All employees must report to work in a condition to perform their duties safely. All students must be able to participate safely in activities of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (“university”). All students and employees must be free of illegal drugs or alcohol and not be impaired or unable to perform job duties or unable to participate in university activities because of physical or mental impairment while on university property, while on university business, or while participating in university activities.
Employees with questions regarding this policy should contact Human Resources – Employee Relations.
Students with questions regarding this policy should contact the applicable school’s Student Affairs office.
This policy applies to all university employees and students. Employees and students taking prescription medications that impair their ability to work or to participate safely in university activities are subject to the conditions of this policy.
Medical school residents and clinical fellows should refer to the Resident Impairment Policy found in The University of Texas Medical Foundation Graduate Medical Education Resident Handbook.
University community members should also consult HOOP Policy 18.05 Substance Abuse when substance abuse situations arise.
Co-workers or others whose observations lead them to question an employee’s fitness for duty must report their observations to the applicable supervisor. Students or others whose observations lead them to question a student’s fitness for participation in university activities must report their observations to the applicable school’s Student Affairs office.
Whether questionable on-duty behavior is reported by an employee’s co-worker or through the supervisor’s personal awareness, the supervisor will investigate and document observations. The applicable Associate/Assistant Dean for Student Affairs (or designee) (“associate dean”) will investigate and document reported observations pertaining to students.
If the employee/student appears to be unfit for duty/unfit for participation in university activities:
UT Police will investigate and take any necessary action.
Individuals referred to UT Health Services/Student Health Services must sign a consent allowing UT Health Services/Student Health Services to release information related to whether the individual reported to UT Health Services/Student Health Services and whether the individual attends recommended treatment to the supervisor or appropriate associate dean or designee. Individuals who fail to report to UT Health Services/Student Health Services may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the appropriate disciplinary policy.
UT Health Services/Student Health Services will advise the supervisor/associate dean regarding a course of action that may include:
UT Health Services/Student Health Services will arrange for any evaluation that may include medical assessment, psychiatric, and/or drug/alcohol testing.
The supervisor/associate dean will determine any disciplinary action called for in accordance with the appropriate disciplinary policy.
The employee will not return to work until all aspects of the fitness for duty evaluation are completed. The Director of UT Health Services (or designee) must medically release the employee prior to a return to work.
The student will not return for participation in university activities until all aspects of the fitness for participation evaluation are completed. The Medical Director of Student Health Services (or designee) must medically release the student prior to a return to participation in university activities.
Created 04/09