Criminal Background Checks and Drug Testing

All incoming medical students must undergo a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and drug screening before matriculation as facilitated by a contracted vendor. Acceptance to Emory School of Medicine is contingent upon the authorization to conduct a drug screening and CBC, as well as the release of its findings to Emory.

The Admissions Committee will review any findings to determine what, if any, action is required. Students may also be required to undergo additional CBCs, and drug screening as required by clinical rotation sites, or if required to do so as an evaluation of their fitness to participate in their medical education.

All positive and multiple negative-dilute drug screenings, and any findings from the CBC that were not previously disclosed by the applicant prior to acceptance, will be reported to the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs, and then referred to a faculty committee for further consideration. After review of the results of the CBC and/or drug screening, the committee may seek additional information from the student, in writing or via interview. In the case of multiple negative-dilute drug screenings, the committee may require the student to submit to a blood-based drug screening.

Given the reports and any follow-up information provided, the committee will provide the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs with one of the following recommendations:

• Revocation of the acceptance to Emory University School of Medicine (for students who have been accepted but not yet enrolled)
• Referral to a conduct committee for further consideration (for enrolled students)
• No further action to be taken (for both enrolled and accepted but not yet enrolled students)

The Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs will consider the report of the faculty committee and relay their decision to the student in writing. Based on the nature of the findings of the CBC report or drug screening, the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs reserves the right to immediately suspend a student, pending further investigation. The student may appeal the decision of the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs to the Dean of the School of Medicine.