UCLA, University of California has a long history of drug testing. It began implementing drug testing policies in 1957, and as early as 1969, an in-house policy regarding student employees at the school prohibited drug abuse.
UCLA also has rules against alcohol use and brought a policy against marijuana to the table in 1957. It broadened its policy in 1970 to include the use of illegal drugs. In 1986, UCLA began drug screening students who volunteered for clinical trials. In 2007, it expanded its policies to include all students.
In 2010, they placed a drug-free workplace and integrated a substance abuse program encompassing all staff members. UCLA has also started testing some of their patients and employees, a relatively uncommon practice in 2010 at most facilities offering outpatient services or working with volunteers in clinical settings.
Furthermore, the following article will look at UCLA and its drug-testing policies.
Table Of Contents:
- What Is UCLA's Drug Testing Policy?
- When Does Testing Begin?
- Can UCLA Fire An Employee If They Fail A Drug Test?
- Do UCLA Students And Employees Needs To Be Concerned About Weed?
- What Type Of Drug Test Do UCLA Employees And Students Need To Take?
What Is UCLA's Drug Testing Policy?
The school advises that all students and employees enter UCLA, whether as a freshman or continuing USC, assuming they are subject to drug testing if they choose to participate in academic or occupational programs, research studies, educational programs, or clinical trials.
Suppose a student chooses to participate in any of these activities; to comply with federal laws prohibiting illegal substances and illegal drugs, the administration must ask for written permission from parents and students in advance of enrolment.
Students and employees must act responsibly and refrain from drug abuse while at work or on any UCLA campus. The school prefers a drug-free environment over one that endorses substance abuse.
In addition, UCLA Health is an accredited health care organization that provides primary care and comprehensive information on medication, medical procedures, and treatment programs.
The UCLA Health Center follows the same drug testing policy. It is a non-profit and non-sectarian medical group that follows a policy to screen for illegal drugs in conjunction with clinical trials and voluntary participation in research studies. The drug testing policy also applies to any employee responsible for the primary care of others. It is also applicable to job candidates who apply for positions at the medical center.
When Does Testing Begin?
The UCLA Drug Testing Policy begins as soon as a potential employee is offered a position at the school. According to the policy, employees must be subject to drug testing before hiring, known as pre-employment testing.
The policy states that employees must know that drug testing is part of job status and procedure. Drug testing is also part of annual reviews and can occur at other times. Many times, an employee is required to take a drug test.
In most cases, UCLA will require the employee to undergo an additional drug test after some time has passed. The drug testing policy also states that employees are subject to random drug tests and any reason, such as suspicion or reasonable suspicion.
However, drug testing may include testing for:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Phencyclidine (PCP).
Can UCLA Fire An Employee If They Fail A Drug Test?
Yes. The policy is clear about what to do when an employee tests positive for illegal substances or drugs. The school states that failing the test violates the employee's position and UCLA's Drug-Free Workplace and Illegal Substance Abuse Policy.
It also says that if an employee has undergone rehabilitation, UCLA will evaluate any gap in employment before it is offered to them again. However, as far as UCLA Health is concerned, a staff member can be terminated if they are caught using drugs or alcohol on site.
The same goes for students. An individual who fails a drug test must enter UCLA's substance abuse program. If a student fails or refuses to do so, the school may choose to expel or suspend the student.
Do UCLA Students And Employees Need To Be Concerned About Weed?
Yes. In 2006, California voters passed Proposition 215, which set aside the crime of marijuana possession for adults 21 and older. But Prop 215 does not protect individuals who use marijuana in California.
The policy clarifies what UCLA says about the drug: "UCLA takes seriously its responsibility to comply with federal laws about illegal substances, such as marijuana."
The policy also points out that allowing marijuana for personal use on campus or at school-sponsored events could affect an individual's ability to remain in school or work for the university. UCLA demands that students and employees understand, respect, and follow federal, state, and local laws regarding illegal drug use.
In addition, UCLA's medical center states that it will not allow individuals who use marijuana on site. The drug testing policy is also clear that marijuana use, at any time, requires immediate suspension and possible firing.
The UCLA Drug Testing Policy points out that any employee or student who possesses or uses marijuana for personal use on campus or at school-sponsored events could be subject to immediate dismissal and lose eligibility for tenure and promotion.
Additionally, Prospective UCLA Health employees are required to disclose the use of marijuana at the time of employment. UCLA Health announced that its policy is consistent with federal law on marijuana, making it illegal to purchase, possess or use the substance.
What Type Of Drug Test Do UCLA Employees And Students Need To Take?
All UCLA employees must follow the national rules of the federal drug-testing guidelines, which require a SAMHSA urinalysis test for illegal drugs. Most times, UCLA conducts a standard 5-panel drug test for employee screening. The laboratory evaluates the specimen for conventional drugs, and an analytical procedure should confirm the results.
Moreover, UCLA's Drug Testing Policy states that specimens for drug screening may not be collected in a way that allows for adulteration. The UCLA Drug Testing Policy also states that employees should not be allowed to use or try to use materials or procedures which could alter test results.
If an employee uses or tries to use prohibited materials or procedures, their test will be voided and subject to immediate dismissal.
Conclusion
The UCLA Drug Testing Policy emphasizes that employees, students, and other individuals must adhere to the guidelines to stay employed at UCLA.
UCLA Health states that its employees must also be responsible for their actions while on duty or in a UCLA Health building. The policy assures that UCLA prohibits the use or possession of illegal substances at any point in time. Those who fail a drug test can lose their jobs and medical insurance, and they may also be subject to heavy fines.
FAQ
What should you do if you have been disqualified for a positive drug test?
Suppose UCLA has disqualified you for a positive urine test; there are various steps that an employee can take to protect your employment status. Medical review officers (MROs) can assist in interpreting urine tests and interpreting the results.
Moreover, it is essential to challenge the validity of a drug test if an individual believes they have been falsely accused of drug abuse. However, challenging a drug test is not always easy.
It is vital to hire an attorney who can represent you and assist you with your defense. An experienced drug testing attorney will be able to analyze the case and determine whether you have a reasonable probability of winning before presenting the facts of your case in court.