On this compliance website, you will find all the information needed to complete your requirements for clinical/practicum placement. Please note, this is in addition to the University immunization and health insurance requirements. If you have any questions after reviewing the email sent to you and this website, please do not hesitate to contact dhcompliance@drexel.edu.
On this site, you will find information regarding a variety of immunizations, background checks, certifications, forms and trainings that you may need to complete for your compliance requirements.
Drexel University programs with a clinical component follow the most current CDC guidelines for healthcare provider immunizations. Students attending clinical programs will be required to follow all immunization requirements for healthcare workers and those required by executed clinical affiliation agreements.
For individuals who are attending a clinical rotation, the typical compliance package may include yearly background and urine drug screenings, a physical examination and completion of identified immunizations, completion of training modules and required documentation. Some of these steps may take time to complete, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine series, which can take up to seven months if the individual has not started this series. Please plan accordingly.
PLEASE NOTE: Students are required to have current comprehensive medical insurance coverage while in clinical coursework.
Any student who is enrolling within the University health plan must be sure to enroll before the start of the clinical term. For students who are part-time and need to be insured, please contact the University health insurance office to be enrolled. Coverage must be in place at the start of the clinical term. If you do not have comprehensive health insurance, you will not be cleared for the clinical term.
Students in a program with a clinical component should know that any vaccine exemption may impact their progression in the program, as the vaccine may be required by clinical/practicum sites.
Navigation links for this website are located at the bottom of the page. Each of these sections has been broken down to specifically address the steps of the process and allow for accessibility of information. If you are not sure about anything listed on the site, please reach out to dhcompliance@drexel.edu and request additional information. Please be sure to specify the program for which you are requesting additional information.
Program Specific Requirements
Each program has specific compliance requirements as well as due dates. This information is subject to change depending on the demands of our clinical sites. Your compliance coordinator will provide you with a full list of requirements and instructions once it is time to begin the process. A list of our compliance coordinators and the programs that they manage can be found on our contact us section.
Screenings completed via CastleBranch include the following:
State Criminal Background Check
When creating your CastleBranch profile, you will be prompted to enter identifying information so that a State Criminal Background Check can be completed. The results of the background check will be sent directly to CastleBranch for processing.
FBI Background Check (Fingerprinting)
Step-by-step instructions for completing fingerprinting will be included in your CastleBranch profile. The results of the fingerprints will be mailed to you. Once results are received, you must upload a copy of your results to your CastleBranch profile for processing.
State Child Abuse Clearance
Step-by-step instructions for completing State Child Abuse History Clearance Applications will be included in your CastleBranch profile. Once results are received, you must upload a copy of these results to your CastleBranch profile for processing.
Drug Test (package includes urine testing; may at times include blood, this is student paid)
Within 24-48 hours of creating your CastleBranch profile, an electronic Chain of Custody form (echain) will be placed directly into your profile. The echain will explain where you need to go to complete your drug test. The results of the drug test will be sent directly to CastleBranch for processing. To see the Substance Use Guidelines, go here.
Drexel recognizes that some states have legalized medical marijuana and certain amounts of recreational marijuana. However, marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug under federal law. As a result, any positive test for this drug will not be overturned by the third-party testing medical review officers, even if a medical marijuana card is presented or if you consumed recreational marijuana in a state where it was legal.
Please contact dhcompliance@drexel.edu with any questions.
Please Note:
Students are required to have current comprehensive medical insurance coverage while in clinical coursework.
Individuals are responsible for keeping track of their compliance records and ensuring all information is up to date and correct. Updated documents must be submitted in a timely manner before they expire. If any item is expired, it may impact the individual’s ability to continue on with the clinical component of their program.
The Compliance Forms section contains the documents that may be necessary for completion of the compliance process. The health information forms can be downloaded and completed by the individual’s healthcare provider.
The Certifications section shows the various requirements such as CPR that are program specific.
The Training Modules section presents information regarding HIPAA, BioRAFT, and Research (CITI) training.
The FAQs section lists the answers to frequently asked questions and will offer you common links.
The Contact Us section provides contact information to reach the compliance team, as well as a phone number to reach CastleBranch.
