Effective: 11/22/2023
Applicants are advised that the cost of the background check/drug screen is an out-of-pocket expense. Current and future students may contact an admissions representative and/or program director of the program of interest for more information regarding these requirements.
Externship and clinical facilities may require the school to follow drug-screening requirements including unannounced screening prior to working with patients. Concorde reserves the right to conduct random drug screening at any time throughout the program. Drug Screening results are confidential, and are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Students failing the final screening that is reviewed by the Medical Review Officer will immediately be withdrawn from the school. A student may request a retest at his or her own expense if they believe the screening resulted in a false positive. The rescreening must consist of an observed urine test within 48 hours at a facility directed by Concorde. If the retest is negative the student may remain in school. If the results of the retest are diluted, adulterated, and/or a substituted reading, it will be considered “flagged” and will be considered a failed test.
A student withdrawn for a failed drug screening has one opportunity to be eligible to apply for readmission into the school and program of study under the following conditions: Prior to readmission, a drug screening must be taken at the direction of the school and paid for by the student. If the drug screening is negative and the student meets all conditions of the Readmission section of this catalog, then the student may be approved to re-enter into the school and program. If the drug screening is positive, the student will be prohibited from reentering the school and program at any time in the future. Any subsequent violation of the drug policy after readmission will result in immediate dismissal.
Students should be advised that Concorde is governed by federal law in matters regarding the possession and use of controlled or illegal substances. As referenced in the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Policy outlined in this catalog, the possession or use of amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and phencyclidine are illegal under federal law.
Additionally, clinical sites may require drug testing as a condition of participation. Concorde does not accommodate student requests to be exempt from placement at clinical/extern sites that require drug testing.
Students and employees are reminded that unlawful possession, distribution or use of illicit drugs or alcohol may subject individuals to criminal prosecution. Concorde will refer violations of prescribed conduct to appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Federal and state sanctions for illegal possession of controlled substances range from up to four years’ imprisonment and up to $20,000 in fines for each offense. Under federal laws, possession of drugs such as heroin or cocaine may result in sanctions of not less than five years and up to life imprisonment for a first offense involving 100 grams or more. Offenses involving lesser amounts, 10-99 grams, may result in sanctions up to and including 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $4 million.
Under Missouri law, possession of any controlled substance except five grams or less of marijuana shall be punished by not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years’ imprisonment. Possession of five grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by not less than 30 days nor more than six months imprisonment. Delivery of more than five grams of a controlled substance is punishable by 10 years’ imprisonment. Trafficking in drugs is punishable by not less than 20 years’ imprisonment and may be punished by up to life imprisonment or death. The State of Missouri may revoke the driver’s license of anyone convicted of a violation of any state, county or municipal law involving the possession or use of a controlled substance. In the city of Kansas City, Mo., possession of drugs may result in up to a $500 fine, 180 days in jail, or both, plus civil forfeiture of personal property.
The State of Missouri may impose a wide range of sanctions for alcohol-related offenses. Any person from ages 17 to 20 who represents that he or she is over the age of 21 for purposes of purchasing alcohol is guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person who drives while under the influence of alcohol may have his or her driver’s license suspended or revoked. The term “controlled substance” as used in this policy means any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana or any other controlled substance, as defined in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 812, and as further defined by regulation 21 CFR 1208.01 et seq. The term does not include the use of a controlled substance pursuant to a valid prescription or other use authorized by law.