Download - University of Maryland Eastern Shore

POLICY ON GENERAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE
To comply with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and Amendments,
students and employees of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are informed that strictlyenforced
policies are in place that prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of any
illicit drugs, including alcohol, on UMES property or as part of any UMES-sponsored activity.
Students and employees are also subject to all applicable legal sanctions under local, state,
federal law for any property or at UMES activities. Sanctions imposed by the university may
include disciplinary suspension and/or completion of appropriate educational rehabilitation
program. The university affirms that illegal drug use is wrong and harmful. Alcohol abuse and
the use of illegal drugs results in cognitive deficits, loss of productivity, and other health risks.
These risks include an increased incidence of accidents, which may result in death or
permanent injury. Free, confidential counseling for alcohol and other drug abuse issues is
available to students and employees through Counseling and Health Services. Other referral
resources may include assessment, a fee. Educational programs and materials are also
available.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore policy expressly forbids possession and/or
consumption of alcohol by students, employees or guests who are under the legal drinking age.
Possession of drug paraphernalia and the use, manufacture, sale, or distribution on or off
campus of illegal drugs by any student is also prohibited.
Students are referred the UMES Student Handbook for a more detailed explanation of this
policy.
THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996 (HIPAA)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a law passed by
Congress intended to establish transaction, security, privacy, and other standards to address
concerns about the electronic exchange of health information. However, the HIPAA Privacy
Rule excludes from its coverage those records that are protected by FERPA at school districts
and postsecondary institutions that provide health or medical services to students. This is
because Congress specifically addressed how education records should be protected under
FERPA. For this reason, records that are protected by FERPA are not subject to the HIPAA
Privacy Rule and may be shared with parents under the circumstances described above.
What is HIPAA?
UNIVERSITY COMPLIANCE WITH THE HIPAA
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