Unit Procedure
Title
School of Medicine: Procedure for Medical Doctorate Program Controlled Substances Testing
Introduction
Purpose
This Procedure establishes guidelines for, and regarding students of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (University) School of Medicine (SOM) Medical Doctorate Program who may be required to undergo testing for Controlled and/or Restricted Substances.
Scope
This Procedure applies to Medical Doctorate Program Students.
Procedure
I. Prescribed Medications
Students who anticipate a positive test due to legally prescribed medications must provide documentation of the prescription from a physician to avoid an investigation and removal from a clinical rotation site. Documentation can include a signed letter from a physician, pill bottle with a student’s name and date of prescription, or signed prescription, and should be submitted to the designated Medical Review Officer (MRO).
II. Positive Tests
A student with a positive test for controlled and/or restricted substances will be removed from the student’s clinical rotation site until the positive test can be investigated. This removal may result in the student receiving a grade of either “Incomplete” or “Withdrawn” for the clinical rotation.
In the case of a confirmed positive test result that is not the result of a legally prescribed medication, the student may be referred to UNC-Chapel Hill Campus Health Services/Student Wellness for a clinical evaluation and supportive therapy. The student may also be referred to the University Emergency Evaluation and Action Committee (EEAC) to assess whether the student presents a danger to themselves or to the campus community. Students violating the Policy on Medical Doctorate Program Controlled Substances Testing may also be referred to the Honor System or to the SOM Student Progress Committee.
The SOM follows the University Policy on cannabis. It is illegal to grow, buy, sell, or possess cannabis-containing products in the state of North Carolina. A Positive Test for cannabis will be investigated regardless of whether cannabis was consumed in a state or country where cannabis or related substances are legal. This may include current over the counter cannabis related products such as delta products and other synthetic edibles.
III. Substance Use Disorders
Students with active substance use disorders must adhere to all University substance use protocols to enable continuation of studies at the SOM (See UNC Police Webpage on University Policies on Drugs and Alcohol). Additionally, students struggling with substance related matters may opt into confidential substance use counseling through the Department of Student Wellness. If a student prefers to engage with an off-campus provider, the Department of Student Wellness can confidentially connect them with vetted local therapists, intensive outpatient programs, and inpatient treatment programs.
The Illegal Drugs Policy provides additional information on prohibited substance possession, use, and manufacture, along with enforcement and penalties.
Definitions
Controlled Substances: Include, but are not limited to, cannabis, opioids, amphetamines, barbiturates, and similar drugs whose possession and use are prohibited under state or federal law; so-called "designer drugs," "look-alikes," synthetic drugs, and similar substances.
Restricted Substances: Prescription drugs, unless validly prescribed by a student’s physician and used as prescribed, and other substances whose use may cause impairment although they are available legally (such as alcohol, cough syrup, and other over-the-counter medications), and substances not intended for human consumption (such as glue).
Positive Test: Positive result from testing for the presence of medications, controlled substances or restricted substances. For controlled substances, any positive test for a controlled substance. For restricted substances classified as drugs, a positive test for the drug in its pure form or its metabolites at or above the specified cutoff levels by the laboratory performing the test is considered a positive test.
Impairment: State of function in which any substance use is affecting a student’s academic progress or ability to perform expected duties, including in the clinical setting. Individuals taking over-the-counter medications or medications prescribed by a physician should adhere to the terms of the prescription and to any activity restrictions recommended by the physician or manufacturer.
Screening: Examination performed for the purpose of assessing use of controlled or restricted substances.
Reasonable Suspicion: An objective, justifiable presumption that is based on specific facts, observations, or circumstances that justifies the screening of a student for use of controlled substances and/or restricted substances.
Related Requirements
External Regulations
Unit Policies, Standards, and Procedures
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Name: Valerie Glassman, Senior Director of Student Affairs
Email: Valerie_Glassman@med.unc.edu