Substance Abuse Screening
Authorizing Body: Office of the Dean
Responsible Office: Student Affairs
Date Issued: August 1, 2014
Last Update: February 25, 2019
Rationale:
To ensure the safety of patients, students, faculty, and staff
Scope and Applicability:
All students enrolled in the School of Medicine
Standard Practice Guideline:
Students may be subjected to drug testing if there is reasonable suspicion of drug use or reasonable suspicion that the individual is impaired. Abnormal results will be referred to the SPRC and may result in dismissal from the School of Medicine. Students who do not consent to screening will be referred to the SPRC.
Although voters have approved Proposal 1 to allow possession, use and distribution of marijuana in Michigan, federal law and the University's obligation to abide by it remain unchanged. As a recipient of federal financial aid and grant funding, Oakland University is required to adhere to regulations outlined in the Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act and the federal Drug Free Workplace Act. All of these prohibit the possession, use and distribution of marijuana in all forms. Enforcement of federal law applies to violations for any reason, including use for medicinal purposes.
Procedures:
The following conditions are signs of possible alcohol or drug use (not all-inclusive):
- Abnormally dilated or constricted pupils
- Slowed reaction rate
- Glazed stare, redness of eyes
- Dulled mental process
- Excessive, unexplained absences
- Flushed face
- Change of speech (i.e. faster or slower)
- Difficulty walking
- Constant sniffing
- Slurred speech
- Increased absences
- Smell of alcohol
- Constant fatigue or hyperactivity
- Redness under nose
- Sudden weight loss
- Needle marks
- Change in personality (i.e. paranoia)
- Increased appetite for sweets
- Forgetfulness
- Performance faltering
- Poor concentration
- Borrowing money from co-workers or seeking an advance or any other unusual display of need for money
A staff, fellow student, or faculty member who suspects that a student is impaired is obligated to take immediate action by contacting the course or clerkship director or the Office of Student Affairs.
At Beaumont Hospitals:
At Beaumont Hospitals the staff or faculty member will notify hospital security. A member of the Beaumont Health Systems Security team will accompany the student to the Emergency Department for mandatory toxicology screening.
On the Oakland University Campus and other locations:
The student will be required to go immediately to the nearest facility where a toxicology screening can be administered. At no time should a student operate a motor vehicle while impaired.
Appendix:
Related Policies and Guidelines:
Oakland University Core Standards and Behavioral Expectations
