Medical Amnesty Policy 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is committed to the health and safety of all members of the UAB community. UAB strongly encourages students to seek medical assistance for themselves and others in serious or life-threatening situations involving alcohol or illicit drugs. Students may hesitate to seek medical assistance because they fear consequences from the University; however, promptly seeking medical attention is always the right choice. Students should call UAB Police at (205) 934-3535 or 911 immediately. Letting someone "sleep it off" is not safe.

Under this policy, students who seek emergency medical assistance for themselves or others due to alcohol or drug use may be eligible for medical amnesty in lieu of conduct action for drug or alcohol use. This policy does not apply to other types of misconduct prohibited by the Student Conduct Code or other UAB policies, such as property damage or acts of violence.

To determine eligibility for medical amnesty, the Office of Community Standards & Student Accountability will review each case individually. Students must complete any recommended education or treatment assigned by a Non-Academic Student Conduct Resolution Officer. Failing to complete these steps may result in conduct action.
 

Procedures

If a student seeks medical help for themselves or another person due to alcohol or drug use, neither the student in need of help nor the person seeking help will face formal conduct charges for alcohol or drug use if the procedures below are followed. Instead, UAB will focus on education and health.

For this policy to apply:

1. The reporting student must seek help (call 911, report to housing staff, etc.), stay with the person needing assistance, and cooperate with staff and emergency responders.
2. The student receiving medical help and the student who called for help must meet with a Non-Academic Student Conduct Resolution Officer.
3. If required, students must complete education, assessment, or treatment to address health and safety concerns.
4. Student organizations involved in an alcohol- or drug-related incident must take steps to address concerns.
5. Repeated incidents may lead to further intervention.

If a student is taken to a hospital for alcohol or drug-related reasons, their parents or guardians may be notified if necessary for safety. If a student is involved in multiple incidents, UAB will evaluate if they still qualify for amnesty. Non-compliance with these requirements may result in the student being subject to further university conduct actions.

This policy applies only to UAB’s student conduct process and does not prevent law enforcement from enforcing state or federal laws. UAB reserves the right to determine when amnesty applies and may adjust sanctions accordingly.

Remember: Getting help saves lives. If you or someone else is in danger, always call for medical assistance.

RELATED POLICIES
Student Conduct Code