Drug & Alcohol Policy

In complying with the federal law, MCCN (“MCCN”) is concerned about the welfare of its students and wishes to demonstrate commitment to a drug and alcohol free environment. A drug and alcohol free environment will also serve to maintain quality services, reduce accidents, and increase productivity.          

Controlled Substance: a drug which has been declared by federal or state law to be illegal for sale or use, but may be dispensed under a physician’s prescription. The basis for control and regulation is the danger of addiction, abuse, physical and mental harm (including death), the trafficking by illegal means, and the dangers from actions of those who have used the substances.

Dangerous Drug: means the following by whatever official, common, usual, chemical or trade name designated: Any material, compound, mixture or preparation that contains any quantity of the following hallucinogenic substances and their salts, isomers, whether optical, positional or geometric, and salts of isomers, unless specifically excepted, whenever the existence of such salts, isomers and salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation.

Drug Free: prohibition of the possession, use, production, distribution, or sale of alcohol or other drugs by any faculty, staff, or students on college property; or as part of college activities, whether on or off campus; and/or in any way that impacts student performance in the classroom or clinical setting.

Narcotic: a drug, such as morphine or heroin, that is derived from opium or an opium like compound, relieves pain, often induces sleep, can alter consciousness, and is potentially addictive.

Unlawful Possession: Possession of illegal controlled substances such as, but not limited to marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, “club drugs,” and heroin.

Violations or alleged violations of this policy are handled through the student conduct resolution process. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct in the Catalog-Handbook for complete details about the process. Sanctions for violations of the policy are also governed by the Student Code of Conduct. It is the responsibility of each student to report to class, clinical, or any other MCCN related function in a physical condition that allows for performing their functional abilities as outlined in MCCN’s Functional Abilities and Performance Standards Policy.

This policy applies to students on MCCN property, MCHS property, while involved in clinical rotations at any affiliating agency, or as part of any MCCN or MCHS sponsored activity. In addition, the use of alcohol and/or drugs in any way that impacts student performance.

Students are subject to disciplinary actions up to and including disciplinary dismissal, for any of the following:

1. Unlawfully possessing, being impaired or under the influence, or using or distributing illicit drugs and/or alcohol.
2. Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
3. Possession of drug paraphernalia or synthetic substances that are an analogue for a controlled substance.
4. Misuse of prescribed medications that impair safe and/or efficient performance.
5. Misusing prescription or nonprescription drugs.
6. Falsifying, or making grossly incorrect, inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in any hospital, patient, or other record regarding any drug or narcotic.
7. Being charged or convicted for alcohol and/or drug related offenses.
8. Possessing, selling, consuming alcoholic beverages, or alcoholic beverage containers in any form on MCCN or MCHS premises or MCCN or MCHS (including external clinical sites) related premises.
9. Habitually indulging in the use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs ability to practice nursing or perform one’s MCCN related responsibilities.
10. Impairment of ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of physical, psychological, or mental disability related to the use of alcohol or other drugs or because of dependency on or excessive use of alcohol or other drugs.
11. Smoking, consuming, using and/or possessing any illegal drug, including marijuana and medical marijuana.
12. Obtaining, prescribing, possessing, or administering any controlled substance, dangerous or illegal drug, or alcoholic beverages in violation of the law, to oneself or to another person.
13. Knowingly making, obtaining, or possessing drug abuse instruments whose customary and primary purpose is for the administration or use of a dangerous or illegal drug.
14. Obtaining any dangerous or illegal drug by attempting or committing a theft.
15. Knowingly or intentionally forging, making, selling, or possessing a false or forged prescription.

Any student who allegedly violates the MCCN’s drug-free policy shall be subject to possible disciplinary action. Sanctions on students will be consistent with local, state, and federal law. Internal sanctions related to students may include, but are not limited to disciplinary dismissal from the College through referral to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee.

Policy Related to Drug Convictions

Any student enrolled in a nursing program at MCCN who is convicted for the possession and/or sale of drugs while a student will be referred to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee and may face disciplinary dismissal. 

