Progressions Policies and Procedures

Academic Progression for All Students Enrolled in the CON

1. Prior to the beginning of the next term, the Admissions & Progressions Committee reviews the progress of all students who are at academic risk.
2. Academic risk includes students:
   1. Currently on probation
   2. Conditionally admitted who have not yet completed their requirements for full admission or have received less than a B grade in a required course
   3. Exceeded the time limit of the degree or who have exceeded the extended time negotiated for degree completion
   4. With an incomplete grade from a previous term that has converted to an F grade if that F grade now causes the student to be included in the at risk category. **Note: Incomplete grades are converted to “F grades after one (1) term if they are not extended or converted to a satisfactory grade.
   5. With two (2) or more incomplete grades from a previous term
   6. Who are Students-at-Large with an F, N, or C
   7. With a GPA of <3.0
   8. With an incomplete grade in a clinical course
   9. Who have received an F or N in any course
   10. Who receive a C grade or lower in a course where a grade of B or better is required
   11. Who have not maintained continuous enrollment for one (1) or more terms
   12. Who have exceeded the maximum leave of absence time limit of three (3) consecutive terms
   13. Who have withdrawn from the same course twice and are not registered to take it the following term or have three (3) withdrawals from the same or different courses in a degree program.

Progression Policies

1. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. If a student falls below a 3.0, they have two (2) terms to raise the GPA to a 3.0.
2. Students must progress through their program of study as laid out by their program director and/or academic advisor. Courses with a required prerequisite should not be taken prior to successful completion of the prerequisite course.
3. Students must receive a P in all clinical practica.
   1. If the student receives a grade of N in any clinical practicum, the student may be required to repeat the course the next time it is offered. The student may repeat a clinical course or clinical practicum in a degree/non-degree option program of study only once.
   2. A student who fails either the theory or clinical portion of any prelicensure clinical course must repeat both the theory and clinical portions of the course.
4. University and College Course Withdrawal Policies: It is university policy that, “A student may not withdraw from classes during the last three weeks of any term.  A student who submits a voluntary withdrawal form during the last three weeks of the term will receive grades in the courses for which he or she is registered.” It is College of Nursing policy that a student is only allowed to:
   • Withdraw twice from a specific course  
   • Have three (3) withdrawals during a program unless there are mitigating circumstances. Should mitigating personal circumstances exist for a student who needs to withdraw from more than two courses during their program, an exception may be made upon review by the Progressions Committee.
5. The following conditions will place the student on Academic Probation and may result in dismissal from the program:
   1. The cumulative GPA drops below 3.0.
      1. A student who is placed on probation with a cumulative GPA < 3.0 has two (2) terms to raise the GPA to 3.0.
      2. If the Admissions and Progressions Committee requires that a course be repeated and the course is not offered within the two (2) terms probationary timeframe, the probationary period may be extended accordingly as long as the student demonstrates continued progress in the interim term(s) in raising the cumulative GPA.
   2. The student receives a grade of C or lower in any course that requires a B or better or an N in clinical practicum designated by the program of study for his/her area of concentration.
   3. The student receives an F or N in any required course. A student has only one (1) opportunity to repeat a required course for which a non-passing grade was originally received.
   4. The student who withdraws two (2) times from the same course must take this course in the next term it is offered otherwise it will be considered a probationary event. Three (3) withdrawals from the same or different courses during a degree program are also considered a probationary event. Should mitigating personal circumstances exist for a student who needs to withdraw from more than two courses during their program, an exception may be made upon review by the Progressions Committee.
6. Academic probation is limited to a maximum of two (2) terms during the entire academic program for each degree/non-degree option unless an extension is granted by the Admissions and Progressions Committee.
7. The following conditions may result in Dismissal of the student from the program:
   1. The student receives a second N in a required clinical practicum
   2. The student receives a second F or N in a required course
   3. The student incurs a second probationary event within one (1) degree option.
8. Final Comprehensive Examination: In the final term of matriculation in the Generalist Entry Master’s Program prelicensure students will have the opportunity to comprehensively prepare for the NCLEX exam by:
   1. Taking the first of two HESI comprehensive exit exams
   2. Attending a 3 day Live HESI review run by a HESI certified educator
   3. Taking a second HESI comprehensive exit exam
   4. Taking a Computer Adapted Examination (CAT) of 85 - 150 questions

While students are not required to obtain a certain score to pass the exams, a score of 850 or better on the HESI exit exam is considered a strong indication of the likelihood of passing the NCLEX exam. The 3-day Live HESI review provides a directed, expert-led summary of the material that will be on theNCLEX exam. The CAT exam prepares the student for the type and format of the NCLEX exam where the difficulty of the questions varies based on whether the previous question was answered correctly.

