IC Medical Amnesty Policy (MAP) – FAQ
How did the MAP originate?
The MAP was proposed by two student groups: SSDP (Students for a Sensible Drug
Policy) and the SGA (Student Government Association). Meetings were held during 2009-
10 involving students, staff, and administrators. In May, 2010, the MAP was approved and
endorsed by the SGA, the President’s Council, and the Board of Trustees as a pilot
program. In the fall of 2012, the MAP was approved as a permanent IC policy. The impact
of the MAP will be periodically evaluated..
What is the purpose of the MAP?
A survey at IC found that some students are reluctant to seek help in alcohol or drugrelated emergencies because of fear of college judicial consequences. Since alcohol or
drug overdose, poisoning, and misuse are potentially fatal, it is essential that medical
assistance be called immediately if a concern exists. The purpose of the MAP is to reduce
harm, and ultimately save lives, by encouraging students to seek assistance for their
friends and themselves when a medical emergency arises due to the use of alcohol or
other drugs.
How does the MAP work?
The student who receives medical assistance related to alcohol or other drug use - and
the student who summoned help - will not be sanctioned through the college judicial
system, IF THE FOLLOWING APPLY:
-
The student or a friend of the student calls to request medical
assistance.
-
The case has been approved for amnesty by the Office of Judicial
Affairs.
-
No other conduct violations (including combative or threatening behavior,
vandalism, failure to show ID, or others) were committed by the student
during the same incident.
-
The student completes a required educational follow-up in a timely
manner.
How many medical amnesties can a student receive?
The student needing assistance is eligible for medical amnesty only once. Repeated
incidents will result in a higher level of intervention and possible sanctions. Students who
call for help on behalf of someone else are NOT limited to one amnesty.
What is the “educational follow-up” that is required for amnesty?
The follow-up will depend on the needs of the student involved. Most students will be
required to complete IC BASICS, a two-session, individualized education program designed
to help students explore their use of substances and identify changes to reduce their level
of personal risk. IC BASICS is coordinated by the Center for Health Promotion in the
Office of Counseling & Wellness. It is a free, nonjudgmental, and confidential program.
What if illegal drugs are involved?
Medical amnesty applies to emergency situations involving ALL drugs. Both the student
needing assistance and the one that called will receive amnesty, if all the conditions
described above are met. However, the MAP does not supersede state and federal laws,
so legal consequences may arise from illegal drug use. Legal, civil, or criminal
consequences would be handled by the Office of Public Safety, the Ithaca Police
Department, or the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office.
What about alcohol or other drug emergencies that happen off campus?
The MAP only provides amnesty under the campus judicial system. Since off-campus
incidents typically do not fall under the College’s jurisdiction, the IC MAP would not apply.
However, the New York State legislature recently passed a statewide medical amnesty (or
“Good Samaritan”) law.
For more information about the MAP, contact the Office of Judicial Affairs at (607)274-3375.