Miami Hospital's Drug Testing Policy: What Students Need To Know

The University of Miami requires pre-employment drug screening for all new employees. The drug test must be completed within 72 hours of receiving an email from the background vendor, SterlingBackcheck. The University of Miami also conducts drug and alcohol testing for employees involved in accidents or incidents that result in property damage, personal injury, or loss of university work time. If an employee's behaviour is hostile or threatening, supervisors are instructed to contact the Miami University Police Department and escort the employee for reasonable suspicion testing.

Pre-employment drug screening

The University of Miami requires pre-employment drug screening for all new employees. The University is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and conducts drug screening as part of its new employee checklist.

The pre-employment drug screening process at the University of Miami is straightforward and well-organized. Here is what you can expect:

Notification and Scheduling:

Once your job offer is accepted, you will receive an email from the University's background vendor, SterlingBackcheck, within 72 hours, instructing you to take your drug screening. The email will provide details about the location and timing of the test.

Identification Requirements:

On the day of your drug screening, remember to bring two forms of identification to confirm your identity. This is a standard requirement for most pre-employment drug tests.

Sample Collection:

The type of sample required for the drug test may vary. It could be a urine, blood, or hair sample. If it is a urine sample, it is recommended that you do not consume more than 8 ounces of fluid in the two hours before providing the sample. An excess of fluid may result in a "dilute" reading, which is flagged as an abnormal result.

Testing Facilities:

The University of Miami has designated testing facilities for pre-employment drug screening. For Medical School and UHealth employees, the drug screening will be conducted at the Employee Health Office on the day of your pre-employment appointment.

Results Reporting:

Your drug test results will be reported directly to American DataBank within one to three business days. The results will be sent electronically to both you and the University. If you are unable to produce a urine sample at the time of the test, instructions will be provided on how to proceed.

Additional Onboarding Requirements:

After successfully completing and clearing your pre-employment drug screening and background check, you will receive further instructions via email from the University's payroll system regarding additional onboarding requirements. These may include providing documentation of influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccinations or requesting a medical or religious exemption if applicable.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy:

Miami University has a comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy for its staff. The University reserves the right to administer alcohol and drug screening in certain circumstances, such as accidents or incidents resulting in property damage, personal injury, or loss of work time. Supervisors play a crucial role in determining the need for drug screening in such situations.

Additionally, Miami University has a zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or combative behavior influenced by substance impairment. In such cases, the employee will be escorted for reasonable suspicion testing, and the supervisor must accompany them to the on-campus health center or an approved off-campus healthcare facility.

The University of Miami's pre-employment drug screening process is a standard procedure for all new employees. The University prioritizes a drug-free workplace and has implemented a comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees and students.

On-campus health centre

The University of Miami requires all new employees to undergo drug screening as part of their pre-employment health review. The Miller School/UHealth is self-insured and conducts a review of each new employee's health history, which may include immunizations, flu shots, tuberculosis screening, and/or a titer test.

The University of Miami Hospital conducts drug screenings for new employees at its Employee Health Office. Results from the drug test are reported directly to American DataBank within one to three business days. These results are then sent electronically to both the school and the individual who took the test.

In the case of an accident or incident that results in property damage, personal injury, and/or loss of University work time, the University may administer an alcohol/drug screening. This is done through the approved health care facility for regional campus staff. The employee's supervisor or a member of management must accompany the employee to the on-campus health centre or an approved off-campus healthcare facility. If the on-campus health centre is closed, employees are directed to go to McCullough-Hyde Hospital or another approved facility.

The University of Miami also offers a range of other health services for students and staff, including immunizations, flu shots, and tuberculosis screening. The University aims to maintain a complete alcohol and drug-free workplace and campus.

Immunisations and flu shots

The University of Miami offers flu shots to its students, faculty, and staff. The University encourages all faculty and staff to receive an influenza (flu) vaccination annually, especially those who work in patient care areas. If employees in patient care areas choose not to be vaccinated, they are required to wear a mask during the flu season. The University has increased its capacity to provide flu shots, and they are available on and off campus. Students can get their flu shot at the Student Health Service or at the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), while employees can get their flu shots during the University's annual benefits fair or at UHealth Clinics at Walgreens.

The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu-related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. It takes about 1 to 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies against influenza to develop and provide protection. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine depends on the age and health status of the recipient and the similarity between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation. When the match is close, the flu vaccine prevents illness in approximately 70%-80% of healthy persons younger than 65 years. The most common side effect of the flu vaccine is local arm soreness and swelling, which is usually mild.

The University of Miami also requires certain students to obtain additional immunizations. Nursing, physical therapy, and medical students are required to obtain additional immunizations and tuberculosis screening. These students are also required to complete an annual symptom review (PPD questionnaires).

Alcohol screening

In addition to questionnaires, alcohol screening may also involve blood, breath, or saliva tests to detect the presence and quantity of alcohol in the body. These tests are particularly relevant for monitoring patients undergoing treatment for alcoholism or in situations where alcohol abstinence is critical, such as liver transplants or jobs requiring sobriety.

The benefits of alcohol screening include early detection, cost-effectiveness, and the potential to reduce drinking levels and associated health risks. Research has shown that brief interventions following a positive screening result can lead to reduced alcohol consumption and improved health outcomes. Additionally, alcohol screening can have a positive impact on the family members of those with AUD, who may experience improved health and reduced medical costs.

Overall, alcohol screening is an important tool for identifying unhealthy alcohol use and providing opportunities for early intervention and treatment planning. It is recommended to incorporate alcohol screening into routine healthcare visits or when concerns about alcohol abuse arise from individuals or healthcare professionals.

Positive test results

The University of Miami Hospital conducts pre-employment drug screening for new employees. If you receive a positive result on your drug test, the University of Miami Hospital will inform you of the result and may take further action. Here is some information regarding positive test results:

Notification of Results

Your results will be reported directly to American DataBank within one to three business days of your drug testing. These results will be sent electronically to both you and your school.

Positive Result Procedures

In the event of a positive result, the University of Miami Hospital may have specific protocols and procedures in place. The results are typically forwarded to the Medical Review Officer, who will review and evaluate the results. The hospital may also inform the employee's supervisor, who is responsible for ensuring that the employee does not work for the remainder of their shift. The employee will still be paid for the remainder of the shift.

Additional Requirements

Following a positive drug test result, new employees at the University of Miami Hospital may be subject to additional onboarding requirements. This could include providing documentation of influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccinations or requesting a medical or religious exemption.

Reasonable Suspicion Testing

In cases where employee behaviour is combative, hostile, or threatening, the supervisor and another witness must complete an impairment checklist. If reasonable suspicion exists, the employee will be escorted for drug and alcohol testing at the on-campus health centre or an approved off-campus healthcare facility.

Accident or Incident Reporting

If an accident or incident occurs that results in property damage, personal injury, or loss of work time, a drug screen may be administered through an approved healthcare facility. The supervisor must determine if a drug screen is needed, and the employee will be tested as soon as possible following the incident.

Frequently asked questions