PURPOSE

This policy was established to provide Faculty and Professional Staff Members and Students with guidelines prohibiting drug and alcoholic beverage use on University premises, during the normal course of employment, or while conducting University business. The policy also outlines the methods for maintaining a work environment free from the effect of alcohol/drug abuse or other substances that adversely affect the mind or body and communicates to Faculty and Professional Staff Members and Students that they must report for work and perform assigned duties without any physical or mental impairment which would unreasonably interfere with their ability to perform the essential functions of their job.

APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all eligible Faculty Members, Professional Staff Members and Students, excluding those affiliated with a collective bargaining unit.

IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of this policy is the responsibility of the Department of Human Resources.

ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT

The Senior Vice President of Student Life and Administrative Services is the Drexel University official responsible for the administration of this policy.

POLICY

The Academy is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment and seeks to promote the health and welfare of its Professional Staff Members, Students, members, and visitors. The Academy recognizes the importance of physical and emotional health as it pertains to job performance and overall quality of life. Additionally, the Academy fully subscribes to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Under the Act, all Faculty and Professional Staff Members and Students are hereby notified of the serious dangers related to drug use in the workplace.

With this in mind, the Academy has established the following Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace policy:

1. The Academy strictly prohibits the selling, purchasing, dispensing, manufacturing, distributing, diverting, stealing, using, possessing and/or being under the influence of non-medically indicated prescription or non-prescription drugs or illegal substances, and/or alcohol on University premises or while conducting Academy business.
2. It is a violation of Academy policy for any Professional Staff Member and Student to possess, sell, trade, or offer for sale illegal drugs or otherwise engage in the illegal use of drugs or alcohol on the job.
3. It is a violation of Academy policy for anyone to report to work under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, i.e. with illegal drugs or alcohol in their body.
4. It is a violation of Academy policy for anyone to use prescription drugs illegally. Nothing in this policy precludes the appropriate use of legally prescribed medication.
5. It is a violation of Academy policy to serve alcohol on Academy property, except in designated approved areas or events. No minor will be served alcoholic beverages at Academy approved events.
6. The Academy will assist and Professional Staff Member and Student’s efforts to remedy temporary physical or mental impairment, which may adversely affect satisfactory and safe job performance and encourages Faculty and Professional Staff Members and Students with substance abuse problems to seek treatment voluntarily. An Addendum to this policy contains policies on alcohol and other drugs in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Professional Staff Members and Students who violate any aspect of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

DEFINITIONS

Drug is defined as any legal or illegal substance (including over-the-counter medication, prescribed medication, alcoholic beverages, unprescribed controlled substances, or any other substances) which potentially affects the Faculty and Professional Staff Members and Student’s productivity and ability to perform duties or which potentially affects the safety and/or well-being of the Faculty and Professional Staff Member and Student or others.

During Working Hours is defined as the period which begins with the Faculty and Professional Staff Members and Student’s starting time and ends with the and Professional Staff Member and Student’s quitting time as well as any period when the and Professional Staff Member and Student is assigned to be available for work. All work activities are included whether they occur on or outside of the Academy’s campuses.

Fit for Duty is defined as a physical and mental health status that facilitates the performance of duties competently and efficiently, without impairment, in coordination or skill and the execution of job responsibilities in a safe and effective manner that does not jeopardize the health and safety of others.

Medical Evaluation is defined as an examination which is performed by a University health professional and includes, but is not limited to a history and physical examination and any recommended diagnostic studies including toxicology profiles.

Physical or Mental Impairment is defined as a physical or mental condition that affects a Professional Staff Member or Student’s ability to perform their job.

Prohibited Conduct is defined as selling, purchasing, dispensing, manufacturing, distributing, diverting, stealing, using, processing or being under the influence of non-medically indicated prescription or non-prescription drugs or illegal substances, and/or alcohol on Academy premises or while conducting University business.

Professional Staff Member is defined as an individual employed in any non-faculty category by the Academy of Natural Sciences, including an individual who is deemed to be either exempt or non-exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and/or applicable state law.

