PREAMBLE
A resident physician is considered to be impaired if he or she is unable to fully participate in the educational program or is unable to carry out the patient care aspects of the program with reasonable skill and safety to patients because of a physical or mental illness or excessive use or abuse of drugs including alcohol. It is the duty of individuals who suspect that a resident physician is impaired to report their observations to a member of the Professional Staff Association’s Committee on the Well Being of Practitioners.


SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY
The abuse of drugs, including alcohol, by residents is unacceptable because it adversely affects health, safety, security, and progress in the training programs. Further, it jeopardizes public confidence and trust. Using, possessing, selling, or being under the influence of illegal drugs by residents is unlawful, dangerous, and is absolutely prohibited in the workplace. Further, the use of alcohol in the workplace or the misuse of alcohol or prescribed drugs to any extent that impairs safe and effective performance by residents is prohibited. Violation of any element of this policy shall result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

The Graduate Medical Education Committee recognizes drug and alcohol dependency as treatable illnesses. Residents with dependency problems are encouraged to seek assistance through their program director, the Director of Medical Education, the Professional Staff Association’s Committee on the Well Being of Practitioners or the UCLA Mental Health Services for Physicians in Training. Information obtained regarding a resident during participation in counseling or psychological services will be treated as confidential, in accordance with Federal and State laws.

Adopted August 2000, Reviewed July 2002, Reviewed August 2004

< Back to Policies & Procedures Page