Please upload a completed Immunization Record and Physical Examination Form to the University Health Insurance and Immunizations website AND your CastleBranch profile.
Emergency Contact Form (PDF)
All students must submit contact information in the event of an emergency. This information must be kept current.
Fall Influenza Form
This form must be completed and submitted by October 1 each year.
In the United States, annual epidemics of influenza occur typically during late fall through early spring. Influenza viruses can cause disease among persons of any age group. Rates of serious illness, even death, are high among persons who have a medical condition that places them at increased risk for complications from influenza—the majority of those under treatment in health care facilities. Annual influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza virus infection and its complications. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all persons six months of age or older who do not have contraindications to the vaccination. Furthermore, routine vaccination of certain persons, including health care personnel, who serve as a source of influenza virus transmission might provide additional protection to persons at risk for influenza complications and reduce overall influenza burden. Consequently, annual vaccination is recommended for health care personnel, including persons in educational programs for health-care professions, and is a high priority for reducing morbidity associated with influenza in health care settings and for expanding influenza vaccine use. The health care personnel influenza coverage goal is set at 100% of employees who do not have medical contraindications; therefore, health care facilities will most likely mandate influenza vaccination during influenza season.
Drexel University students entering a health care facility during the influenza season must have the current influenza vaccination.
The completed flu vaccine form must be uploaded to the student’s CastleBranch document tracker at https://www.castlebranch.com. If the vaccination is not documented, students may not be permitted to participate in the clinical experience until compliant. This could affect the student’s degree course plan, program requirements, and time to degree completion. Supply of the influenza vaccine should be readily available. When vaccine is in short supply, health care personnel are considered priority populations to receive the vaccine.
Students should avail themselves of the many sources of seasonal flu vaccine including their health care provider, retail pharmacy outlets, public health departments, community-based flu clinics and the University’s Student Health Services center.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/acip/index.html.
If a student needs to complete a PPD after the submission of the completed physical exam and immunization documentation, please use one of the forms below:
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
CPR Certifications must be the Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association. Please check our website for upcoming courses HERE.
Please upload a copy of your Certificate OR signed copy of the front and back of your CPR card to your CastleBranch profile. Please note that only American Heart Association BLS will be accepted for this compliance requirement.
Drexel University has an established policy that prescribes the standards of conduct expected of students and members of the University community. This standard of conduct includes the prohibition of the use or the possession or dissemination of narcotics or other mind-altering drugs, other than those medically prescribed, properly used and in the original container, by students while representing their college. The policy can be found within the Code of Conduct located here.
Drexel recognizes that some states have legalized medical marijuana and certain amounts of recreational marijuana. However, marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug under federal law. As a result, any positive test for this drug will not be overturned by the third-party testing medical review officers, even if a medical marijuana card is presented or if you consumed recreational marijuana in a state where it is legal.
The University recognizes that drug use/dependence is a disease that is chronic, progressive and, if left untreated, fatal. Drug dependence can affect all facets of a student’s life and result in the student’s departure from the University. The University will be supportive of a student receiving treatment and once sustained recovery is obtained, the student may seek re-admission. To request accommodations of a disability based on a history of substance use, contact the Office of Disability Resources.
When a student violates these Substance Use Guidelines and is enrolled in a major that includes a clinical health care component in the curriculum, it is incumbent upon the administration and faculty of said College/School to provide oversight and remedial action for such a serious act by the student.
The purpose of these Substance Use Guidelines is to inform students enrolled in said college/school, who are also enrolled in a major that includes a clinical health care component, about the guidelines and procedures related to any unlawful use, manufacture, distribution or possession of controlled or illegal substances or alcohol. Aside from seriously affecting the physical and psychological integrity of the user, substance use may significantly affect the ability of students to administer safe care to patients entrusted to them in a clinical health care setting.
These guidelines assist the student in maintaining personal and professional integrity and facilitate the student’s success in their education. They promote a healthy teaching/learning environment for the student and in the clinical setting ensures patient safety. They also foster the development of a professional who is aware of and considers the prevalence and adverse physical, psychological and social outcomes of substance use.