It is recognized that students are adult learners responsible for their preparation for the NCLEX exam. We STRONGLY encourage all students to seriously prepare for the licensing examination at the completion of the GEM program using the HESI package offered.

9. Conditional Admission Requirements
   1. Students that are admitted conditionally are required to successfully complete a minimum of two (2) required courses assigned by the advisor with a minimum grade of B or better in order to be granted full admission into any graduate area of concentration.
   2. The specified courses must be completed within two (2) terms of admission unless approved by the Admissions & Progressions Committee.
   3. Incomplete grades are not acceptable in these courses except in extreme circumstances and with the permission of the Admissions & Progressions Committee.
   4. A student may not take a leave of absence without permission of the Admissions & Progressions Committee until all the requirements of conditional admission are met.
10. Unsafe Students
    1. If a student is found to be unsafe in the clinical area, the Course Director or his/her designee should contact the Office of the Registrar immediately and notify that office as to what the student’s grade should be. In the interim, the student will not be permitted to withdraw from the course.
    2. The Admissions & Progressions Committee will review any clinical course withdrawals resulting in a grade of N. The committee will determine if the student is dismissed from the program or may return in an appropriate term. The student has the right to initiate an appeal of this decision.
11. Clinical Practice of Foreign Nurses
    1. Students who do not hold a United States (US) nursing license may not perform patient care activities at US clinical sites during their practicum hours.
    2. The non-US licensed nurse may still fulfill certain practicum requirements at US clinical sites; however, activities at these sites must not involve patient care and may only be performed with the permission of the agency. These activities may include chart reviews and patient interviews.
    3. Students may only perform patient care activities at clinical sites in the country in which the student is licensed or in a country that has granted reciprocity to the student.
12. Time Limits for Completing a Degree
    1. Master’s students (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students have five (5) years to complete their degree.
    2. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students have eight (8) years to complete their degree (no distinction made for part-time, post-BSN, or full-time).
13. Leave of Absence
    1. The time spent on a leave of absence (LOA) is included in calculating the time limits for completion of degrees.
    2. Maximum length of time that will be approved for a single LOA is three (3) terms.
    3. Students needing to be on leave longer than three consecutive terms will be required to withdraw unless permission is given by the A&P Committee.
    4. The total maximum number of terms permitted to be on LOA status (while in pursuit of the same degree) is six (6) terms.
14. Good Academic Standing

In order to graduate, all students must have completed all course requirements as indicated on their plan of study and be a student in good standing (3.0 cumulative GPA or greater). These standards apply to both degree seeking and post-graduate certificate students.

Coursework progression is specific to each master’s, doctoral, and certificate degree/non-degree option and should be addressed on a case-by-case basis with input from the student advisor and program director.

Incomplete Grade(s)

The grade of incomplete (“I”) is given only when circumstances beyond the student’s control prevent completion of course requirements and the student has received permission to defer completion of these unmet course requirements.

Students must be enrolled during the term in which course requirements are completed. Students enrolling only to complete requirements for a course in which a grade of incomplete was given must register for the Continuous Enrollment course (XXX999) for zero credit hours. Upon completion of the course requirements the (“I”) grade will be replaced by the new grade earned in the course.

A student receiving a grade of (“I”) in a course may not begin another course for which the incomplete course is a prerequisite. A student who fails to remove the incomplete grade within the specified time period will receive a final grade of “F” or “N” in the course. It is the student’s responsibility to pursue the completion of an incomplete grade

Students in the College of Nursing and students-at-large must complete the unmet course requirements, typically within one term after the term in which the incomplete grade was assigned and not to exceed one calendar year, unless an extension is approved. Students may not register for new courses if they have two or more incomplete grades.

The Rush LEAP program does not cover continuous enrollment tuition.

