Palm Beach State College Board Policy

Palm Beach State College (the College) is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all employees. It recognizes that the misuse of alcohol and controlled substances poses a threat to the broader academic community. It incorporates standards from the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and applicable Florida Statutes.

The College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, and impairment resulting from the use of alcohol or drugs on college property or during college-sponsored activities. Any permitted use of alcohol is governed exclusively by Board Policy 6Hx-18-1.32 (Alcohol Policy).

This policy applies to all college employees, applicants for designated positions, contractors, volunteers, and any individual participating in college programs or activities, whether on or off college property.

As a condition of employment, the College requires candidates for designated positions to submit to drug screening in accordance with procedure 6Hx-18-5.84P-1, “Condition of Employment Drug Testing Procedure”.

The College will rescind an employment offer if an applicant fails to meet the drug-free requirements as outlined in this policy and procedure 6Hx-18-5.84P-1, “Condition of Employment Drug Testing Procedure”.

Reasonable Suspicion

The College may conduct reasonable suspicion testing when impairment is observed, reported, suspected, or following an accident or injury as set forth in procedure 6Hx-18-5.84P-2, “Reasonable Suspicion Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Testing”.

As part of reasonable suspicion, employees shall be tested following an accident or injury in accordance with § 440.102 Fla. Stat., and applicable College procedure.  Failure to comply with testing requirements for workplace injuries may result in disciplinary action and loss of eligibility for medical and indemnity benefits under Workers’ Compensation law.

 

Grounds for Discipline and Termination of Employment

Failure or refusal to comply with testing requirements or to cooperate with an investigation may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, in accordance with Board Policy 6Hx-18-5.44 “Grounds for Disciple and Termination of Employment”.