These guidelines apply to all students who have confirmed acceptance in any of Drexel University programs that include a clinical health care component in their curriculum and are effective immediately upon acceptance into the program.
Students are required to have a standardized drug screen prior to entering the clinical term environment, which may be prior to starting in the program. This is typically a 10-panel urine drug test, and the results are expected to return negative for any of the tested drugs, as well as negative for adulteration or dilution of the specimen. A positive drug screen of an illegal substance (illegal substance or controlled substance without a prescription) or intoxication from alcohol shall result in an interruption in the student’s program of study or inability to begin in the enrolled program.
Any unlawful possession, use, manufacture or distribution of controlled or illegal substances or alcohol by any student enrolled in a program that includes a clinical health care component in its curriculum while in academic sites, labs or at a clinical site may be considered substance use or possible dependency and may constitute cause for dismissal from the program. Students must also comply with all local, state or federal laws and regulations controlling the possession, manufacture, use or distribution of controlled or illegal substances and alcohol. The college/school where the student is enrolled in a program that includes a clinical health care component reserves the discretion under extenuating circumstances to revisit the terms of these guidelines.
In addition, there are circumstances in which students may need to take over-the-counter or prescribed medications that may impair their ability to function safely in the clinical environment and thereby endanger patients and self. As such, all students are responsible for being aware of the effect these medications may have on their ability to function safely in the clinical practicum and must notify the program chair regarding the use of any medication that can impair performance prior to entering the clinical environment. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. In such circumstances, the student is encouraged to request medical leave from their studies.
Clinical education/practicum sites may also require that students undergo drug/alcohol testing prior to placement or during clinical rotations at the site. Therefore, students may also be tested in accordance with the clinical training site’s guidelines.
A student convicted of or arrested for violating any federal, state or local law or regulation pertaining to the manufacture, possession, sale, use or distribution of a drug or alcohol or misuse of prescribed or over-the-counter medications must report this conviction or arrest to their program chair within five days of the conviction or arrest.
Failure or refusal to comply with any aspect of these Substance Use Guidelines may impact academic progression. Examples of noncompliance include, but are not limited to, refusal to submit to immediate drug and alcohol testing or repeat testing, tampering or altering of specimens, attempts to submit the samples of another person as the student’s own, and failure to appropriately complete associated program or testing laboratory documents.
An objective within these Substance Use Guidelines is to educate students about the risk of dependency among health care providers, enhance their ability to recognize impaired health care professionals, and reinforce the significance of appropriate intervention. Through selected courses, students will be educated about behavioral and clinical practice characteristics that are common indicators of substance use.
General Testing Procedure for Routine or Repeat Testing
Drug and alcohol testing required by said college/school will be conducted utilizing the following measures:
Results
Results are posted to the student’s compliance packet. It is the student’s responsibility to review and be sure all compliance requirements are up to date and accurate.
In the event of a positive result, the student will first be contacted by the Medical Review Office (MRO); this is done before the recording of any positive result.
Drexel recognizes that some states have legalized medical marijuana and certain amounts of recreational marijuana. However, marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug under federal law. As a result, any positive test for this drug will not be overturned by the third-party testing medical review officers, even if a medical marijuana card is presented or if you consumed recreational marijuana in a state where it is legal.
If the student disputes the accuracy of a positive test, the student may request a re-testing of the original sample by the laboratory, however, the cost of the additional testing would be borne by the student. This re-test must take place within one week.
Substance use is verified if either: (i) the positive test result is not disputed or (ii) if the student-requested re-test is positive.
The testing laboratory will make a final report of the test results (positive, negative or inconclusive) to the Drexel Health compliance team lead.
The day of a student’s urine drug test, if the student drinks an excessive amount of liquid prior to conducting the urine drug screen, the results may return as 'diluted negative.' If the drug screen results do come back diluted negative, the student will be allowed one urine retest. This retest must be done within 48 hours of receiving an email from the Compliance Department regarding the diluted negative results, and the student will be responsible for paying for the retest. If the repeat for the diluted negative test comes back again diluted negative, the student will be required to complete a blood test (which runs around $300). This test must be done within 48 hours of receiving an email from the Compliance Department. The student is required to have a negative drug test on file before the start of the clinical term. If the results of the initial test come back 'diluted positive,' this result will be considered positive and will follow the same steps as a positive result.