Unsafe Student in the Clinical Setting

Unsafe practice is defined as behavior or action that has the potential to cause serious harm to a patient. This is a serious situation and goes beyond a student who might come unprepared for a particular clinical day. Examples of unsafe clinical practice include but are not limited to:

1. Willfully or intentionally doing physical and/or emotional harm to a patient (e.g., abusing a patient).
2. Providing a pattern of patient care in an imminently harmful, careless or negligent manner (e.g., a series of medication errors).
3. Refusing to assume the assigned care of a patient, or failing to inform the instructor/preceptor in a timely manner of inability to carry out assigned care.
4. Falsifying patient records or fabricating patient experiences.
5. Failing to report an error in assessments, treatments or medications or failing to report an untoward event or adverse reaction.
6. Failing to adhere to the Drug and Alcohol Free Workforce policy of the Medical Center.

If, in the clinical instructor’s/preceptor’s clinical judgment, a student is unsafe to continue in the clinical setting, the clinical instructor will take the following steps:

1. Dismiss the student for the remainder of the clinical day. The clinical instructor/preceptor will follow all institutional guidelines as appropriate. The student will not be allowed to return to the clinical setting until steps 2 -6 are complete.
2. The clinical instructor/preceptor will document the reason(s) for removal within 2 business days and provides documentation to the student, Course Director(s), and the Program Director.
3. The Program Director will contact the Registrar’s office to put a hold on the student’s grade. The student will not be allowed to withdraw from the course at this time.
4. The Course Director(s) and Program Director will review the document and clarify any issues with the instructor/preceptor and student, as appropriate, within 2 business days of receiving the documentation.
5. The Program Director will decide whether to uphold the removal of the student or have the student return to the clinical setting. If the removal is upheld, the student will not be allowed to return to the course and receive a non-passing grade. The Program Director will notify the Registrar’s Office. If the removal is overturned, the clinical instructor/preceptor will coordinate with the student a mechanism to complete the required clinical hours for the practicum.
6. The Admissions and Progressions Committee reviews all non-passing grades as they are considered probationary events. The Admissions and Progressions Committee will determine if the student is dismissed from the program or may return in an appropriate term per the procedures of the Admissions and Progressions Committee.
7. The student may elect to initiate an appeal process per procedures in the Student Handbook.
8. The documentation related to unsafe clinical practice will be kept in the student’s file in the College of Nursing.

Policies Concerning Academic Honesty and Student Misconduct

As noted in the Rush University Catalog: Rush University students and faculty belong to an academic community with high scholarly standards. As essential as academic honesty is to the relationship of trust fundamental to the educational process, academic dishonesty violates one of the most basic ethical principles of an academic community, and will result in sanctions imposed under the University’s disciplinary system.

Examples of conduct that would subject a student to disciplinary action include but are not limited to:

• All forms of academic dishonesty including but not limited to: cheating; plagiarism; collusion; gaining or seeking unfair advantage in relation to any work submitted; helping others to gain an unfair advantage; removing examination materials from a secure examination area; the unauthorized downloading or copying of examinations that are given on-line; fabricating assigned academic work, including clinical assessments, and presenting them as authentic; facilitating academic dishonesty; unauthorized examination behavior.
• Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, clinical practice and community outreach or other University/Medical Center activities
• Falsification of student records, transcripts or financial aid forms or applications
• Theft of or damage to University/Medical Center property or the property of a member of the University/Medical Center community
• Threatened or physical abuse of any person or action that threatens or endangers the safety of others
• Misrepresentation, falsification, alteration, or misuse of the University/Medical Center documents, records or identification, or research data
• Unauthorized use or entry of University/Medical Center facilities
• Conviction of a crime deemed serious enough to render the student unfit to pursue his or her profession
• Conduct that is inconsistent with the ethical code of the profession the student is preparing to enter
• Unlawful use or possession of controlled substances on the Medical Center campus
• Unauthorized possession or concealment of firearms or other weapons on medical center premises at any time
• Attempting to gain access to another’s e-mail or computer account, username or password
• Knowingly setting off false fire, safety or security alarms
• An accusation of student and/or faculty academic dishonesty or misconduct made in bad faith.

Inappropriate Degree Usage

A student may not refer to himself/herself as having earned a specific degree until:

• All degree requirements have been successfully completed.
• A completed Degree Approval Form has been submitted to the Office of the Registrar, and the official date of graduation for a particular term has been reached.

A student who disregards this policy will be referred to the committee that addresses professional ethics violations for that student’s program or college.

Click here to view the complete University Academic Honesty and Student Misconduct Policy

Any violation of academic honor may result in a grade of zero for the assignment and course and a charge of academic misconduct.

