Collin's Law

Ohio is one of 44 states with laws against hazing. Collin's Law: The Ohio Anti-Hazing Act, effective October 7, 2021, makes acts of hazing a second-degree misdemeanor and acts of hazing that include coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs or abuse that result in serious physical harm a felony of the third degree. Collin's Law also requires reporting to law enforcement and prevention education offered from the university to students, employees and advisors.  

The Ohio Revised Code, Section 2903.31 defines hazing as "doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse, as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code."

Hazing can subject individuals to criminal and civil penalties. For more information about Ohio's statutes and those from other states, see the interactive map provided by hazingprevention.org.

So what did Collin's Law: Ohio's Anti-hazing Act Do?

Collin’s Law made several changes to Ohio law. Collin’s law:

• Expands the definition of hazing and specifies that hazing may include “coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse."
• Increases the penalty for hazing to a 2nd-degree misdemeanor.
• Expands the list of officials required to report hazing.
• Widens the scope of those who can be punished for participating in or permitting hazing. (A violation that results in serious harm is a 3rd-degree felony.)
• Requires that those aware of hazing report it to authorities, with penalties up to a 1st-degree misdemeanor for failing to do so.
• Requires the Ohio Department of Higher Education to implement a statewide anti-hazing plan.
• Requires staff and volunteers at colleges and universities to complete education on hazing awareness and prevention. 

Students of nursing have a responsibility to society in learning the academic theory and clinical skills needed to provide nursing care. The clinical setting presents unique challenges and responsibilities while caring for human beings in a variety of health care environments.

The Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct are based on an understanding that to practice nursing as a student is an agreement to uphold the thrust with which society has place in us. The statements of the Code provide guidance for the nursing student in the personal development of an ethical foundation and need not be limited strictly to the academic or clinical environment but can assist in the holistic development of the person.

As students are involved in the academic and clinical environments, we believe that ethical principles are a necessary guide to professional development. Therefore, within these environments we:

• Advocate for the rights of all clients.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Take appropriate action to ensure the safety of clients, self, and others.
• Provide care for the client in a timely, compassionate and professional manner.
• Communicate client care in a truthful, timely, and accurate manner.
• Actively promote the highest level of moral and ethical principles and accept responsibility for our actions.
• Promote excellence in nursing by encouraging lifelong learning and professional development.
• Treat others with respect and promote an environment that respects human rights, values, and choice of cultural and spiritual beliefs.
• Collaborate in every reasonable manner with the academic faculty and clinical staff to ensure the highest quality of client care.
• Use every opportunity to improve faculty and clinical understanding of the learning needs of nursing students.
• Encourage faculty, clinical staff, and peers to mentor nursing students.
• Refrain from performing any technique or procedure for which the student has not been adequately trained.
• Refrain from any deliberate action or omission of care in the academic or clinical setting that creates unnecessary risk of injury to the client, self, or others.
• Assist the staff nurse or preceptor in ensuring that there is full disclosure, and that proper authorization is obtained from clients regarding any form of treatment or research.
• Abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages or any substances in the academic and clinical setting that impair judgment.
• Strive to achieve and maintain an optimal level of personal health.
• Support access to treatment and rehabilitation for students who are experiencing impairments related to substance abuse and mental or physical health issues.
• Uphold school policies and regulations related to academic and clinical performance, reserving the right to challenge and critique rules and regulations as per school grievance policy. 

The nursing student is expected to always conduct himself/herself in a professional manner. The following guidelines are to assist the student in the development of professional behavior and relationships in academic and clinical environments:

• An appropriate title and surname are to be used when addressing instructors, co-workers, patients, and family members, unless the person being addressed indicated otherwise.
• Knock on doors before entering offices and ask permission to enter.
• Use of inappropriate language or behavior will not be tolerated at any time. Oral or written conduct or expression that slanders, harasses, demeans, degrades, bullies discriminate, or threatens and/or is offensive to the prevalent standards of the school, its student body, or its community, is prohibited.
• Intelligent questioning of staff/instructors is proper and welcomed. Questions should be constructive and geared toward learning outcomes.
• Students are to refrain from gossiping, needless complaining, loud talking, boisterous laughing, gum chewing, and other activities that disturb other classmates in the academic setting or patient in the clinical setting.
• Smoking is to occur only in designated areas.
• No “horseplay” is allowed in the lab or clinical setting.

Hazing [Effective as of Oct. 7, 2021]: As set forth in Ohio Revised Code section 2903.31, as amended, “hazing” means doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse, as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code.

Campus safety is our top priority, and we take all reports of misconduct seriously to protect everyone’s health and well-being. Richard Medical Academy depends on community members to identify and report behaviors of concern so that the College can provide distressed students and employees with appropriate support services and resources. We are all responsible for campus safety. If you see any concerning behavior or suspicious behavior report it at Campus.Director@Richardmedicalacademy.com

A display of unprofessional behavior on the part of the nursing student is inexcusable, even under trying conditions or situations. The student must remain professional and in control of his/her emotions. A student who does not adhere to the behavior code will be asked to leave the classroom or clinical area and will be reviewed for dismissal. Repeated offenses at any time during the progression of this program will be cause to question whether the student is able to accept personal and professional responsibility, and will result in dismissal.