/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/som/policies-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/som/policies.json

EAA011 Medical Student Drug Testing Policy

Policy Number: EAA011
Policy Title: Medical Student Drug Testing Policy

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to prioritize patient safety and provide clear guidelines for drug testing requirements.

B. Persons Affected

This policy will cover the students participating in the UTRGV SOM curriculum.

C. Policy

Medical students are entrusted with the health, safety, and welfare of patients, have access to controlled substances and confidential information, and operate in settings that require the exercise of sound, professional judgment and ethical behavior. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (UTRGV SOM) has a responsibility to assure that patients are not under the care of impaired persons. Thus, an assessment of a medical student's suitability to function in such a setting is imperative to promote the highest level of integrity in health care services, the safety interests of patients, a professional workplace, and the medical student's ability to obtain licensure. Additionally, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is obligated to meet the contractual requirements contained in affiliation agreements between the university and its clinical healthcare partners. To facilitate these requirements, the UTRGV SOM will require urine drug screens for all accepted applicants and enrolled students.

All persons accepted for admission to the UTRGV SOM must have a negative result prior to matriculation. Applicants and enrolled students must maintain a negative urine drug screen to fulfill the requirements of the program. Applicants or students with a positive test may not be guaranteed admission, continued enrollment in the educational program, allowed on clinical rotations or remain eligible for graduation with the MD degree. Students may be required to complete additional re-screening at any point, if there is reason to believe a student may be using or misusing drugs or other substances or if there is an extended absence from the education program.

A positive test will result in a report to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, who may request additional evaluation. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs shall report all findings to the Medical Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (MSEPC) for intervention and/or possible disciplinary action as authorized by policies, rules and regulations imposed by the university.

A positive test may result in the withdrawal of an offer of acceptance, or, if after matriculation, dismissal from the program. In addition, an applicant’s or enrolled student’s failure to cooperate with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs or the MSEPC in their investigations shall constitute grounds for rescission of an offer of admission or dismissal from the SOM.

The expenses related to drug testing are borne by the accepted applicant or enrolled student. Drug test results will remain separate from the academic record.