College of Nursing Student Misconduct Process

Purpose: The purpose of the student misconduct process is to investigate and adjudicate charges of student misconduct including but not limited to: violations of commonly accepted ethical standards of an academic community such as cheating and plagiarism; falsification of student records, transcripts, financial aid forms, or applications; unlawful use or possession of controlled substances on the Medical Center campus; conviction of a crime deemed serious enough to render the student unfit to pursue his or her profession; or other conduct which is inconsistent with generally accepted standards of behavior within an academic community or the nursing profession.

Step I. All charges of alleged student misconduct shall be presented in writing to the Associate Dean in the Office of Academic Affairs.

Step II. The Associate Dean reviews the charge and related materials. This review may include interviews with the individual(s) who initiated the charge or have some relationship in the matter. If the Associate Dean determines that the charge is not to be treated as misconduct, she/he may resolve the matter on its own merit. Alternatively, if the Associate Dean determines that the charge should be upheld and treated as misconduct, she/he may resolve the issue or refer the charge to the Faculty Senate by notifying the Presiding Officer. In the latter case, the Associate Dean will notify the student in writing by certified mail and the complainant as to resolution or referral of the charge, within ten (10) working days of receiving the complaint. The Associate Dean will place a copy of this letter in the student’s file. In the event that the individual(s) initiating the charge or the student charged with misconduct does not agree with the resolution of the Associate Dean, the individual(s) and/or the student may exercise the right to have the charge heard by Faculty Senate by notifying the Presiding Officer of the Faculty Senate within ten (10) working days of receiving the certified letter.

Step III. Within ten (10) working days after notification, the Senate shall meet and submit a written recommendation to t he Dean.

Formal rules of evidence shall not be applicable. Evidence presented should be reasonably related to the issues before the Senate and shall not be unduly repetitious. All evidence shall be admissible unless clearly redundant.

Both the student and the Senate may be accompanied by legal counsel or other person at the hearing. However, the accompanying legal counsel or other person may not participate in the actual hearing proceedings.

At any time prior to the hearing conference, the student may, if he or she believes that a bias or conflict of interest exists, request in writing the disqualification from the proceedings of any member of the Senate. The final determination on such requests for disqualification is to be made by the Presiding Officer of Senate prior to the hearing. The Presiding Officer shall, without request, disqualify any member of the Senate who shall or has given testimony as a witness in this hearing. Any member of the Senate may disqualify him or herself from the proceedings on the grounds of bias or conflict of interest in the proceeding. If disqualification of the Presiding Officer is requested, the Senate shall consider and vote on the request. Disqualification of the Presiding Officer shall require the endorsement of a majority of Senate members voting. If the Presiding Officer is so disqualified, a new Presiding Officer for the proceedings shall be elected by the Senate. The reasons for all challenges and for voluntary disqualification shall be made a part of the record.

In the event that the hearing cannot be completed before the end of the current Senate term, the members of the Senate participating in the hearing shall retain their positions and voting privileges with respect to the pending hearing, but shall not retain their positions or voting privileges for any other Senate purposes.

Step IV. Within five (5) working days or as soon thereafter as possible following receipt of the Senate’s recommendation, and upon discussion with the student and others as appropriate, the Dean shall reach a final decision and notify each party of the decision. The decision reached by the Dean is final. Penalties may include: a warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal from the University/Medical Center.

*Complaints resulting in no action by the College will not be retained in the student’s official college file. Minutes of the hearing will be kept.

Rules for the Conduct of the Hearing

The Presiding Officer of the Faculty Senate:

1. Shall preside over the hearing;
2. Rule upon the relevance of the evidence and dispose of procedural requests;
3. Interpret these rules, the Rules for Governance of Rush University, and the Policies and Procedures of Rush College of Nursing;
4. Take any action authorized by these rules, the Rules for Governance of Rush University, or the Policies and Procedures of Rush College of Nursing.

Faculty Senate:

Faculty Senate shall consider evidence in the form of documentary evidence, written statements, or oral testimony from the student and/or such other relevant witnesses as may be called by the Senate or the student. To reach a decision on the appeal, the Senate must be satisfied by simple majority vote, a quorum (i.e., a simple majority of voting members) being present that the preponderance of the evidence establishes that there was or was not adequate cause to support the charge of misconduct. Senate members who are not present at the hearing cannot be part of the deliberations nor can they vote on the outcome of the hearing.

