Drug Screening

In association with our clinical education program, drug screening is required on incoming students to ensure the safety of the patients treated by students in the program. You will be required to order your drug screen and submit your specimen in sufficient time for it to be reviewed by the school and/or hospital prior to starting your clinical rotation. A drug screen typically takes 3 days to complete, however its delivery to your school and/or clinical site can be impacted by a variety of factors.

Use of CBD products may result in a positive drug test. A positive drug screen for marijuana metabolite is still considered a failed drug screen, regardless of whether a student is using CBD (cannabidiol) products derived from hemp plants that contain .3% or less delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD products derived from marijuana plants are not legal in the State of Texas. If enough THC is present, it will show up as a positive result on a urine drug screen.

Incoming students should initiate a drug screen only upon directions from the department. Failure to undergo the drug test in the time period required will result in withdrawal from the program. All drug screens must be ordered in CastleBranch and urine specimens submitted within the following time frame:

• Summer Admissions: May 1 – 7
• Fall Admissions: August 1 – 7
• Spring Admissions: January 1 – 7

CastleBranch

The drug screens are conducted by CastleBranch, a firm specializing in verifications for healthcare workers. Results from other agencies will not be recognized. Instructions for obtaining your drug screen will be provided to you by the department.

Rationale

Healthcare providers are entrusted with the health, safety, and welfare of patients/clients. The safety and welfare of patients/clients cared for by our students is of primary concern in all Health Sciences programs and the clinical agencies that provide essential clinical experiences for the students. The clinical agencies require a drug screen prior to the first clinical course to ensure that their facility is in compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards.

Implementation

Successful completion of the ten (10) panel drug screen is required within thirty (30) days of beginning the first clinical course. Currently enrolled students are required to have a drug screen within thirty (30) days of the next clinical course.

Drug screens will be honored for the duration of the student’s enrollment in the clinical program if the participating student has not had a break in enrollment in a Health Sciences program. A break in enrollment is defined as nonattendance of one full semester or more.

The Ten Panel Drug Screen includes testing for:

• Cocaine metabolites
• Amphetamines
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Marijuana metabolites
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine
• Propoxyphene metabolite
• Methadone
• Methaqualone

Tobacco smoking/vaping will not affect a drug screen.

Process

1. Go to the CastleBranch website and enter the package code provided by the program.

2. Once the drug screen is paid for, CastleBranch will email a chain of custody form that will need to taken to the lab.

3. Drug screens can be done at any LabCorp location. Call to see if an appointment is needed.

4. If taking prescription medication, there is no need to bring that information when submitting the drug screen sample. If something shows up on the results, the Medical Review Office will make contact to verify the prescription is valid.

Test Result Outcomes

A Negative Drug Screen is required for a student to be eligible for clinical placement.

A Negative Dilute Drug Screen requires another urine sample to be submitted. The student is responsible for paying for the second test. Here are some tips to avoid a possible negative dilute result:

• If possible, provide your sample first thing in the morning.
• Limit the consumption of large amounts of water prior to the test.
• A good alternative to hydrating yourself would be to drink two 8 oz glasses of orange juice (no coffee, soda, etc) prior to the test.

A Positive Drug Screen is any instance in which a drug screening report shows a positive test for one or more of the drugs on the panel. Any student with a positive drug screen will be withdrawn from the program.

Failure to undergo the drug screen in the required time frame will result in withdrawal from the program.

Readmission

• Any student withdrawn for a positive drug screen will not be eligible to reapply or apply for readmission for a minimum of twelve months from the date of withdrawal.
• All current admission requirements will be applicable including (but not limited to) prerequisite time limits.
• Drug screening policies in place at the time of entry will apply.

Disclaimers

• Successful completion of a drug screen for a Health Sciences Program does not ensure eligibility for licensure or future employment.
• Clinical agencies can require additional drug screens to be in compliance with their policies.
• If a student is found to be ineligible for clinical placement any time during the program, the student is unable to meet clinical learning objectives and will be withdrawn pending resolution of the situation.

Allocation of Cost

The cost of any drug screen is the responsibility of the student.

Confidentiality of Records

Drug screening reports and all records pertaining to the results are considered confidential information with restricted access. The results and records are subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations.