Substance Use

Purpose and Scope

The Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program upholds the highest standards of patient safety, professional ethics, and clinical excellence. In accordance with Lipscomb University's Christ-centered mission, PA students are expected to treat their bodies as temples of God and to maintain sound judgment at all times.

Relation to University Policy:

Except as set forth below, this policy is subject to the terms of the Lipscomb University Alcohol and Drug Policy and the Lipscomb University Graduate Student Handbook. PA students are subject to all university policies regarding alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. However, due to the safety-sensitive nature of medical education and clinical practice, PA students are subject to the stricter testing protocols, adjudication processes, and consequences outlined below. Therefore, the disciplinary provisions set forth below supersede any disciplinary procedures and policies set forth in the Graduate Student Handbook solely with respect to substance abuse.

Pre-Matriculation Screening Requirements

Matriculation to the PA Program is conditional upon the successful completion of a comprehensive drug screening.

• Timing: All accepted candidates must undergo a drug screen through the program’s designated third-party vendor prior to matriculation (i.e., the first day of classes).

• Cost: For additional information, please refer to the Drug Screening section of this handbook.

• Medical Review Officer (MRO): All drug screen results are first reviewed by the third-party vendor’s Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO will validate the results and contact the student to verify any legitimate medical prescriptions that may explain a positive result.

Marijuana, State Legalization, and Other Illegal Drugs

The PA Program recognizes that applicants may apply from states where the recreational or medicinal use of marijuana is legal under state law. However, the PA Program operates under Tennessee State law and Federal law, neither of which recognizes the legality of recreational marijuana. Furthermore, clinical rotation sites are subject to additional regulations and generally prohibit the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in urine drug screens.

• Pre-Matriculation Consideration: While the program acknowledges the variance in state laws regarding prior use, the presence of illegal drugs or controlled substances without a federally recognized prescription poses a barrier to clinical placement and licensure.

• Zero-Tolerance Post-Matriculation: Regardless of prior residency or usage, once matriculation has occurred (i.e., attendance on the first day of classes), a zero-tolerance policy is in effect with respect to marijuana or other illegal drugs. The purchase, possession, use, or sale of marijuana or other illegal drugs while an admitted or enrolled student is strictly prohibited on or off campus.

Adjudication Process

If the MRO confirms a positive test result (a "non-negative" that cannot be explained by a valid prescription), the result is flagged and forwarded to the program administration.

1. Progression and Accountability Council (PAC): Any MRO-verified positive drug test—whether pre-matriculation or during the program—must be reviewed and adjudicated by the Progression and Accountability Council (PAC).

2. Review: The PAC will review the nature of the substance, the timing of the test, and the MRO’s report to determine the student's eligibility to enter or remain in the program.

Consequences and Outcomes

Pre-Matriculation Positive Results

If a student tests positive prior to matriculation, the PAC may impose sanctions, including, but not limited to:

• Rescission of Admission: Immediate revocation of the offer of admission.

• Delayed Matriculation: Deferral of entry to a subsequent cohort, pending proof of sobriety.

• Conditional Matriculation: The student may be allowed to matriculate under a strict Substance Abuse Monitoring Contract, which will include mandatory random drug testing (at the student's expense) for the duration of the program.

Post-Matriculation/Current Student Positive Results

For students who have already matriculated, the zero-tolerance policy applies. Consequences determined by the PAC may include:

• Immediate Dismissal: Removal from the program due to violation of professional standards and patient safety protocols.

• Tennessee Medical Foundation (TMF) Referral: In specific cases where the PAC deems rehabilitation appropriate rather than immediate dismissal, the student may be referred to the Tennessee Medical Foundation (TMF) Professional Health Program.

  • Participation in TMF is voluntary, but it may be made a condition of continuing in the program.

  • Refusal to cooperate with or abide by TMF recommendations or requirements will result in dismissal.

Refusal to Test

Consistent with university policy, refusal to submit to a requested drug screen, failure to appear for a scheduled test, or any attempt to dilute, tamper with, or evade testing will be interpreted as a positive result and will result in immediate disciplinary action by the PAC as set forth above.

Appeals Process

The College of Health Sciences maintains uniform Standards for Grievances and Appeals. These standards outline the formal procedures for students within the College to appeal decisions related to dismissals and other punitive administrative actions taken by programs or departments. Students wishing to appeal a decision must adhere to these established college-wide guidelines to ensure a fair and consistent review of their case.