Fitness to Progress

Policy:

The Office of Academic Affairs can require a student to undergo psychiatric evaluation if the student exhibits disturbances in thinking, communication, mood or behavior that impairs didactic, clinical or social performance or if the student’s behavior potentially places the student, faculty, staff, patient or others at risk. Risk is defined as behavior that poses a danger of causing harm to self or others, property damage, impeding the lawful activities of others or creating an apprehension of such dangers. Input from relevant sources will be used in making a decision to request a psychiatric evaluation of the student. All communications shall be treated in a confidential manner.

Procedure:

1. When a faculty member or institutional officer concludes that a student is exhibiting impaired performance as described above or poses a risk to him/herself or others, he/she should immediately contact the Associate Dean or delegate (another administrator) in the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA).
2. A member of the OAA will interview the student about the reported behavior or incident. Pertinent information will be gathered as needed.
3. Following Step 2, the OAA may: a. Determine that no action be taken. b. Refer the student for a psychiatric evaluation. The student’s academic progress may be suspended pending completion of the evaluation. c. Seek immediate intervention if the student’s behavior poses a danger of harm to self or others.
4. If an evaluation is recommended, the student will be notified in writing by the Associate Dean in the OAA.
5. The student will meet with his/her advisor and an administrator from the OAA to discuss the decision.
6. The student will be provided with a referral list of psychiatrists from which to seek an evaluation and a copy of the referral that will be sent to the psychiatrist selected by the student. The College will incur all costs related to the requested evaluation. A date will be provided to the student by which the evaluation must be completed.
7. A signed release will be obtained from the student so that the evaluation can be made available to the College as well as a signed release for all previous mental health documentation.
8. Through a written evaluation, the psychiatrist will communicate the capacity of the student to fulfill the nursing student role requirements and any therapeutic recommendations.
9. The Associate Dean and other OAA administrator(s) will consider the written evaluation and recommendations and determine the appropriate course of action.
10. Further progress of the student in the program may be denied based on the student’s compliance in seeking the evaluation and subsequent compliance with treatment recommendations.

Drug and Alcohol Free Workforce

Policy Statement

(This policy has been adapted from the Rush University Medical Center policy on monitoring a Drug and Alcohol Free Work Force)

In keeping with the mission, vision, and core values of the Medical Center, and in recognition of its obligation to protect the safety and welfare of its patients, visitors, medical staff, volunteers and employees, the Medical Center is committed to ensuring that its employees, faculty, and students remain fully capable of performing their assigned duties in a safe, efficient and effective manner. Not only should all employees, faculty, and students maintain their technical competence, but their physical, psychological and cognitive abilities must remain free from impairment. This policy is a condition of matriculation for all students enrolled at Rush University.

Policy Violations

1. Drugs. The illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensing, use, sale, storage and/or possession of controlled substances on Medical Center property or while performing Medical Center business is strictly prohibited. Use of a medication/prescription prescribed in another person’s name is strictly prohibited. Storage of any drug on Medical Center premises without manager authorization (except for drugs for which an employee has a prescription) is strictly prohibited. For safety reasons, such personal prescriptions must be safely stored. A student engaged in any such conduct will be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from the program. Such action may also be reported to appropriate law enforcement officials. The Medical Center may also respond to impaired licensed professionals in a manner consistent with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
2. Alcohol. The distribution, dispensing, use, storage and/or possession of alcohol on Medical Center property or while performing Medical Center business, excluding Medical Center approved areas and functions, is strictly prohibited. A student engaged in any such conduct will be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from the program. Such action may also be reported to appropriate law enforcement officials. The Medical Center may also respond to impaired licensed professionals in a manner consistent with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
3. Conviction while a student at Rush. Any student who is convicted of a violation of a criminal drug statute while enrolled in Rush University shall report the conviction within five days to the University Office of Student Affairs. This office, in consultation with the College in which the student is enrolled, will determine the appropriate response. Failure to comply will be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from the program.
4. Testing. Refusal to authorize the collection of a sample or provide a specimen for testing; switching, adulterating, altering or tampering with any urine sample or in any way failing to comply with Medical Center rules regarding testing is strictly prohibited and is subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from the program. The Medical Center reserves the right to increase or decrease frequency of testing based on mission, need, availability of resources and experience in the program consistent with commitment to maintain a drug- and alcohol-free work force.
5. Prohibited substances. Substances for which employees are tested may include, but are not limited to:
   1. Alcohol
   2. Amphetamines, e.g., Dexedrine, Speed, Ice, Crank, Uppers
   3. Barbiturates, e.g., Downers, Seconal, Nembutal, Amytal
   4. Benzodiazepines, e.g., Dalmane, Librium, Valium
   5. Cannabinoids, e.g. Marijuana, THC
   6. Cocaine, e.g., Crack, Activan
   7. Fentanyl
   8. Methadone
   9. Methaqualone, e.g., Quaaludes
   10. Opiates, e.g., Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, Oxycontin
   11. Phencyclidine, e.g., PCP, Angel Dust
   12. Propoxyphene, e.g., Darvon
6. Failure to comply with Employee Assistance Program. Failure to attend the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for consultation and assessment after a verified positive drug or alcohol test and/or failure to adhere to an agreed-upon EAP action plan is strictly prohibited and is subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from the program.

