Alcohol, Tobacco, Illicit Drug, and Violence Prevention Policy

Purpose

Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) is committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This policy establishes clear standards and expectations to prevent the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and violence within the academic community. It is designed to align with applicable state and federal laws, promote education and prevention, and provide access to support and rehabilitation resources for those in need.

Policy Statement

PHSU prohibits the abuse of alcohol, the possession, distribution, or use of illegal drugs, and smoking on university grounds. Violence in any form will not be tolerated. The possession, distribution or use of illegal drugs is ground for immediate sanction, including dismissal. This policy aligns with state and federal regulations to ensure a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all members of the university community through prevention, education, and rehabilitation.

Scope

This policy applies to all students, employees, contractors, and visitors engaged in the activities of PHSU.

Applicable Laws

This Policy is adopted in accordance with various federal regulations and institutional provisions that require the adoption of clear institutional standards to promote a work and study environment free from the illicit use of controlled substances and alcohol abuse. These include:

• The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Section 1213 (20 U.S.C.A. 1011h and 1011i), as amended.
• Regulations adopted by the U.S. Department of Education to implement these laws (34 C.F.R. Parts 85 and 86, 48 C.F.R. Subpart 23.5).
• The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C.A. 701 et seq.), as amended.

• Puerto Rico’s Law of Controlled Substances (Law No. 4, June 23, 1971, as amended).
• Puerto Rico’s Law to Regulate Smoking in Public and Private Places (Law No. 40, August 3, 1993).
• Regulations outlined in PHSU’s Alcohol Policy for Official Campus Activities.

Definitions

• Official university activity refers to any activity, including those organized by accredited student organizations, that uses the name of the University as a sponsor and utilizes University funds or property, with prior authorization from the Board of Trustees, University President, or official to whom this authority has been delegated.
• Alcohol or alcoholic beverage is any beverage for human consumption containing alcohol, whether produced by fermentation or distillation, and regulated under the Puerto Rico Alcoholic Beverages Law, Law No. 143 of June 30, 1969, as amended (13 L.P.R.A. 6001 et seq.).
• University community refers to the collective group of individuals working or studying at Ponce Health Sciences University.
• Drugs are any medications or controlled substance requiring a medical prescription.
• Employee refers to any person receiving a salary, wage, grant, stipend, or other periodic remuneration from the University for performing teaching, administrative, or maintenance tasks.
• Student is any person enrolled in the Ponce Health Sciences University.
• Controlled substances are substances described in Article 202 of the Puerto Rico Controlled Substances Act, Law No. 4 of June 23, 1971, as amended and as it may be further amended (24 L.P.R.A. 2101 et seq.), whose manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use is unlawful under the provisions of said law.

Prohibited Activities

PHSU strictly prohibits:

• The possession, use, manufacture, distribution, or sale of illicit drugs, unauthorized controlled substances, and illegal drug paraphernalia.
• The abuse of alcohol and use of tobacco on campus, in affiliated facilities, or during PHSU-sponsored events.
• Violence in any form within the academic community or affiliated locations.

These prohibitions extend to all students, employees, visitors, and affiliates.

Exemptions

This policy does not apply to medically prescribed drugs used appropriately.

Standards of Conduct

1. Alcohol restrictions: alcohol consumption is prohibited during PHSU-sponsored activities unless expressly authorized by the Committee of Social and Academic Events and compliant with applicable laws.
2. Illicit drug: students, employees, and visitors are prohibited from engaging in the illicit use, possession, manufacture, sale, or distribution of drugs or controlled substances.
3. Smoking: Smoking is banned on all PHSU premises, including classrooms, laboratories, hallways, parking areas, and during any institutional activities.
4. Violence prohibition: Acts of violence, including threats, harassment, or physical harm, are strictly forbidden.

Sanctions

Students

Whenever a student of PHSU is found to be illicitly using, possessing, manufacturing, or distributing alcohol, drugs or controlled substances on the school or campus or on the grounds of affiliated institutions, or if the student has participated in Institutional activities while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any controlled substance, the following will occur:

• First Offense: Counseling and potential disciplinary actions, including dismissal after due notice and hearing.
• Second Offense: Immediate recommendation for dismissal after due notice and hearing.