Confidentiality
The requirement that a student be tested as well as the test results will remain confidential and disclosed only to those individuals within Drexel University with a need to know, as well as any licensing, registering or certification boards that have a need to know.
A student in a clinical program may be required to undergo drug or alcohol testing when the program chair, or designee, determines through direct observation or reports received from faculty or clinical supervisors and there is reasonable suspicion that the student is impaired due to illegal drug or alcohol use, the use or misuse of prescribed over-the-counter medications based upon, but not limited to:
A faculty member suspecting possible substance use by a student must report the suspicious behavior immediately to the program chair or designee. (See Appendix 1).
Once the program chair is notified that a student has been suspected of violating these Substance Use Guidelines, the student will be instructed to report to the designated testing laboratory in accordance with the program chair’s instructions, which will take into consideration a safe mode of transportation given the suspected level of impairment of the student. The cost of any drug or alcohol testing requested by the program chair will be borne by the program. The program chair has the authority to temporarily remove the student from the clinical practicum pending the results of any drug or alcohol tests.
Appropriate documentation will commence at the time of the initial suspicion that a student may be involved in improper substance use and will include the rationale for such suspicion.
All documentation regarding drug and/or alcohol testing results and any related health information will remain in a secure location under the control of the Drexel Health Compliance team, with access limited to authorized personnel with a legitimate need to know. Such records will be maintained separately from the student’s permanent program file.
The Drexel Health Compliance team lead will refer a student with a positive test result to Residential Living and Student Conduct (RLSC) at Drexel University for possible disciplinary action in accordance with the University Student Code of Conduct as it relates to process and not clinical placement.
The student will be removed from the clinical practicum or unable to start that upcoming clinical term following a positive test result. Depending on where the student is within their plan of study, the time away from their academic program can vary. In addition, if the student has a professional license, the students college is obligated to report the results to the licensing agency.
Failure or refusal to comply with any aspect of these Substance Use Guidelines will be reported to Residential Living and Student Conduct (RLSC) at Drexel University for possible disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, any perceived attempts to tamper with the testing procedure or results will be reported to such committees as well.
Students will be informed of counseling and other treatment resources that are available to the student.
Students who are concerned that they may have a substance or alcohol use disorder are encouraged to seek appropriate assessment, treatment and counseling from qualified health care professionals. Students who voluntarily self-disclose a substance or alcohol abuse problem prior to having a positive drug test result and are willing to enter into and complete an appropriate program of treatment may be granted a medical leave of absence while they undergo treatment.
The following website lists local treatment and counseling services that are available to students:
At all times, it is incumbent upon the student to make the decision not to attend a clinical assignment if he/she feels impaired and will present a risk to patients.
A student who has been dismissed, administratively removed, withdrawn or taken an approved leave of absence from the program due to substance use may be eligible to re-enter the program in certain circumstances. A student in recovery who is permitted to re-enter the program will comply with the documented conditions of readmission set forth by the program.
A student will be required to submit to subsequent random drug testing by the Compliance Department as a condition to returning to the program. The student will bear the expense of all subsequent random drug testing required by the program. The student must fully comply with the testing laboratory's methods and procedures for collecting samples. A second positive test result will lead to a program dismissal.
Factors that have been identified as helpful for re-entry into practice include 12-step program participation, random drug screens and sponsorship on a peer-assisted support group. If applicable, the student may be requested to provide medical clearance to Drexel Health Compliance from the appropriate individual coordinating a therapeutic intervention. If the student is a licensed professional (e.g., a nurse), they must provide evidence of a current, active nursing licensure if enrolled in the MSN, DNP or PhD nursing program.
A student in active recovery from substance use will be monitored closely, particularly in clinical practice. A program and student contract with guidelines and expectations will be developed and signed by both parties. Frequent evaluations will be mandated and stipulated in the contract, delineating the contingencies of programmatic return.