Indications for Reasonable Suspicion of Impairment

If the Medical Center has reason to believe that an individual is impaired and unable to perform his or her duties, the Medical Center has the right to require that individual to submit to a drug or alcohol test and refusal to do so may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Indications for a reasonable suspicion of impairment include but are not limited to:

1. Direct observation of alcohol or illegal drug use and/or the physical symptoms of impairment or being under the influence, including, but not limited to:
   1. alcohol or marijuana odor;
   2. slurred speech;
   3. glazed or glassy eyes;
   4. drowsiness;
   5. disorientation;
   6. balance, coordination or dexterity problems;
   7. serious concentration difficulties;
   8. wide variations and/or unexplained changes in mood or demeanor;
   9. unexplained disappearances from the work site;
   10. missing medication/narcotics on unit or area of responsibility, where the individual had access, and circumstances support suspicion of him/her.
2. A pattern of abnormal conduct, erratic behavior, or mood swings.
3. An accident or incident occurring under unusual or suspicious circumstances.
4. Arrest or conviction for a drug-related offense, or the identification of the person as the focus of a criminal investigation into illegal drug possession, use or trafficking.
5. Information either provided by reliable and credible sources or independently corroborated.
6. Newly discovered evidence that the individual has tampered with a previous drug or alcohol test.

