Drug testing for medical assistant jobs is common for several reasons. Many employers, especially hospitals, have policies requiring all employees to pass a drug test before hiring and throughout their time at the company.
Drug testing is so widespread in the medical field because of what medical assistants are doing. They work with doctors and hospitals daily, handling sensitive patient information. So to ensure that everything is in order, they must be able to focus on their job while at work or perform from a drug standpoint when they're not at work.
Stanford Hospital is no different, and they have a drug testing policy for prospective and current employees, especially for the medical assistants. Drug testing for medical assistant jobs is common across the country, so it's essential to be aware of it if you're applying for a position.
The article will give you all the information about drug testing for medical assistant jobs at the Stanford hospital.
Table Of Contents:
- What's The Policy On Drug Testing At The Stanford Hospital?
- Drug Testing For Medical Assistant Jobs At Stanford Hospital
- When Are Medical Assistants Screened?
- What Type Of Drug Testing Will Medical Assistant Applicants Undergo?
What's The Policy On Drug Testing At The Stanford Hospital?
Stanford Hospital requires all potential employees to pass a drug test before hiring. It is separate from a background check. The medical center is drug-free and very strict about drug abuse.
They don't only test for drugs; they test for different things that may cause adverse effects on the workplace. For example, the hospital has a policy requiring anybody who is considered at risk for substance abuse to get counselling. They also have the procedure to test for alcohol and illegal drugs.
The hospital's drug testing policy apparent and concise, and it shows that they understand the importance of having an atmosphere of trust and safety among their staff members. Also, Stanford Hospital's drug testing policy makes sure that many people are subject to drug testing in the testing phase.
It includes current employees, applicants, volunteers, and anybody with regular contact with patients. So when you apply for a position at Stanford health care, you can expect drug testing to be part of the screening procedure whether or not you're being considered an employee.
The purpose and scope of the Stanford drug testing policy are as follows:
- All employees must be subject to drug testing to ensure that they are drug-free and safe to work.
- All applicants and employees must be tested before being hired, even if they have no drug or alcohol abuse history.
- All permanent medical assistants must pass a drug test before being considered for hire. This policy applies to anyone who has regular contact with patients, volunteers, or other medical personnel working at the medical center.
- Anybody who violates Stanford's drug-free policy will face immediate termination.
- There are no exceptions to this policy other than in cases where there is an emergency or the person has a drug use disorder (addiction).
Drug Testing For Medical Assistant Jobs At Stanford Hospital
Medical assistants do many things that are critical to good healthcare work. Some of these include handling the medical records and paperwork, talking to the patients, keeping them informed about what's going on, and sometimes even helping with minor procedures.
They are the ones who are right there with the doctors and nurses during patient care. Their work is crucial to the Stanford hospital's success, and it's essential that they're not under the influence of illegal substances in any way.
Medical assistants can't be influenced by alcohol, drugs, or even medications that might impair their job performance. So they take steps to make sure that every member of the medical staff is healthy and fit for the job.
Stanford Hospital has a strict drug testing guidelines and policies because they do not tolerate employee drug abuse.
When Are Medical Assistants Screened?
The medical assistant's job is very different than the traditional roles of an office assistant, receptionist, or even a secretary. They are there helping the doctors and nurses who are treating the patients.
So they're a lot closer to their patients than most people in other positions. They need to be alert about how they handle things at work. And drug testing is one of those things they have to get right.
Stanford Hospital wants to ensure that the medical assistants are qualified and certified. The drug testing for medical assistants is dependent on the following conditions:
The hospital wants to make sure that the medical assistants know where they stand before starting work. So before starting a job at the hospital, each applicant must undergo drug testing.
It is a simple process that has to be taken care of in advance, and it cannot take place onsite. The procedure for the drug test is the same for all medical assistants and other healthcare providers.
It's a preliminary screening that will allow the hospital to see whether a person is fit for the job. If the screening finds anything amiss, the employer might ask the applicant to undergo a follow-up drug test.
The hospital has specific criteria for those at high risk for substance abuse positions. Reasonable suspicion is behavior that causes concern that an employee may be abusing drugs or alcohol.
If a medical assistant fails the reasonable suspicion test, they might be subject to disciplinary action. Medical assistants might be subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing under the following conditions:
- Anytime there's a change in physical appearance.
- Behavior that causes concern or raises questions about the person's fitness for work.
- Anytime they receive a complaint from another employee or clinician.
- Anytime the hospital believes that patient care is at risk if there is a drug use disorder among the staff.
The medical assistants will be subject to "post-accident" testing if they are involved in an accident or injury. They may also be placed under post-accident testing if they are involved in an accident while driving.
The medical assistant might get fired if they fail the drug test. This test aims to check whether they are under the influence of drugs and alcohol while at work accidents. It holds for accidents involving the following:
- Any accident that causes physical injury to a patient, staff member, or even a visitor.
- Any accident involving hospital property like vehicles, equipment, and other facilities.
- Any accident where Stanford has to incur costs while repairing property damaged in the accident.
- Any accident where the victim is under the age of 18.
- Any accident where an employee did not follow safety precautions while at work.
What Type Of Drug Testing Will Medical Assistant Applicants Undergo?
Drug testing for medical assistant applicants is the same as drug testing for all other positions at the Stanford health care hospital. The applicants must pass the screening, or they might not get the job.
Medical assistants mostly undergo urinalysis. As per the Stanford Drug testing policy, the candidates for employment must pass the initial screenings.
The urine sample is tested for drug use, but there is also an attempt to determine whether or not the person has physical effects of alcohol or drugs in their system.
The screening also determines whether or not they can be fit for the job. If an applicant fails, they will have to undergo a follow-up drug test with a urine sample. Only a qualified and certified technician must carry out the drug test.
The lab technician must carry out the drug test in a private place, and they must send the sample to a clinical laboratory that meets all the standards of the hospital. It is crucial because Stanford health care maintains very high-quality standards. The Stanford hospital keeps the drug test results confidential. The results can only be released to those employees and candidates privately.
Conclusion
The medical assistant's job is crucial, and it requires a great deal of responsibility. They are there to help the doctors and nurses take care of their patients, but they also represent the hospital at most times.
Drug testing is not for those who handle dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. It's for any profession that has to be held to the highest standard. Realizing the same, Stanford Hospital puts its medical assistants through drug testing. It's one more way to keep them from creating a serious risk to the patients' health.
Thus, the hospital is keen on ensuring that the medical assistants are of the highest quality possible. Drug testing is a simple way to keep track of things and ensure that everyone is where they need to be.
FAQ
What Might Happen If I Refuse Drug Testing?
If you refuse to give a sample or fail the test, this will violate the hospital's policies. It may result in disciplinary action, which can include termination. It is your responsibility to know these policies before you start.
What Are The Stanford Hospital Drug Testing Policy Exceptions For The Medical Assistants?
The policy does not apply if:
- You are at risk of having a drug or alcohol abuse disorder.
- Your refusal to undergo the screening is because you have a family health problem.
- You have a legitimate reason for failing the test (e.g., improper urine sample collection).
- You are on medication that may affect the results of the screening.
- You are pregnant.
Is Prescribed Drug Use Considered A Violation Of The Policy?
If you take your prescribed drug, you might not be violating the policy. It is also the case if you are on medication that is required to treat medical problems, such as depression or asthma.
Yet, if you are on prescription drugs, you are responsible for ensuring that the treatment does not affect your drug test results and that you are performing your job correctly. You need to inform Stanford health care beforehand of any drug you are taking that you think might affect your results.