Drug and Security Policy
Howard Community College Division of Health, Science, and Technology Drug Policy
Introduction
Welcome to the Division of Health, Science, and Technology drug policy page. This document outlines our policies regarding drug testing for students within the health sciences programs. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in our clinical settings guides these policies.
Positive Drug Screen Policy
The Health, Science, & Technology Division requires that all students undergo drug screening. This section explains the procedures and consequences of positive drug screen results, categorized by the type of substance detected. If a student enrolled in a health science program has a positive drug screening result, the student will not be cleared to attend a clinical rotation. This may impede or limit the completion of course objectives as clinical agencies have the right to deny placement of students who have a history of a positive drug screen test. The policy of the Division of Health, Science & Technology states that, if a student is rejected in CastleBranch due to a positive drug screen, rejected by one clinical agency, and/or has noted offenses during security clearance, the Clinical Liaison Office will make no further attempts to clear the student in any clinical agency.
Prescribed Controlled Substances
Students testing positive for prescribed controlled substances must interview with Castle Branch’s Medical Review Officer (MRO) to confirm the reason for the legal drug use. However, there is a possibility that students testing positive may not be placed at a clinical agency, even for a legal drug. Medical Marijuana Cards are not accepted (see below). Please refer to your program’s policy regarding clinical absence allowance while your case is being reviewed.
Illegal Drugs (Identified by The Federal Government)
Students testing positive for illegal drug use will not undergo an MRO interview and will be dismissed from the program based on the dismissal committee recommendations. Drug samples are stored for a year, allowing students to challenge any positive results at their own expense. Tampered and/or diluted samples will not be accepted, and the student must retest. The results of the retest must be posted prior to the program deadline for clinical clearances.
To challenge a positive result, contact CastleBranch for a re-test request of the same stored sample.
Marijuana
Regardless of the legal status of marijuana at the state level, Marijuana remains subject to the federal Controlled Substances Act. Students testing positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will be dismissed from any clinical rotations. Medical Marijuana Cards are not accepted. Dismissal from clinical rotations may lead to dismissal from the program based on the dismissal committee recommendations. Dismissed students may have the opportunity to apply for readmission in the following academic year. Readmittance is contingent upon program seat and rotation availability.
Student Privacy
The Health Sciences Division is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of all student records, including drug test results. We adhere to all applicable laws and regulations concerning student privacy, including FERPA and HIPAA where applicable.
External Partners Communication
Before asking an external partner if it is acceptable for a student who has failed a drug test to return to their facility, we will:
- Ensure that any communication with external partners is conducted in a manner that respects the student's privacy and only shares information pertinent to the reassignment request.
The Division will make every effort to protect student privacy while also ensuring that clinical placement requirements and safety standards are met.
Process for Challenging Positive Results
Students testing positive for illegal drug use will not undergo an MRO interview and will be dismissed from the program based on the dismissal committee recommendations. However, the drug sample is stored for a year, allowing students to challenge the result at their expense. To challenge a positive result:
- Contact CastleBranch for a re-test request
- Tampered and/or diluted negative samples must be retaken.
Reapplication and Readmittance
Readmission will be based on the policies below and any specific program requirements outlined in the program handbook/manual.
Prescribed Controlled Substances Dismissal
Students testing positive for prescribed controlled substances must interview with Castle Branch’s Medical Review Officer (MRO) to confirm the reason for the legal drug use. However, there is a possibility that students testing positive may not be placed at a clinical agency, even for a legal drug. Medical Marijuana Cards are not accepted. Please refer to your program’s policy regarding clinical absence allowance while your case is being reviewed.
Marijuana Use Dismissal
Medical Marijuana Cards are not accepted. Dismissed students may have the opportunity to apply for readmission in the following academic year. Readmittance is contingent upon program seat and rotation availability.
Other Illegal Drug Use (Identified by The Federal Government) Dismissal
Dismissed students will not have the opportunity to apply for readmission. The use of prescribed substances for another individual other than the student is also considered an illegal drug use. Students dismissed for the use of illegal drugs may apply for readmission 5 years after the HCC CastleBranch test result.
Contact Information
For further assistance or questions regarding the drug policy, please contact the Health Sciences Clinical Liaison Team at hsdcc@howardcc.edu.
Howard Community College shall be entitled to modify this policy at its discretion.
Policy Approved 8/21/24.