Student Organizations are required to report within five (5) calendar days of any incident involving the use of alcohol and / or drugs that occurs in any official activity of the organization. Failure to comply with these provisions of public policy may result in sanctions as outlined in the Student Handbook. Violations subject to law enforcement may lead to additional legal penalties.

Student Alert! As set out in section 5310 of the Federal Law on the Use and Abuse of Drugs, 1988, if you are convicted for possession, manufacture or distribution of drugs, your eligibility for financial aid could be (1) suspended temporarily or (2) finished forever. If the student was convicted of drug offense within (not later than) ten (10) days after the conviction, he shall report in writing with your full name and Social Security number to:

Director, Grants and Contract Services

US Department of Education

Washington DC 20202-4571

Employees

Faculty and Administrative Employees under this public policy and in compliance with the law are bound to:

1. Comply with all the rules of conduct outlined above.
2. Notify the employer in writing of any criminal conviction under the statutes of controlled substances or alcohol events in the workplace no later than five (5) calendar days after sentencing.
3. PHSU must also take one of the following actions within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving notice of any criminal conviction of an employee.
   1. Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in voluntary assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a state or federal health agency, the Department of Justice and other appropriate.
   2. Proceed with relevant institutional action, including termination of job.
   3. In addition to the afore mentioned, every employee is subject to the rules applicable to their classification.
   4. In some cases, if the offense is a not a significant one, employee could be referred to counseling services or a rehabilitation program.
4. A letter on the personnel file is applicable in all cases.

Prevention Strategies 

Health Risks

The government has classified controlled substances from I to V according to their potential for abuse. In qualifying, the “I” substances appear more potential for abuse and little or no medical value. They are decreasing the risk to the “V” where substances less potential for abuse and accepted medical use with some appearing. Drugs are any chemical substance that alters in any way the functioning of the body, mind and nervous system, behavior and feelings of people. The use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs can cause dependence, a physical or psychological need to use it. Adding and alcoholism are developing a physical and psychological dependence in which the person loses self-control with the use of the substance.

Alcohol is a depressant drug that affects the central nervous system and brain function progressively inhibited. In Puerto Rico uses by people 18 years of age is legal. The main component of alcoholic beverages is ethanol or ethyl alcohol, which has a different focus depending on your process. The use of alcohol and / or drugs affects motor coordination, reasoning, vision and the ability to follow an object with his eyes; and this is why it becomes RISKY AND CRIMINAL the act of driving motor vehicles under its state (either use or under intoxication). It is considered legally intoxicated by alcohol to a person whose alcohol concentration in the blood is 0.08. However, I could be mentally and physically prevented from driving motor vehicles at a lower level.

Intoxication is a function of the amount of substance ingested, the time consumed, the alcohol content of the drink, weight and sex of the person (the woman is more sensitive), the mood and the amount of food in the stomach of the individual at the time of consumption.

Intervention Protocol to Rehabilitate Students and Employees

PHSU supports rehabilitation as a pathway to recovery. The VP for Students Affairs and its Counseling Services are responsible for handling cases of students, identified or are suspected of having problems related to drugs and alcohol. The Human Resources  Department is responsible for handling cases of faculty, staff or visitors.

Acknowledging substance abuse issues may access counseling and rehabilitative services at their own expense. A certificate of rehabilitation must be provided within six months to avoid disciplinary sanctions.

Treatment Centers

• ASSMCA - Ponce Detox Center: 787-843-7746
• Medicina Conductual - Hospital Damas: 787-842-0045
• Programa de Alcoholismo de Ponce: 787-844-4130
• Línea de Auxilio y Prevención: 1-800-981-0023
• Hogares CREA - Ponce: 787-843-9013

Biennial Review

PHSU will conduct a biennial review to assess the effectiveness of this policy and compliance with federal regulations.

Policy Communication

This policy is disseminated annually to all students and employees through email, the Student Handbook, and the PHSU website. Biennial reviews ensure the policy remains effective and compliant with regulations.