Drug and Alcohol Policy

Washington University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthful environment for members of the University community by promoting a drug-free environment as well as one free of the abuse of alcohol. Violations of this policy will be handled according to existing policies and procedures concerning the conduct of faculty, staff, and students.

This policy is adopted in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

Standards of Conduct

Washington University strictly prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of controlled substances or alcohol on University property or as a part of any University activity. All faculty, staff and students must comply with this policy as a condition of their employment or enrollment. Faculty and staff members are prohibited from reporting to work under the influence of alcohol, chemicals, or drugs, including legally obtained prescription drugs, which impair one’s ability to perform normal work activities. All faculty and staff members must notify their immediate supervisor(s) within five (5) days of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace or in the conduct of University business.

Violations

Violations of the standards of conduct will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis following the policies and procedures applicable to, as appropriate, faculty, staff or students. Sanctions may include, among other things, reprimand, warning, suspension, probation, expulsion, or termination. Referral to an appropriate assistance or rehabilitation program also may be appropriate. Referral for prosecution may occur for serious violations. The Drug-Free Workplace Act requires the University: (1) within 10 days after receiving notice that an employee has been convicted of any criminal drug statue violation occurring in the workplace or in the conduct of University business, to notify appropriate government agencies of such conviction; and (2) within 30 days after receiving such notice, to take appropriate personnel action against such employee up to and including termination and/or to require the employee to satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Authorized Use of Prescribed Medicine

Faculty and staff members undergoing prescribed medical treatment with any drug that interferes with their work activity must report this treatment to their supervisor. Prescribed medication should be kept in its original container, which identifies the drug, date, and prescribing doctor.

Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Treatment or Rehabilitation or Re-Entry Programs

Early recognition and treatment of drug or alcohol abuse are important for successful rehabilitation, and for reduced personal, family, and social disruption. Washington University encourages the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, however, the decision to seek diagnosis and accept treatment for drug or alcohol abuse is the responsibility of the individual. The University encourages faculty, staff, and students to seek assistance in dealing with a substance abuse problem, or those problems of a family member, by contacting available resources. University resources include Habif Health and Wellness Center (students on Danforth Campus, 314-935- 6666); Student Health Services (students in the School of Medicine, 314-362-3523), the Psychological Service Center (314-935-6555), the Department of Psychiatry (314-286-1700), and the Employee Assistance Program (844-365-4587). Numerous non-University counseling programs exist in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Many programs advertise extensively in local media. Consultation with one’s personal physician is advised prior to self-referral to such non-University programs. For further information regarding referral to such programs, contact the Student Health Services, School of Medicine Student and Employee Health, or your private physician.

Health Risks

Alcohol and drugs can alter a person’s thinking and judgment, and can lead to health risks, including addiction, drugged driving, infectious disease, and adverse effects on pregnancy. Information on commonly used drugs with the potential for misuse or addiction and the associated health risks can be found at https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts.

Drugs: A detailed description of the health risks associated with abuse of controlled substances is provided in the chart, Drug Uses and Effects, published by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration (hr.wustl.edu, Workplace Support, Key Policies); Appendix A. Alcohol: Abuse of alcohol can produce severe health risks, including death. Alcohol consumption causes several marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low-to-moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate-to-high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicated that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

Legal Sanctions

Drugs: The manufacture, possession, sale, distribution, and use of controlled substances are prohibited by federal, state and local law; punishments range from fines to life imprisonment. Chapter 579 of the Missouri statutes prohibit these actions, and the associated penalties are found in Chapter 558 of the Missouri statutes, which range from a fine up to $2,000 for a misdemeanor or $10,000 for a Class C, D, or E felony or imprisonment from fifteen days to life depending on the nature of the offense. 

The Federal Controlled Substances Act prohibits the knowing, intentional, and unauthorized manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of any controlled substance or the possession of any controlled substance with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense. A detailed description of the penalties associated with illegal drug trafficking is provided in the Federal Trafficking Penalties chart, published by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration, found at https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-policy.  In addition, federal penalties for Simple Possession of a controlled substance can be found in 21 U.S. Code Section 844.  

Alcohol: Missouri’s Liquor Control Law found in Chapter 311 of the Missouri statutes makes it illegal for a person under the age of 21 years to purchase, attempt to purchase, or possess any intoxicating liquor (Section 311.325, RSMo).  It is also illegal for certain individuals to provide intoxicating liquor to a person under the age of 21 (Section 311.310, RSMo).  Violation of this provision can result in a fine between $50 and $1000 and/or imprisonment for a maximum term of one year. County and municipality ordinances contain similar prohibitions and sanctions.

Loss of Workers’ Compensation Benefits

The Missouri Workers’ Compensation Act requires the forfeiture of benefits or compensation otherwise payable to an employee when the use of alcohol or non-prescribed controlled drugs is the proximate cause of the employee’s injury. At a minimum, the Act provides for a reduction in benefits or compensation when the employee is injured while using alcohol or non-prescribed controlled drugs.

Testing Requirement for Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDLs)

To meet requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the University has established a drug and alcohol testing program for its employees who are drivers of its commercial motor vehicles requiring commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), and who perform safety-sensitive functions, e.g., operate a vehicle requiring the display of hazardous material placards. This drug and alcohol testing program also applies to applicants selected for hire for designated safety-sensitive positions. Participation in the drug and alcohol testing program is a condition of employment for these positions. This program requires pre-employment drug testing as well as DOT mandated random testing of current employees who are required to have CDLs. Questions regarding this requirement may be directed to the Designated Employee Representative for this program or to Human Resources.

Accidents Involving University-Owned Vehicles

The University reserves the right to require that an employee undergo immediate drug and/or alcohol testing if the employee is involved in a vehicular accident while driving a University-owned vehicle.

Reasonable Cause:

When the University has reasonable grounds to suspect that an employee unlawfully manufactured, distributed, possessed, or used controlled substances, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia on University property or at any of its activities, the University reserves the right to inspect the employee’s locker, desk, or other University property under the control of the employee.

Workplace Drug Testing

Pre-employment drug testing where required by law, or a strong business case exists to protect the safety and welfare of the University and its faculty, staff, students, patients, and other members of the University community, a pre-employment drug screen will be performed on final candidates for certain positions. Generally, all direct patient care and most patient facing positions require successful completion of the urine drug screen. Positions which require specific drug testing will be identified in the job posting. In addition, the hiring manager will notify the final candidate when this requirement exists and post a contingent offer and acceptance, will work with the Office of Human Resources to conduct the steps necessary to obtain a valid, confidential drug screen.

Reasonable Cause:

Inspection: When the University has reasonable grounds to suspect that an employee unlawfully manufactured, distributed, possessed, or used controlled substances, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia on University property or at any of its activities, the University reserves the right to inspect the employee’s locker, desk, or other University property under the control of the employee.

For Cause Drug Testing: With Human Resources approval and under the following circumstances, an employee may be required to be tested to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol in an employee’s system:

1. When there is reasonable suspicion that an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
2. When the employee has been involved in an on-the-job accident or near accident while on University property or business and there is reasonable suspicion that drugs or alcohol may have been a contributing factor.
3. When the employee is working in a position where public safety is at risk.
4. When monitoring the adherence to a required rehabilitation treatment program and up to two years after completion of the program. If an employee is asked to take a drug test, the supervisor should contact Human Resources and a plan will be made to escort the employee to BarnesCare or alternate facility as designated by HR where sample collection will take place. The employee’s department will assume the cost of the test.

Procedure: Contact the Office of Human Resources – Employee Relations team for process steps.