Unlawful possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol and/or illicit drugs may lead to referral to the appropriate federal, state and/or local authorities for prosecution. Depending on the nature of the offense, it may be categorized as a misdemeanor or a felony and may be punished by fine and/or imprisonment.

Federal law prohibits the trafficking and illegal possession of controlled substances (see 21 United States Code, Sections 811 and 844). Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking marijuana range from five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 to imprisonment for life and a fine of $4 million. Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking class I and II controlled substances (methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, PCP, LSD, fentanyl analogue) range from five years to life imprisonment and maximum fines range from $2-$4 million. First offense penalties for the illegal possession of a controlled substance range from up to one year in prison and a fine of at least $1,000, but not more than $250,000, or both.

The State of Ohio and the municipality of record for the violation also may impose penalties for trafficking and illegal possession or use of controlled substances. State and local penalties for trafficking illicit drugs include fines that range from $1,000 to $50,000 and mandatory jail sentences that range from six months to 10 years. Illegal use or possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia may warrant fines ranging from $100 to $5000 and jail sentences ranging from 30 days to 10 years, depending on the amount and substance possessed. Violations may also lead to forfeiture of personal and real property and the denial of federal benefits such as grants, contracts, and student loans.

The State of Ohio and City of Columbus may also impose a wide variety of penalties for alcohol-related offenses. For example, a first driving-while-intoxicated offense may be punished by mandatory imprisonment of at least three consecutive days and a fine ranging from $375 to $1000. Subsequent offenses lead to increased sanctions. Illegal purchase, possession, use, or sale of intoxicating liquor by a minor may be punished by fines ranging from $25 to $1000 and up to six months in jail, depending on the circumstances. For extended and regional campuses, local law will apply in lieu of City of Columbus ordinances. Copies of those laws will be supplied upon request.

MCCN has a variety of options to support students who may have alcohol and other drug dependencies. These options may include:

• Referral and support from the on-staff Student Behavioral Health Clinician
• Support through the MCCN telehealth student wellness resources
• Referral to outside agencies, including treatment centers and programs through MCHS

Participation in treatment does not eliminate the possibility of appropriate disciplinary action. Likewise, dependency problems not resolved through treatment may ultimately result in appropriate disciplinary action.

These guidelines were developed in response to the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. These amendments created an exception to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), thus enabling colleges and universities to notify parents or legal guardians, under certain circumstances, of a student’s use and/or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance when the student is under the age of 21. This change supports the practice of MCCN to establish a collaborative partnership with parents and actively involve them, when appropriate, in addressing student behavior as it relates to alcohol and/or drugs.

Parents are notified when MCCN believes it will help the student. When practicable, conversations normally are held with the student before contact is made with parents, in an effort to determine whether such contact is the best course of action. Notification to parents may occur in the following situations: possession of alcohol and/or drugs on campus.

In other situations, MCCN contacts parents in an effort to provide support for students’ physical health and safety, academic success, and personal development. Factors that are considered when deciding to contact parents may include, but are not limited to:

• a situation in which a student has received medical attention;
• the occurrence of an arrest and consequent criminal charges;
• a major disruption to MCCN’s educational mission;
• substantial harm caused to self or other students; or
• significant property damage.

Contacts are made, if possible, by a personal appointment with parents or by phone. Written communication is used only when other attempts to contact parents have failed. The goal is to develop a partnership between the college and the parents for the good of the student.

Parental contacts in these circumstances are not considered “disciplinary sanctions” but rather as positive engagement of the broadest possible resources to help students succeed in their educational endeavors. Parents are encouraged to discuss the situations with their sons or daughters.

Questions or concerns regarding these guidelines should be directed to the Director of Compliance and Safety.

The US Department of Education requires that MCCN notify all enrolling students of the policy related to federal student aid Higher Education Act HEA section 485(k).

A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for financial aid. Convictions count against a student if the conviction occurs while the student is enrolled at MCCN and receiving federal student aid. A student who is denied federal benefits as part of court sanctions imposed by a federal or state judge for drug trafficking is also ineligible for federal financial aid. A conviction that was reversed, or removed from a student’s criminal record or occurred while the student was a juvenile (unless tried as an adult) does not deny eligibility.

Period of Ineligibility for Federal Student Aid

If the student is convicted of both possessing and selling illegal drugs, and the periods of ineligibility are different, the longer period of time applies. Eligibility returns the day after the period of ineligibility ends or with successful completion of a qualified drug rehabilitation program (described below) or two negative unannounced drug tests given by the program. Subsequent drug convictions lead to ineligibility again.

Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain it with successful completion of a rehabilitation program, passing two unannounced drug tests from such a program, or with reversal or removal of the conviction provided that fewer than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the record. The nature and dates of remaining convictions determines when a student regains eligibility. 

Standards for a Qualified Drug Rehabilitation Program

The program must require a minimum of two unannounced drug tests and meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly from a federal, state, or local government program.
2. Be qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly from a federal or state licensed insurance company.
3. Be administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court.
4. Be administered or recognized by a federal or state licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.

Substance abuse dependence may result in a wide spectrum of extremely serious health and behavioral problems. Substance abuse results in both short-term and long-term effects upon the body and mind. The abuse of drugs and/or alcohol is proven to impair the coordination, reaction time, emotional stability and judgment of the user. This could have tragic consequences where demanding or stressful situations call for quick and sound decisions. Serious injury or fatality of the drug abuser or our students could result from the actions (or lack thereof) of a student under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. In addition, the risk of many harmful health conditions associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and/or drugs are significant and include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, neurological impairment, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, bronchitis, respiratory and cardiac failure, and death. 

For more information on the health risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and/or drugs visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website, www.drugabuse.gov or Campus Drug Prevention at www.campusdrugprevention.gov.

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Strategies

MCCN uses the following strategies to provide a positive influence on the campus culture regarding alcohol and drug abuse:

• Students, employees, and campus guests are expected to refrain from the possession, consumption, and/or transportation of alcoholic beverages or drugs on campus
• Providing education and awareness activities
• All student social, extracurricular, and public service options are substance-free
• Prohibiting the marketing and promotion of alcohol and/or drugs
• Developing and enforcing campus policies and state/local laws to address high risk and illegal alcohol and/or drug use
• Providing early intervention and referral for treatment
• Notification to all students at the time of hire/admission and annually thereafter through handbooks and other informational means.
• Maintaining data on the number of reported cases of alcohol and/or drug-related violations to assist in determining the effectiveness of programs and activities
• Maintaining data on the number and type of sanctions imposed due to alcohol and/or drug-related violations as well as follow up outcomes (i.e. referral, successful treatment, disciplinary dismissal, etc.)
• Maintaining data on the number of incidents that required the use of overdose reversing medication.

All students enrolled at MCCN are tested for drug and alcohol use and subject to random drug and alcohol use screenings. This is a mandatory requirement. The nominal fee for this testing is the student’s responsibility. If a student has additional testing, the additional fee will be charged to the student’s MCCN account. If a person’s behavior, cognitive, or psychological functioning is disruptive or altered, the person may be requested to submit to drug/alcohol screening for cause. Refusal to comply is deemed a positive test result and will result in the student being required to follow the outlined “Description of Drug and Alcohol Protocol” section of this policy. 

Pre-Clinical and Random Drug Testing

Students are notified that an initial drug and alcohol screening must be performed.  A drug and alcohol screen is ordered through the Student’s Project Concert account. Any testing fees are the student’s responsibility. An initial drug and alcohol screening result that indicates dilution of the sample, may require a repeat urine drug and alcohol screen and repeat payment.  Refusal to participate or drug and alcohol testing not completed within the stated deadline, is considered a positive result and appropriate next steps, per this policy, will be followed.

Drug and Alcohol Screening for Reasonable Suspicion

If faculty, staff, clinical partners, or others believe there is a reason to believe a student is impaired, or if an individual’s behavior, cognitive, or psychological functioning is disruptive or altered, a for-cause drug screening will be performed. 

