Medical Amnesty

In consultation with Community Council and The Drug and Alcohol Task Force, the Dean of Student Services Office has defined the Medical Amnesty policy as follows:

Student Services is committed to providing support and assistance to students struggling with issues related to substance use. Students who come forward to actively seek help when they are concerned about their own use or that of their friends and/or acquaintances will not face disciplinary action related to substance use. The goal of this policy is to decrease the likelihood that a student will hesitate to seek help in an alcohol or drug-related emergency. Medical Amnesty encourages safety and responsibility throughout the community and promotes education/treatment for individuals who receive emergency medical attention to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.

In cases of alcohol and drug intoxication, the primary concern is the health and safety of the individual(s) involved. Individuals are strongly encouraged to call for medical assistance (5555 on campus, 911 off campus) for themselves or for another member of the community who is dangerously intoxicated.

Students seeking emergency medical assistance for alcohol and drug overuse will be granted “one-time” amnesty and will not be subject to disciplinary sanctions for the sole violation of using or possessing the substance. Medical Amnesty is not automatic and is earned only once the student has met with the house staff and one of the Student Service deans, at their respective request, and successfully completes any educational/wellness follow up steps discussed in either meeting. Failure to meet with one of the Student Service deans and complete the follow up steps will be grounds for disciplinary action.

Students granted amnesty will not be exempt from disciplinary sanctions resulting from other policies that they violate while under the influence. Students will be expected to take responsibility for any negative impact their behaviors had on others or the environment (e.g., property damage, noise complaints, medical transports).

FAQ about Medical Amnesty—

What is the purpose of Medical Amnesty?

Student Services values the health and well being of our community members above all else. Last year the Community Health and Wellness Alcohol and Drug Taskforce recommended that we adopt Medical Amnesty as a matter of policy. Medical Amnesty seeks to decrease the likelihood that a student will hesitate to seek help in an alcohol-related emergency by granting amnesty from disciplinary sanctions to those involved in seeking help.

Medical Amnesty promotes safety and responsibility throughout the community. The policy also promotes education/treatment for individuals who receive emergency medical attention to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.

How does Medical Amnesty work?

Typically, Medical Amnesty only applies to the person in need of medical assistance and to those who assist in the seeking of medical assistance. Individuals seeking medical treatment for themselves or for another student in an alcohol or drug related medical emergency will be granted amnesty from disciplinary sanctions pertaining to their substance use. Other consequences, such as education or treatment, may be required.

Medical Amnesty only applies to violations of the Norms of Community Living as outlined in NSNS. It does not grant amnesty for criminal, civil, or legal consequences for violations of federal, state, or local law.

Students will not be granted amnesty from disciplinary sanctions resulting from other policies that they violate while under the influence of alcohol. For example, if a student became intoxicated and injures himself/herself in the process of punching a hole in a window (or damaged any college property), the student would not be subject to disciplinary action for being intoxicated but could still be held responsible for vandalism.

Follow-up evaluations and counseling are fundamental components of Medical Amnesty. Amnesty is only applied when students complete appropriate counseling and treatment as recommended. Failure to complete any evaluation, counseling, or treatment within the timeline outlined will result in the imposition of disciplinary sanctions.

Can a student be granted Medical Amnesty more than once?

Medical Amnesty is only granted one time. If an individual requires additional emergency medical assistance, it may be a sign that the student is unable to maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle and needs assistance beyond what we can provide here at Hampshire. The goal of this program is for the student, in conjunction with the Student Service deans and Health Services staff, to set a plan in place for the student to get help, get healthy, and return to the campus when ready.

If you need further information, please contact Dawn Ellinwood, Dean of Student Services.

This information came from https://intranet.hampshire.edu/hv/index.php?id=73