Report to Work is defined as reporting to one’s work area at a specified time for the purpose of performing assigned job duties and responsibilities.

Student is defined as any person currently enrolled, whether part-time or full-time, in undergraduate or graduate courses or programs.  Undergraduate Student denotes any Student who is primarily enrolled in undergraduate courses or program and has not obtained a bachelor’s degree in such course of study or program.  Graduate student denotes any Student who is primarily enrolled in graduate courses or program who is working toward a graduate degree or certification after having earned a bachelor’s degree.

Substance Abuse is defined as the use or misuse of any drug or alcohol in a manner which may reduce the Professional Staff Member or Student effectiveness or pose an unsafe condition in the work environment.

GUIDELINES

1. All medical plans that the Academy sponsors include diagnosis and treatment for use/abuse of controlled substances, Professional Staff Members and Students are encouraged to use such coverage as is required on an individual basis.
2. At its discretion, the Academy may require, as a condition of employment, Professional Staff Member or  Student  who violates this policy to successfully complete a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program to the extent the program is covered by the individual's health insurance benefits.
3. The Academy retains the right to initiate pre-employment drug screening and to test for cause. The Academy is firmly committed to establishing and maintaining a 'drug-free workplace' and encourages all Professional Staff Members and Students active participation and compliance.
4. In accordance with applicable state law(s), the Academy will, as required, report to the appropriate professional board any substantial evidence that a licensed/certified professional has an active substance addictive disease for which they are diverting a controlled substance or is mentally or physically incompetent to carry out the duties of their license, regardless of whether or not the Professional Staff Member or Student is receiving treatment.
5. Any Professional Staff Members and Students who are convicted under a criminal drug statute for a violation of such statute will within five days of such conviction, notify the Human Resources Department.

PROCEDURES

1. Employee’s Responsibility
   1. A Professional Staff Member and Student is responsible for being fit for duty when reporting to work and during working hours. In addition, a Professional Staff Member and Student is expected to maintain a lifestyle which will not negatively impact upon their ability to perform their job safely, productively and efficiently; and, for observing the regulations and procedures set forth in this policy.
   2. A Professional Staff Member and Student should notify their manager/supervisor when their physical or mental condition may affect the performance of duties or may jeopardize personal safety or the safety of others.
   3. A Faculty and Professional Staff Member and Student who reasonably suspects that another Professional Staff Member and Student is unfit for duty by virtue of their observed physical or mental condition or performance of job duties and responsibilities is expected to immediately notify a manager/supervisor.
   4. In cases where the possibly impaired individual is the person’s manager/supervisor, the Professional Staff Member and Student may report to the next higher-level supervisory member or the senior Human Resources officer.
2. Manager/Supervisor’s Responsibility
   1. Managers/supervisors are responsible for administering this policy according to the regulations and procedures identified herein. In addition, managers/supervisors are responsible for reinforcing a Professional Staff Member and Student’s understanding of the fitness for duty requirement and for administering this policy in a fair, uniform and consistent manner.
   2. Managers/supervisors and/or co-workers should be aware of the signs of substance abuse, which include, but are not limited to, behavior changes, absenteeism/lateness, noted change in interaction with staff or patients, impairment in job performance, unaccounted drugs missing from University stock or indications of inappropriate medication dispensing. More specific behaviors which may indicate a lack of fitness for duty include, lethargy, slurred or incoherent speech, or speech which differs from the Professional Staff Member and Student’s usual pattern, unusual odor on breath, departures from usual behavior, accidents, lack of manual dexterity or unusual trembling, lack of coordination in body movement, inappropriate response to stimulus, verbal abuse and boisterous behavior toward others, threats of physical harm toward self/others and demonstration of emotional instability and/or hostility, sudden unprecedented change in mood or drastic change in dress or appearance.
   3. The manager/supervisor will request, when possible, the presence of a second manager/supervisor to witness and confirm any observed performance, behavioral and/or conduct problems.
   4. Managers/supervisors and/or co-workers should report unusual behavior or circumstances to the Human Resources Department.
   5. If a manager/supervisor determines that a fitness for duty evaluation is necessary, regardless of the time of day, or day of week, the manager/supervisor will immediately release the Professional Staff Member or Student from duty with pay pending the results of the medical evaluation and final results of an investigation.
      1. The manager/supervisor will escort the Professional Staff Member or Student to Employee Health or the Hahnemann University Hospital Emergency Room (ER) or nearest ER (if Employee Health is closed) to undergo a medical evaluation. When referring to the ER, the ER Charge or Triage nurse should be contacted. The manager/supervisor or designee will describe to the attending nurse or physician the observed behavior and the Faculty and Professional Staff Member and Student’s job duties and responsibilities.
      2. A Professional Staff Member and Student who refuses to submit to a medical evaluation, either wholly or in part, will be advised that such refusal is a serious violation of policy and may result in corrective action up to and including termination of employment.
      3. The manager/supervisor should contact the Security Office in those instances where a Professional Staff Member and Student’s behavior poses a threat to any individual’s safety.
3. Human Resources’ Responsibility
   1. Human Resources will coordinate the efficient and timely administration of the regulations and procedures identified herein.
   2. Managers/Supervisors are encouraged to contact Human Resources for assistance in implementing this policy.
   3. Human Resources will act as a liaison when a Professional Staff Member and Student is required to sign a monitoring agreement for substance abuse. (See Section I of this policy)
4. Employee Health’s Responsibility (Emergency Department if Employee Health is closed)
   1. Employee Health will complete a medical evaluation on a Professional Staff Member and Student to determine fitness for duty. If indicated, the appropriate tests/screens will be ordered and reviewed by the Employee Health physician. (Please note that Chain of Custody procedures will be followed for drug/alcohol screening).
   2. After completion of the medical evaluation, Employee Health will contact Human Resources with the results of the evaluation and determination of fitness for duty. Human Resources will then contact the Professional Staff Member and Student’s manager/supervisor and determine if a return to work agreement is needed. (See section J of this policy)
   3. If the medical evaluation indicates that the Faculty and Professional Staff Member and Student is fit for duty, Employee Health will notify the referring manager/supervisor and the Professional Staff Member and Student  will be returned to work.
   4. If treatment for substance abuse is necessary, Employee Health will notify Human Resources. Human Resources will coordinate with the department manager/supervisor to place the Professional Staff Member on a leave of absence in order to receive treatment.
   5. Employee Health will also evaluate Faculty and Professional Staff Member for fitness for duty upon return from a medical leave of absence following treatment.
   6. Employee Health will administer random and for cause drug/alcohol screening for those Faculty and Professional Staff Member and Student on a monitoring agreement. Employee Health will monitor a Professional Staff Member and Student’s compliance with Return to Work agreements, including the Professional Staff Member and Student’s participation in recommended aftercare programs.
5. Release From Duty
   1. If after the medical evaluation it is determined that a Professional Staff Member or Student is not fit for duty due to substance abuse, the manager/supervisor will discuss with the Professional Staff Member and Student one or more of the following:
      1. they have violated University policy,
      2. they will be immediately released from duty, in accord with established policies,
      3. they must follow-up with the recommendations of the medical evaluation by the physician in order to return to work and be re-evaluated for fitness for duty,