Use Suspicion Checklist at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?MountCarmel&layout_id=52

1. If the student requires immediate medical assistance, the student will be transported to the Emergency Department by MCCN Safety and Security for treatment and stabilization. 
   • College faculty and staff are not to transport students in personal vehicles for medical treatment.
2. If emergency care is not needed, the student is to be removed from the clinical or class setting.
3. For students, the MCCN employee who is overseeing the student is to complete the following to submit to the Director of Compliance and Safety: 
   • Document observations that have led to suspicion of impairment, and
   • Conduct two independent observations using the attached Observation Checklist, and
   • Prepare written documentation of the student’s behavior, cognitive, or psychological functioning.
4. If the above observations indicate signs of impairment, the MCCN employee who documented the student’s behavior is to contact the Director of Compliance and Safety and the Program Director/Leader.
   • Upon review, if warranted, a decision to drug test will be made.
5. The Director of Compliance and Safety and Director of Student Services will provide the student with information on how to complete their follow up drug screening within the appropriate timeline provided.
6. If the student refuses to be drug screened, or does not comply with the requirements of the screening,, the test is deemed a positive test result. 
7. If needed, the Director of Compliance and Safety will notify Safety and Security. 
8. Upon completion of the test, the student may be contacted by the testing service who will discuss the test results with the student and then report results to MCCN. 
9. The Student is not to participate in any clinical setting during this time frame, and may be responsible for any associated fees. 
   • Depending on displayed behaviors, the student may be required to not participate in any academic activities during this time frame. .
10. Students will be officially notified of results by the Director of Compliance and Safety and Student Services, and any appropriate follow up actions will be taken as outlined in other sections of this policy.

NOTE: In the absence of the Director of Safety and Compliance and Student Services,  the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs may consult with the appropriate Clinical Compliance Coordinator to take action.      

If a student tests positive for non-prescribed controlled or illegal substances and/or alcohol, the student will meet with the appropriate Associate/Assistant Dean, and the following procedures will be enforced:

1. For the first occurrence of a positive screening, the student will be required to meet with a Conduct Hearing Officer or hearing board.
2. Upon first positive screening with a responsible finding, or a second positive screening that does not result in an outcome of disciplinary dismissal from MCCN, a referral may be made to either the MCCN Student Behavioral Health Services for mandatory assessment, follow up treatment procedures, and/or possible referral to a trained substance abuse counselor/treatment agency at the individual’s expense.
   • The student will not participate in any clinical experience until the assessment and any follow up treatment procedures have been completed, and a decision has been made by a trained substance abuse counselor that the student is safe to participate in clinical experiences.
   • Permission may be granted by the student for the counselor to notify the Director of Compliance and Student Services of the recommended treatment plan and recommendation regarding safe return to patient care activities. The appropriate individual may also be given permission to verify the student’s continued compliance with the treatment plan. If the student does not grant permission, the counselor will still be required and allowed to provide an assessment outcome letter stating whether or not the student is safe to return to the patient care setting. In this circumstance, the College can provide a form letter template to the student/counselor/care provider for completion. 
   • If the counselor does not grant permission for the student to return to the patient care setting then the student will be referred to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee, with the inclusion of documentation from the counselor that the student is not permitted to return to the patient care setting. During the pendency of this process, the student will not be permitted to return to the clinical setting.  
3. The student will agree to random urine screens (at least annually), at the student’s expense, as directed by MCCN/s Director of Compliance and Safety. A second positive test may result in a referral to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee.
4. MCCN has the right to remove the student from patient care settings if the determination is made that patient safety would be compromised.
5. If a student refuses assistance or fails to successfully complete the recommended rehabilitation program, the student may face referral to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee. 

Drug and/or alcohol screen results are kept in strict confidence. Results of screenings may be released to the Academic Dean and/or appropriate College Leadership. Results may also be shared with the providers facilitating treatment of the student, including the MCCN Student Behavioral Health Clinician.

Any student, who refuses to be screened for non-prescribed controlled or illegal substances and/or alcohol, on initial or follow up tests, will be considered to have tested positive and will be required to follow the substance abuse procedure.

All students will be tested for use of illicit drugs and/or alcohol use prior to clinical experiences with patients. MCCN reserves the right to conduct random drug screens of students.