Policies & Handbooks

Chemical Dependency Policy

I. PURPOSE

The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) recognizes that chemical dependence and substance abuse in CPHS students may bring harm to the students or the public they serve. The College also recognizes that chemical dependency and substance abuse can impair a student's academic progress. The CPHS advocates treatment and rehabilitation for affected students in a manner that first protects the public, while allowing a reasonable opportunity for recovery and, in appropriate situations, continuation in the academic program. This policy applies to all students with a CPHS major.

II. DEFINITIONS

Pre-professional students are CPHS students who are not enrolled in a professional program with a corresponding Iowa Professional Healthcare Program (IPHP) committee.

Professional students are CPHS students who are enrolled in a professional program with a corresponding Iowa Professional Healthcare Program (IPHP) committee. These programs include the Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing (ABSN) program, the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program, the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, and the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.

III. PROCEDURE

All students entering the CPHS will be required to sign a statement indicating their acceptance of the terms and conditions of this policy. A CPHS Dean’s Office Hold will be added to the account of all students with a CPHS major who do not sign the statement within 14 days of entry into the CPHS.

The CPHS shall abide by University policy per the Student Handbook and provide students with an opportunity to address substance abuse or dependence issues confidentially during any phase of their academic experience.

The guiding philosophies of the following policy are first to protect clients and patients from potential harm caused by impaired students in clinical practice experiences, and second to encourage the discovery and recovery of students with a substance use disorder.

A. Voluntary Assessment and Treatment

CPHS students who wish to seek assistance with potential impairment related to chemical dependence or substance abuse may self-report to an Iowa Professional Health Program (IPHP) Committee. There may be a program specific to your profession (e.g. pharmacy, nursing), if there is not, choose “Prof Licensing”.  

B. Mandatory Assessment

Students may be required to undergo mandatory assessment if they demonstrate observable behaviors that are reasonably believed by the CPHS student affairs officer to be related to chemical substance use/abuse. The behaviors include, but are not limited to:

Concerns regarding behavior as outlined above that are raised by faculty, staff or other students should be directed to the CPHS student affairs officer. The CPHS student affairs officer will then determine whether a formal, professional assessment for chemical dependency is required.

When it has been determined that a professional student must undergo mandatory assessment, the student is required to self-report to their respective IPHC. Students must provide evidence of self-reporting to their respective IPHC within seven (7) calendar days to the CPHS student affairs officer. If a student does not provide evidence of self-reporting to the IPHC within seven(7) calendar days, then the CPHS student affairs officer will report the student case to the IPHC.

C. Mandatory Treatment

If a professional assessment (whether voluntary or mandatory) shows that a student is chemically dependent and/or has a substance abuse disorder, the student must initiate and maintain treatment, rehabilitation, and/or aftercare program satisfactory to the CPHS student affairs officer. All treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare plans for pre-pharmacy and health sciences students will be coordinated through referral.   

If a professional student has not yet self-reported to the respective IPHC, it is required that they do so to pursue treatment. Treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare plans for professional students will be coordinated through the respective IPHC.

D. Leave of Absence and Re-Entry

Except where they conflict with this policy, current Drake University policies governing a student’s leave of absence for illness will be applied to those students who may need time off for evaluation or treatment of chemical dependency or substance abuse.

Re-entry into the classroom or practicum/capstone experiences following an absence for chemical dependency or substance abuse treatment, or continuation in the academic program during treatment, will be coordinated by the CPHS student affairs officer who may place restrictions on the individual's classroom, laboratory, clinical, fieldwork or clerkship activities that are thought to be in the best interests of the individual's recovery and public safety.

E. Financial Responsibility

Responsibility for all costs of assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare shall be borne by the student.

IV. SELF-REPORTING REQUIREMENT

Students shall report all arrests, tickets, charges, or convictions involving alcohol or illegal drugs to the CPHS student affairs officer no later than seven (7) calendar days after they occur. This includes, but is not limited to, driving or operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or impaired, or possession.

The College may request any CPHS student to complete an additional criminal background check if the College is asked to provide information to regulatory bodies to support the execution of their duties of protecting the public health. Students have the right to request from copies of all documents and other information shared with these regulatory bodies by CPHS.

Following an arrest, charge, or conviction, students who need to apply for professional licensure should contact their respective examination and licensure organization to assess their ability to apply for professional examination and licensure.

V. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THIS POLICY/APPEAL

Students who fail to adhere to this Policy, including undergoing an mandatory assessment and treatment, may be disciplined up to and including suspension or termination from CPHS. Readmission after suspension may be granted upon satisfaction of certain conditions.

Students may appeal, in writing, any actions taken against them under this policy within fourteen (14) calendar days after they receive notice of the action. Such an appeal is first to the Dean. If the student is dissatisfied with the Dean's decision, the student must appeal the Dean’s decision within seven (7) days to the Provost of the University. If the student does not appeal the Dean's decision to the Provost, then the Dean's decision becomes final. In the event of a timely appeal to the Provost, his/her decision is final. In all such proceedings, the student shall have (1) prior notice of the time and place of the meeting with the Dean/Provost, (2) the right to be heard and present relevant evidence or witnesses on his/her behalf; and (3) the right to receive a written decision from the Dean/Provost.

 
VI. STUDENT AGREEMENT

I agree to be bound by and adhere to all the terms and conditions of this policy as stated above. I understand that my failure or refusal to adhere to the terms and conditions of this policy may result in my being suspended or terminated from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

I hereby release and agree to hold harmless Drake University and its agents and employees from any and all claims arising out of my participation in any voluntary or mandatory assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare undertaken pursuant to this Student Chemical Dependency Policy and Statement.