A student in recovery should be aware that their state licensing or certifying bodies may not allow students to take qualifying, licensing or certification examinations. Students should refer to requirements with the applicable licensing board.
HIPAA training instructions can be found here. The link for HIPAA training is here.
PLEASE NOTE: You will not be able to access the HIPAA training until you have an active Drexel email account. This includes students who are readmits or on a leave of absence.
Use of Protected Health Information (PHI) by Students/Faculty and Staff policy and procedure.
BioRAFT training instructions can be found here. The link for BioRAFT training is here.
PLEASE NOTE: You will not be able to access the BioRAFT training until you have an active Drexel email account. This includes students who are readmits or on a leave of absence.
If you have a problem completing the process, please email support@bioraft.com.
For students, faculty and staff who are engaged in research, please complete CITI training, including the CITI Program’s Health Information Privacy & Security course (HIPS).
CITI training instructions can be found here. The link for CITI training is here.
Pennsylvania Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training for Mandated Reporters Training can be found here.
For questions regarding Drexel's response to Coronovirus, please visit: https://drexel.edu/coronavirus/
For specific questions regarding your programs specific requirements, contact your Compliance Coordinator: https://drexel.edu/cnhp/about/compliance/contactUs/
Cost varies slightly by program; most of the fees are built into your student fees.
Use any address where you can receive mail in the next 2 - 16 weeks.
Most programs require all documents to be submitted to CastleBranch. Please follow the specific instructions that were provided by your Compliance Coordinator.
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) are a blood test for TB infection. These tests require one visit and the results are available quickly. Students who have received BCG can obtain a IGRA test. There are two types currently on the market.
Yes, as long as your titer is positive, we will be able to override the rejection.
CNHP requires that CPR course completion cards must be issued by an AHA Training Center after completion of the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support (BLS) course (formerly known as BLS for Healthcare Providers). Please check the American Heart Association’s website for course availability. For your convenience, Drexel University's Department of EMS is an authorized AHA training center and you can register for classes or search upcoming training events on its AHA Training website.
Drexel recognizes that some states have legalized medical marijuana and certain amounts of recreational marijuana. However, marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug under federal law. As a result, any positive test for this drug will not be overturned by the third-party testing medical review officers, even if a medical marijuana card is presented or if you consumed recreational marijuana in a state where it was legal. Any questions, please contact dhcompliance@drexel.edu.
Volunteer searches are free once every 57 months. If you have had a search completed free of charge in the past 57 months, you must include payment to process your request. Please see the release form for current cost and methods of payment accepted.
BLS and ACLS are two separate and different classes offered by the AHA. All health professionals are required to have BLS certification. The ACLS class does not teach BLS skills. ACLS is an advanced optional course.
As long as the card submission says BLS RQI, this will be accepted for the BLS requirement.
Our mission as the Contracts and Compliance team is to facilitate excellence in contractual and compliance processes. We are committed to providing transparent, efficient and user-friendly support to our students, professional staff, faculty and partners. Through clear communication, continuous improvement and adherence to the highest standards, we strive to empower and enable each academic unit to achieve its academic and research objectives, fostering a culture of integrity, inclusivity and collaboration.
As part of our mission, we strive to reach and support all students as they work on requirements to enhance their educational experiences.
Cecile McDuffie
Associate Director, Clinical Compliance and Contract Operations
267.359.5881
caj57@drexel.edu
For more information regarding compliance for the ACE program, Elkins Park programs, clinical staff and faculty
Mabineh Dukuly
md3893@drexel.edu
Administrative Assistant, Clinical Operations
For more information regarding compliance Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
General compliance questions:
Download and print the checklist that provides the due dates for your compliance requirements. If requested, initiate the CastleBranch profile and begin to upload your completed documents and training completion certificates. If there is a rejection on your CastleBranch profile, please log in to your account and view the specific instructions to assist you with how to correct the rejection. If you have any specific questions, please reach out to CastleBranch first. Ask questions early and often if you find you are having a problem. Your questions will be answered in a timely manner—within 24 business hours during the week and 48 hours over the weekend.
