Medical Amnesty

Statement and Purpose

A Medical Amnesty Policy benefits our campus by encouraging students to make responsible decisions in seeking medical attention in serious or life-threatening situations that result from alcohol and/or other drug use or abuse and in any situation where medical treatment is reasonably believed to be appropriate. This policy seeks to diminish fear of disciplinary and conduct sanctions in such situations and to encourage individuals and organizations to seek needed medical attention for students in distress from alcohol and drug use.

This policy does not grant “full immunity” to a student who acts under this policy (i.e., seeks emergency assistance on their own behalf, another student, or a friend experiencing an alcohol and/or drug related emergency) if a determination is made, independent of any information gained as a result of the call for medical attention, that Student Conduct Code charges are appropriate.

Alcohol or other drug consumption (including but not limited to: excessive consumption; consumption of a dangerous or illegal substance; or consumption by someone with sensitivity) can cause serious harm or pose a threat to life. Given these risks, students are encouraged to make responsible decisions and to seek medical attention in serious or life-threatening situations that result from alcohol and/or other drug consumption and to call 911 for medical attention.

Students are also encouraged to seek help for any situation where medical treatment is reasonably believed to be appropriate or when problematic use and/or abuse is an issue. If a student is incapacitated, letting that person "sleep it off" or having a friend “look after” that person are not reasonable alternatives to getting necessary medical help.

Under this policy, a student who seeks emergency assistance on their own behalf, another student, or a friend experiencing an alcohol and/or other drug related emergency will not be subject to disciplinary action under the Iḷisaġvik College Student Code of Conduct. Although students who qualify for Medical Amnesty are exempt from the Student Conduct process, they are required to complete educational measures and pay for any costs incurred as described in the Medical Amnesty and Policy Procedures Section.

Procedure

Iḷisaġvik College students who receive medical attention as a result of alcohol and/or illegal drug use are eligible for Medical Amnesty and will not face formal action under the Student Code of Conduct. Iḷisaġvik College students seeking medical assistance for another person during an alcohol or other drug-related emergency while simultaneously violating a student conduct policy against alcohol or drug use or possession are also eligible. Under the policy, students are required to meet with a professional staff member in the Dean of Students Department within five (5) class days of the incident. The staff member, after evaluating the situation, will determine appropriate educational actions for the student per the colleges Alcohol and Other Drug policy. These educational actions are required to be completed and paid for by the student. Actions may include, but are not limited to: parental notification, an alcohol education workshop, or referral to the local behavioral health clinic.

Failure to meet with the Dean of Students or designee may result in a hold being placed on the student’s account and/or Student Conduct Code charges for failing to comply. Students who are referred but fail to meet and complete the alcohol and/or other drug actions in their entirety may be subject to additional requirements. In addition, if a registered student is transported to an emergency medical treatment center for intoxication or drug use, the student's parents or guardians will typically be notified by a representative from the Dean of Students Department if it is determined to be necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

It is the expectation of the Student Services Department that a student uses Medical Amnesty once. If the student is involved in any subsequent (i.e., repeat) alcohol and/or drug abuse incidents, the situation will be evaluated by the Dean of Students to determine if the student qualifies for a Medical Amnesty exemption. The availability of Medical Amnesty exemptions for students with repetitive violations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Typically, repeated situations will be handled through the Student Conduct process and will be considered for sanctioning purposes. This subsection applies only to students receiving medical attention; students who help others seek medical assistance are not limited to one Medical Amnesty exemption.

1. The Medical Amnesty Policy applies to Iļisaġvik students who initiate and seek assistance and/or medical treatment on behalf of themselves, another student, or a friend.
2. The protocol applies only to the Student Code of Conduct. Law enforcement agencies may act within their jurisdictions in enforcing the laws enacted by the State of Alaska, the United States, or any other state or nation where jurisdiction may be invoked.
3. The Medical Amnesty Policy applies only to individuals' use of alcohol and drugs where medical attention is needed. It does not apply to other prohibited behavior such as distribution of illicit substances, property damage, harassment, or assault.

4. The Medical Amnesty applies for the benefit of Iḷisaġvik student who engaged in underage alcohol consumption or illegal drug use, become a victim of sexual assault and request or receive emergency response and/or medical assessment.