Procedures for Testing

1. Reasonable suspicion. If an individual is suspected of using drugs or alcohol, the appropriate faculty member will gather all information, facts, and circumstances leading to and supporting this suspicion. Wherever possible, the faculty member shall review with a member of the Dean’s Office the decision to order a student tested.
2. Order to test. When a reasonable suspicion determination has been made, the faculty member will direct the student to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test. A member of the Dean’s office will call the appropriate test site to inform them he/she is bringing the person for a drug and/or alcohol test.
   • Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Concentra Lake Street Clinic, 1280 W. Lake Street, (312) 666-0028. The Concentra van service is available for transport to and from the Medical Center, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
   • Mon - Fri, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat and Sun, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Concentra Chicago Avenue Clinic, 1030 W. Chicago Avenue, (312) 243-1574. The Concentra van service is available for transport to and from the Medical Center, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
   • All other times: Rush University Medical Center Emergency Room (extension 2- 6428). Please contact the charge nurse directly.
3. Consent to test. Prior to the test, the individual will be required to complete a Consent Form, agreeing to take the test and to have the test results released to the Medical Center. Refusal to sign the consent form or cooperate in testing will be treated as a refusal to take the test, and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
4. Refusal to consent. A student who refuses to be tested when so required may be subject to immediate dismissal from the program and will be sent home per the procedures listed in Section (h) below. The student’s faculty will prepare a report per the procedure listed in Section (i) below.
5. Transportation to test site. The faculty member or designee must accompany the student and utilize the Concentra van service to transport themselves and the student to the appropriate clinic. Please note: If the Concentra van service is not available (per the hours listed in (b) above, call Medical Center Security (at extension 2-5678) for security van transport to the Concentra 1030 W. Chicago Avenue Clinic during its hours of operation. At all other times the student must be escorted to the employee to the Medical Center Emergency Room.
6. During the test. At the test site a specimen will be collected under chain of custody and sent directly to the lab. Positive test results will then be sent from the lab directly to the medical review officer (MRO) for review.
   1. Chain of Custody. The integrity of the testing process is assured by a strict chain of custody procedure that includes the use of a multiple-part chain of custody form with an original that accompanies the specimen to the laboratory, as well as a tamperproof sealing system and collection process for the drug/urine test. The Medical Center, its laboratory and agents will adhere to detailed chain of custody procedures in an effort to ensure specimen integrity and test accuracy.
   2. Breath alcohol test. When alcohol use is suspected, the individual will be asked to breathe (blow) into the mouthpiece of the Breathalyzer equipment; the result will appear immediately. If the result measures a breath/alcohol content of .04 units or more, the technician will wait with the him/her for 15 minutes, and then repeat the test. If the second test also results in a .04 unit or more breath/alcohol content, the test result will be reported as positive.
   3. After-hours testing. Tests at the Medical Center Emergency Room will be performed by the Concentra mobile unit staff. When a student is escorted to the Emergency Room for a drug or alcohol test the mobile unit will be paged by the Emergency Room charge nurse. The mobile unit will normally arrive at the Emergency Room within one hour to conduct the test. The escort is expected to remain in the Emergency Room with the employee.
7. Following the test. Upon return to the Medical Center, the Dean or designee should inform the student that he/she is suspended from the program pending notification of test results.
8. Transportation home. Transportation of the student to their home should be arranged; the person should not drive home in an impaired condition. Either an emergency contact should be notified or the student should be placed in a cab. If he/she insists on driving, the Rush Security Department will be notified, who will then contact the police.
9. Written report. Prior to the test, or if circumstances render this impractical, immediately after the test has been taken and the person has been sent home, the faculty member will promptly prepare a written report detailing the circumstances regarding the testing. This report will generally include the appropriate dates and times of reported drug or alcohol related incidents, reliable/credible sources of information, rationale leading to the test, and the action taken. A copy of this report should be sent to the director of Employee Relations, or designee.
10. Communication of test results. The medical review officer (MRO) will review and interpret all drug test results.
    1. Negative result. Concentra will fax negative results to the Dean or designee. The Dean will notify the student and faculty member he/she may return to the program with written notification to follow. The student should be allowed to make up the time he/she missed due to the normal testing process (not for any delays caused by the student).
    2. Positive result. Within 24 hours (one business day) of receipt of the test results, the MRO will notify the student and Dean/designee of a positive result by telephone. If the person cannot be reached by phone after two attempts, the MRO will delegate contacting the student to the director of Employee Relations (or designee). Employee Relations will request the student or Dean/designee to contact the MRO within 24 hours.
       1. The MRO will conduct a medical interview with the student which generally includes a review of the person’s medical history or a review of any other relevant biomedical factors.
       2. If the MRO determines there is a legitimate medical explanation for the positive test result, the test result is reported as negative.
       3. The individual will not be allowed to attend classes or clinical prior to communication with the MRO and the EAP.
11. Consequences of a first-time positive test result. The following is intended as a guide only and the Medical Center reserves the right to determine the appropriate response at its own discretion or to vary from the procedure outlined below as appropriate under the circumstances.
    1. Grounds for immediate dismissal. The following will generally subject the student to immediate dismissal from the program:
       1. Failure to communicate with the MRO if so directed after a verified positive result.
       2. Failure to contact the EAP for consultation and assessment after a verified first-time positive test result and referral.
       3. Failure to adhere to an agreed-upon EAP action plan, including failure or refusal to cooperate with follow-up drug/alcohol testing.
       4. Failure or refusal to cooperate with the EAP consultation/rehabilitation process.
       5. Subsequent (second) positive test result.
       6. Evidence of theft or misappropriation of Medical Center property.

Note: For licensed personnel, a manager must call the director of Employee Relations at extension 2-5239 for direction on whether he/she is required to report the incident to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

