Annual Federal Notices

Drug-Free Workplace

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Amendments of 1989 require that Indiana University publish an annual statement about drugs and alcohol.

Standards of conduct
The university prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or alcohol on university premises or while conducting university business off university premises. Lawful dispensation, possession or use of alcoholic beverages on university property is limited to specifically authorized events.

University sanctions
All employees must notify the vice president, provost, or chancellor of any conviction under a criminal drug statute for violations occurring on or off university premises while conducting university business, within 5 days of the conviction. An employee who is suspected of violating the law is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination and referral of the case to the prosecutor’s office. Completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program may be established as a condition of continued employment.

An employee’s off-work use of alcohol or drugs can cause excessive absenteeism or tardiness, accidents, and poor work performance. If this can reasonably be established, the employee will be advised to seek counseling.

Criminal penalties
Conviction under state and federal laws can result in fines, confiscation of automobiles and other property, and imprisonment. A conviction can also result in the loss of a license to drive or to practice in certain professions, and barred opportunities from employment.

Health risks
Alcohol abuse can cause numerous problems such as, impaired coordination and reasoning, unsafe driving, damaged liver and nervous and circulatory systems, and death. The use of illicit drugs can cause problems such as, impaired short-term memory or comprehension, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations, and death.

Assistance and rehabilitation
Employees are encouraged to seek confidential information and referral assistance from the IU Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP counselors are available by toll-free call at 888-234-8327. (Available to full-time appointed employees and their household members.) Employees are also advised to check with their medical plan administrator for coverage information about substance abuse.

Full policy information
All IU employees are covered by this policy. Staff and Hourly employees can view the specific policy; Academic employees can view the policy.

HIPAA Privacy Practices

Indiana University has a longstanding policy of maintaining the confidentiality of personal health information used to administer its employee health plans. In April 2003, personal health information created or used by employer-sponsored health plans gained special protection under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Notice of Privacy Practices is available to employees in plan booklets and on the University Human Resource Services Web site as a PDF document. This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

Personal health information from sources other than the health plan is also used by the university. These uses include making workplace ADA accommodations, providing benefits for job-related injuries, evaluating long-term disability, and administering other employment programs and benefits. While these uses are not covered under HIPAA, health information associated with these functions is handled in accordance with state and federal laws and the university policy on confidentiality.

Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA)

All of the University’s employee medical plans comply with WHCRA. These plans cover the following services related to a mastectomy patient:

• Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed
• Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to provide a symmetrical appearance
• Prosthesis and physical complications related to all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedemas

Refer to respective medical plan documents for any preferred provider and utilization management requirements.