Drug Free Policy

Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program:

Purpose and Goal
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is committed to protecting the safety, health and well being of all employees and students. We recognize that drug use and alcohol abuse pose significant threats to our goals. We have established a drug free workplace program that balances our respect for individuals with the need to maintain a drug and alcohol free environment.

The Academy encourages employees and students to voluntarily seek help with drug and alcohol problems.

The Owner of the Academy is required to certify to the U.S. Department of Education that a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program and Drug Free Policy are in place and maintained.

Covered
Our policy includes, but is not limited to, all students, employees and anyone conducting business on behalf of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts.

Applicability
Our policy is intended to apply whenever anyone is representing or conducting business with or for the Academy. Therefore, this policy applies during all work and school hours, whenever conducting business with or representing the Academy, while on call or paid standby, or while on Academy property or at Academy-sponsored events/sites.

Prohibited Behavior
It is a violation of our policy to use, possess, sell, trade, and/or offers for sale alcohol, illegal drugs or intoxicants while on campus or at an Academy sponsored site / activity.

Notification of Convictions
Any employee or student who is convicted of a criminal drug or alcohol violation must notify the Academy in writing within five (5) calendar days of the conviction. The Academy will take appropriate action within thirty (30) days of notification.

Consequences
One of the goals of our drug and alcohol free workplace program is to encourage employees to voluntarily seek help with alcohol and/or drug problems. If an employee or student violates the policy sanctions may include any of the following:

1. Mandated treatment for the problem.
2. Mandated treatment at a local treatment center.
3. Mandated completion of a drug rehabilitation program.
4. Mandated probation period not to exceed one month.
5. Termination from the school or discharge from employment.

The Academy will terminate a student or employee after receiving notification that the individual is convicted of a drug crime and require that the employee or student to participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by Federal, State or local health enforcement agency or other appropriate agency.

The United States Department of Education will be notified within ten (10) days after receiving notice from an employee, student or documentation of a drug conviction.

Eligibility for Title IV programs may be suspended or terminated as part of a conviction.

Assistance
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts recognizes that drug and alcohol abuse and addiction are treatable illnesses. We also realize that early intervention and support improve the success of rehabilitation. To support our employees, our drug-free workplace policy:

1. Encourages employees and students to utilize the services of qualified professionals in the community to assess the seriousness of suspected drug or alcohol problems and identify appropriate sources of help.
2. Ensures the availability of a current list of qualified community professionals.

The ultimate financial responsibility for recommended treatment belongs to the employee and student.

Resources
The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and Referral Hotline:  1.800.843.4971
The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information:  1.800.729.6686

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator by City:  http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/PrxInput.aspx?STATE=California

Location, Resource, & Contact Information:

San Mateo, CA  
Project Ninety Inc
O'Toole Center   
15 9th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 579-7157

Mills Peninsula Health Services
Behavioral Health Department   
1601 Trousdale Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 696-5363
http://www.mills-peninsula.org/

Concord, CA   
New Connections   
3024 Willow Pass Road
Concord, CA 94519
(925) 363-5000

Recovery Management Services
Crossroads Treatment Center I   
2449 Pacheco Street
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 682-5704

Modesto, CA   
Nirvana Drug and Alcohol Institute Outpatient   
948 11th Street, Suite 23
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 579-1151

Living Center   
416 Corson Avenue
Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 477-0265

Fresno, CA   
Mental Health Systems Inc
Fresno Center for Change   
190 North Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93701
(559) 237-8337

WestCare California Inc   
611 East Belmont Avenue
Fresno, CA 93701
(559) 237-3420

Confidentiality
All information received by the Academy through the drug-free workplace program is confidential communication. Access to this information is limited to those who have a legitimate need to know in compliance with relevant laws and management policies.

Shared Responsibility
A safe and productive drug-free workplace is achieved through cooperation and shared responsibility. Both employees, students, and management have important roles to play.

All employees and students are required to not report to work or school while their ability to perform duties is impaired due to on- or off-duty use of alcohol or other drugs.  In addition, employees and students are encouraged to:

1. Be concerned about working in a safe environment.
2. Report dangerous behavior to their supervisor.

It is the supervisor's and instructor’s responsibility to:

1. Observe employee and student performance.
2. Investigate reports of dangerous practices.
3. Document negative changes and problems in performance.
4. Counsel employees and students as to expected performance improvement.
5. Clearly state consequences of policy violations.

Communication
Communicating our Drug Free Policy / Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program to employees and students is critical to our success. To ensure all employees and students are aware of their role in supporting our program:

• All employees and students will receive a written copy of the policy and program.
• The policy and program will be reviewed in orientation sessions with new employees and students.
• All employees and students will receive an update of the policy and program annually.

Policy Review
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts will review the Drug Free Policy / Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program at a minimum once every two years.