2. Referral to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
   1. Upon notification of a positive test result, the student should contact the EAP by the end of the next business day. The Office of the Dean will also call the EAP at (800) 292-2780 to inform them to expect a call by the established deadline. If the student cannot be reached by phone, the supervisor will send either a certified letter or one by overnight carrier establishing receipt of the letter, informing him/her that failure to contact the EAP by the specified deadline will result in dismissal from the program. The student must contact the EAP before the established deadline.
   2. At the initial EAP meeting, a mutually agreed upon action plan will be designed for the student based on individual need. The individual must sign the action plan and a consent form regarding cooperation with the EAP and authorization of any necessary, notification or communication with the Medical Center. The person’s participation, cooperation and successful completion of the agreed upon EAP action plan is required. Depending on the requirements of the rehabilitation plan, he/she may be allowed a leave of absence.
   3. The EAP will notify either the Office of the Dean of the individual’s contact or failure to contact the EAP. The EAP will then inform its contact of the student’s success or failure to comply with the action plan.
3. Return to Duty/Last Chance Agreement. When the EAP recommends that it is appropriate for the student to return to school, the student will be required to sign a Last Chance Agreement prepared by the Dean (or designee) prior to being allowed to return. That document will delineate the terms and conditions of the student’s continued program of study, including random follow-up testing.
4. Follow-up testing.
   1. All individuals referred to the EAP and who undergo a counseling or rehabilitation program for alcohol or illegal drug use will be subject to unannounced testing following completion of such a program for a period of up to two years.
   2. The EAP will contact the Office of the Dean via email, with a copy to Employee Relations, when the student must report for a follow-up random drug or alcohol test.
   3. The MRO will notify Employee Relations of the test results. Employee Relations will then relay the results to the Office of the Dean and the EAP.
5. Disciplinary action.
   1. The Medical Center recognizes that a student’s drug or alcohol use may be the result of a treatable substance dependency or abuse problem. Although the Medical Center will support such treatment as provided herein, eligibility for or participation in such treatment may not shield a person from appropriate discipline for policy violations, absenteeism, poor performance, or misconduct.
   2. However, individuals who do not violate any other rule or policy, voluntarily admit to alcohol abuse or illegal drug use, and obtain counseling or rehabilitation, will not generally receive disciplinary action provided that they thereafter refrain from using alcohol or illegal drugs and comply with the terms of the EAP treatment plan.
   3. For licensed personnel, a manager must call the director of Employee Relations at extension 2-5239 for direction on whether he/she is required to report the incident to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

l. Consequences of a second-time positive result. Once a second-time positive result has been verified, the MRO will refer the case to the Dean. Students having a confirmed second positive result may be subject to immediate dismissal.

1. Appeal process.
   1. Right to appeal. A student will have the right to appeal a positive test result by written request to the Dean.
   2. Consideration of appeal. The MRO and the Dean shall consider the appeal and their decision shall be final.
   3. Remedy. Where the appeal challenges the accuracy or validity of the laboratory test result, the sole remedy, if granted, shall be a re-analysis of the original sample by the Medical Center’s testing laboratory or an approved laboratory (that meets the Medical Center’s laboratory credentialing standards).

m. Confidentiality. The Medical Center will maintain the confidentiality of information submitted to the MRO or EAP including treatment records and test results to the extent required by state and federal law. Such information, records and results will be maintained in the individuals’ health services file and would be disclosed to the minimal amount necessary and only to those in Medical Center management with a need to know. All other disclosures would require authorization by the subject of the information unless such disclosure is legally permitted or required.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The emphasis of the Medical Center’s drug and alcohol testing policy is rehabilitation. The EAP provides the avenue to accomplish this goal. However, participation in a rehabilitation program does not excuse a student’s failure to comply with Medical Center rules, policies, or procedures, which may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

1. Function. The EAP plays an important role in preventing and resolving drug use or alcohol abuse by providing students with an opportunity, for appropriate assistance. In addition the EAP provides educational materials to supervisors and information to employees and faculty. The EAP will refer to appropriate treatment and rehabilitative facilities; follow-up with individuals during the rehabilitation period to track their progress and encourage successful completion of the program.
2. Responsibilities. The EAP is available to:
   1. Provide counseling, assistance and referrals to employees, students, and faculty who seek treatment or whose drug tests have been verified positive, and monitor the employees’ progress through treatment and rehabilitation;
   2. Provide needed education and training to personnel at all levels of the Medical Center on types and effects of drugs, symptoms of drug use and its impact on performance and conduct, relationship of the EAP to drug testing, and related treatment, rehabilitation, and confidentiality issues;
   3. Ensure that confidentiality of test results and related medical treatment and rehabilitation records are maintained according to Medical Center policy.
3. Referrals. The EAP is staffed by professionals who respect confidentiality and offer quality and cost-effective referrals for rehabilitation.
4. Cost. The initial EAP assessment and consultation is available without cost to Medical Center personnel. Further assessment and rehabilitative costs may be reimbursed through the student’s medical coverage. Individuals are responsible for the payment of any cost not covered by their chosen medical coverage.

Click on a Drug and Alcohol Free Workforce to reference the the Medical Center policy.