      4. a return-to-work agreement may be required upon their return to work.
   2. The Professional Staff Member and Student’s confidentiality will be respected and only necessary job restrictions and limitations will be disclosed to responsible managers/supervisors. This information will include a determination regarding fitness for duty, and any medical restrictions or conditions which may affect job performance and/or safety in the work environment.
   3. In those situations where a Professional Staff Member and Student is being released from duty, the manager/supervisor is advised to assist the Professional Staff Member and Student in leaving the premises and arriving home safely, via Security, by contacting family members, providing cab fare or making comparable arrangements as necessary.
6. Performance Improvement
   1. The manager/supervisor should consult with their senior management and the Human Resources Department when performance improvement is indicated.
   2. Professional Staff Members who refuse to schedule a medical exam will be subject to performance up to and including termination. The terms of any discipline will be guided by the policy on Corrective Action.
   3. A Professional Staff Member and Student who fails to observe the procedures set forth in this policy will be subject to corrective action. The level of discipline may vary depending upon the nature, frequency and seriousness of the offense. Violation of this policy may result in a final written warning and suspension or termination of employment.
   4. Whenever the performance improvement has already been initiated for a particular Professional Staff Member, it will be continued regardless of health problems identified by the Professional Staff Member. Length of service and past performance may be considered throughout the corrective action process.
   5. If a Professional Staff Member refuses or does not attempt to correct a substance abuse problem that affects job performance, s/he will be subject to performance improvement plan up to and including termination.
   6. This policy shall in no way be construed as a restriction of the University’s rights to take disciplinary action including termination of employment or to limit the use of monitoring methods to promote efficiency and safety in the work environment.
7. Leave of Absence Professional Staff Members referred for treatment may apply for a leave of absence for the purpose of treatment only. If a Professional Staff Member is admitted into a treatment program, the department manager/supervisor should initiate the Professional Staff Member change form for a medical leave of absence under the Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) procedures.
8. Return to Work After Medical Leave
   1. The Academy reserves the right to send a Professional Staff Member or Student to Employee Health for a medical evaluation, scheduled by their manager/supervisor or Human Resources, for the purpose of determining fitness for duty after a medical leave and prior to job re-entry.
   2. A Professional Staff Member and Student is responsible for providing complete and accurate information and for submitting to the medical evaluation.
   3. If it is determined that further follow-up is needed, the Professional Staff Member and Student is responsible for carrying out the directives of Employee Health.
   4. Rehabilitated Faculty and Professional Staff Member and Student may reapply or return from leave of absence once they have completed their course of treatment and/or have received medical clearance to return to work from the treatment provider in consultation with Employee Health.
9. Substance Abuse Return to Work Agreements Monitoring conditions (please refer to attached agreement) will be placed on Professional Staff Members and Students returning from rehabilitation for substance abuse for a minimum period of one year and up to three years (to be reviewed, revised or discontinued thereafter by Employee Health, the department manager/supervisor and Human Resources), including, but not limited to, monitoring agreements which may provide for:
   1. Successful completion of appropriate treatment program and presentation of documentation verifying same to Employee Health.
   2. Continued contact with recommended therapists and other health care providers as deemed appropriate by Employee Health.
   3. Medical monitoring, including random and for cause blood and urine testing, through Employee Health (please note that Chain of Custody procedures will be followed).
   4. Blood and/or urine testing when behavior is suggestive of possible impairment while Faculty and Professional Staff Member or Student is at work (please note that Chain of Custody procedures will be followed).
   5. Automatic dismissal upon evidence of one positive blood or urine test.
   6. Report by Professional Staff Member or Student, upon the next workday, of any medically prescribed treatment with a controlled substance that may limit the Professional Staff Member and Student’s ability to perform on the job. This information will be shared with Employee Health only.
   7. Employee Health will monitor compliance for aftercare as recommended by the Professional Staff Member and Student’s treatment facility.
   8. Failure to comply with the terms of the monitoring agreement will result in progressive corrective action up to and including termination.
   9. Expectation of acceptable job performance and conduct.
10. A copy of the monitoring agreement will be kept in a confidential file in Human Resources. The Professional Staff Member and Student’s manager/supervisor will be notified. All efforts will be made to keep the monitoring agreement confidential.
11. Prohibited conduct whether on or off the job, may adversely affect a Faculty and Professional Staff Member or  Student’s job performance and jeopardize the safety of others. A Professional Staff Member and Student’s participation in prohibited conduct constitutes grounds for corrective action up to and including termination and such conduct may be brought to the attention of the appropriate criminal authorities.
12. Any Professional Staff Member or Student undergoing medically prescribed treatment with a controlled substance that may limit the Professional Staff Member or Student’s ability to perform on the job must report that treatment to Employee Health prior to beginning work. This information will be shared with the department manager/supervisor only where appropriate.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT NOT AFFECTED

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated in this policy, nothing herein is intended to alter the at-will status of any Professional Staff Member. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University at all times retains the right to terminate any Professional Staff Member at any time for any lawful reason, or for no reason at all.