is assigned. See Student Code of Conduct.

Procedures

I. Routine Alcohol and Drug Screening

1. Timing
   1. Upon matriculation to the College of Medicine - Phoenix and prior to the beginning of clinical activities at affiliate sites that require additional drug screening, students are required to submit the results of a urine drug screening (UDS).
2. Cost
   1. Students are responsible for the costs of any routine screening.
3. Testing Location(s)
   1. Students must select a site to complete a UDS. Discounted rates may be available at a College of Medicine - Phoenix contracted vendor for screening services.
4. Results
   1. Students must upload their results into mxClinicalExchange.
   2. Positive Results
      1. The College of Medicine - Phoenix will review any positive results and follow up with the student to determine if the positive result is due to a clinician-prescribed medication.
      2. Students who test positive on a routine screening will be referred to the dean, student affairs, or respective designee.
      3. See section IV for disciplinary actions for positive results.

II. “For Cause” Alcohol and Drug Testing

To ensure compliance with institutional policies and to promote a safe and healthy work environment, the College of Medicine - Phoenix may require students to submit to drug and/or alcohol testing “for cause” based upon reasonable suspicion of inappropriate alcohol or drug use.

An individual who reasonably suspects that a student is engaging in inappropriate alcohol or drug use must contact the dean, student affairs, or respective designee. The reporting individual must document the specific facts and behaviors supporting the reasonable suspicion.

Reasonable suspicion of inappropriate alcohol or drug use may be based upon, but is not limited to, the following criteria:

• Direct observation of alcohol or drug use or possession and/or demonstration of physical symptoms of the influence of alcohol or drugs; or
• Abnormal or erratic behavior consistent with inappropriate alcohol or drug use; or
• Arrest or conviction for a alcohol or drug related offense; or
• Identification of a criminal investigation into drug use, possession, or trafficking; or
• Evidence that a student has tampered with a previous alcohol or drug or test; or
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.

The dean, student affairs, or respective designee will review the circumstances and determine whether the criteria for reasonable suspicion is met. If criteria for reasonable suspicion is met, the below procedure is followed.

The dean, student affairs, or respective designee will discuss with the dean, foundational curriculum and/or dean, clinical curriculum, or respective designees, and may take immediate steps to remove the student from the learning environment, including referring the student for a technical standards evaluation. The dean, student affairs, or respective designee and dean, foundational curriculum and/or dean, clinical curriculum, or respective designees may also take additional steps that may be necessary to minimize risks to the student or to others, including securing emergency professional assistance.

III. “For Cause” Testing

1. Timing
   1. When the determination to test “for cause” has been made, the student will be given instructions on where to obtain a drug screening to collect urine samples for alcohol and/or drugs. The sample must be provided at the testing location within 24 hours of written notification that “for cause” testing is required.
2. Cost
   1. The College of Medicine - Phoenix will cover testing costs.
3. Results
   1. The dean, student affairs, or respective designee will review the drug screen report and determine the next step.

IV. Disciplinary Actions

Any student who has a positive result on an alcohol or drug test, refuses to consent to an alcohol or drug test, or fails to provide an adequate specimen will be referred to the Student Progress Committee for disciplinary action, including the process for dismissal. A student’s participation in, and successful completion of, an approved alcohol or drug counseling program, coupled with the student’s consent to random testing, may be considered but does not ensure that dismissal will not occur.

V. Confidentiality

Every effort will be made to keep the results of alcohol and drug testing confidential. Students should be aware that test results may be used for administrative hearings and court cases and may be provided to state and/or federal agencies as required by applicable law.