Experiential Programs

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen Policy

The University of Texas College of Pharmacy

Facilities operating under the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards pertaining to human resource management now require verification of competency of all individuals who have direct contact with patients or employees. This includes students participating in clinical rotations in the facility. Competency extends beyond technical skills to an individual's criminal history.

Effective January 1, 2006, professional pharmacy students will subject to a criminal background check at the beginning of the P1 (first professional year of the professional sequence of courses), and also during the spring semester of the P3 year (third year of the professional sequence of pharmacy courses). Students will be referred to a third party vendor to request the background check, and are responsible for any associated expenses and paperwork. The student must complete the background check prior to the deadline set by the College, or the student will not be able to enroll in practice courses. The College of Pharmacy will be notified by the vendor performing the background check that the student has participated in the check; however, the facility will verify details of the background check directly through the background check vendor or the student.

Background checks will be honored by all facilities for the duration of the pharmacy student's enrollment in the professional program if the participating student has not had a break in enrollment. A break in enrollment is defined as non-attendance of one long-term semester (Fall or Spring) or more. The above information is verifiable through the College.

 

Criminal Background Check

The criminal background check will review a person's criminal history seven (7) years prior to the date of application.  The check will include the cities and counties of all known residences.  The following criteria will be included: