Government Employee Drug Testing

Guidance on Drug Testing at a Government Workplace

Government employee drug testing is a long-held practice by federal agencies as well as state and local entities. Most employees of the United States Government are subject to random drug testing and reasonable suspicion testing, with specific positions having the most stringent standards.

Icarus Idaho is based in Boise, our beautiful state capital. In addition to the state legislative body, several federal departments have offices here. The workforce is diverse, with many dedicated public servants. Still, drug and alcohol abuse impact people from every background, even those with prestigious careers.

Please keep reading to learn more about testing designated positions and how random drug testing can impact your employment status.

Drug Testing Policies at the U.S. Department of Health

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has comprehensive drug testing policies that apply to both applicants and current employees. The following positions are testing designated positions:

• Public safety and law enforcement officers
• Sensitive positions with certain data access
• Public well-being oversight

These positions require testing before starting a job. Additionally, department employees are subject to random drug testing and follow-up testing after a violation or during a return-to-duty after an alcohol or drug violation. The criteria are clear: a positive result will bar applicants from job offers and can result in disciplinary action for current federal employees.

The Role of Health and Human Services in Federal Drug Testing

Most people equate HHS with public health. But, unknown to most Americans, the Department of Health and Human Services also manages federal agencies’ drug testing procedures. HHS sets the scientific and technical criteria for routine testing in federal workplaces and ensures the accuracy of test results. HHS also handles laboratory certification, ensuring that specimens and urine samples collected are analyzed accurately and fairly. By doing this, HHS helps ensure a safe, drug-free workplace in all government sectors.

How Federal Agencies Handle Pre-Employment and Workplace Drug Testing

Federal programs must follow the law when using drug tests to hire applicants or monitor their existing workers. Pre-employment drug testing is mandatory for certain safety-sensitive roles, especially jobs that impact:

• National security
• Law enforcement
• Anyone who may carry firearms
• Transportation
• Access to controlled substances

Besides these testing-designated positions, many federal departments have ongoing testing for their employees. These can be random drug tests or testing based on individualized suspicion of alcohol or drug use. Drug testing might also be appropriate post-accident or after a return-to-duty agreement after a positive drug test.

The Drug Free Workplace Program Requirement for Government Employment

The Drug-Free Workplace Program is a government initiative that requires federal and many state agencies to maintain an environment free of drug or alcohol use. The program includes education, prevention, and drug testing to reduce employee illegal drug use. The program applies to all employees, from top management to office or maintenance workers.

Under the DFWP, federal employees can be screened for drug use, including illicit drugs like cocaine and state-legal drugs like marijuana (which still remains illegal on a federal level). Employees ‘ program compliance is a condition of remaining employed.

What Random Testing Looks Like for Government Workers at All Levels

Random drug testing is a powerful tool for discouraging employee drug use. With the cost of a positive drug test being possible termination, many government employees avoid using drugs at all. Federal, state, and local government employees, especially anyone involved in positions determined to be critical to public security, know that a urinalysis can happen without prior notice. A computer randomly generates employee testing lists, and tests can occur at random, unexpected times.

Employees who undergo the random drug testing process must immediately report to a designated test site or lab. Refusal to attend or delay tactics usually result in the determination of a violation by management. The testing method is a 5-panel test, which screens for the following substances:

• Marijuana (THC presence, even if it is legal in adjoining states)
• Cocaine and crack cocaine
• Amphetamines (includes methamphetamines, ecstasy, MDMA)
• Opiates (includes heroin, morphine, codeine, and others)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

On a federal level, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) mandates that all testing remains confidential, whether routine/random drug testing or post-accident screenings. States, counties, and municipalities usually base their guidelines on those of federal agencies, with some exceptions. If you’re an applicant, contact the local or state agency for information on their individual hiring standards and drug testing policies.

Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing

Reasonable suspicion testing occurs when there are observable signs of illegal drug use. Examples include:

• Physical symptoms of drug abuse
• Noticeable odors on the employee (like marijuana smoke or alcohol vapors)
• Employee performance is suffering, perhaps endangering others

Supervisors must recognize and document the circumstances before they request reasonable suspicion testing. Implementing these policies and procedures ensures employee well-being and the general public’s safety.

What Is a Medical Review Officer in Illegal Drug Use Testing?

The Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a doctor who reviews drug test laboratory results. MROs confirm whether a test is positive or negative or requires further review and testing.

When a subject receives a positive result, the MRO questions them to learn if they have any prescription medications. The employee then has a chance to report any medically necessary substances, health concerns, or special situations. The MRO considers and verifies this additional information to make a fair decision before reporting it to agency management.

The approved process ensures fairness and accuracy. MROs maintain the integrity of the process while allowing employees to explain a positive test result due to any special medical considerations.

Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issues mandatory guidelines for testing federal employees. These guidelines ensure that all employees follow standard processes regarding sample collection, laboratory procedures, and reports. This strict implementation ensures employee rights and upholds high standards. Standards are upheld by management on multiple levels, from department supervisors to the general counsel offices of the different agencies.

Human Services Jobs and Drug Testing Requirements for Local and State Employees

Like federal employees, local and state workers in certain roles may be subject to disciplinary action if they fail a test for illegal drugs. The positions affected typically require a high degree of trust and professional responsibility. Many state and municipal agencies require clean drug testing before applicants can start a new position. They are also likely to experience random testing or follow-up testing if re-entering employment after an accident or other violation.

Get Treatment for Drug or Alcohol Use at Icarus Idaho

Using drugs or alcohol can cost you a fantastic government career. Local, state, and federal employees can be assigned random drug testing or be asked to test if involved in an accident or if supervisors suspect use.

If you are looking for a treatment program in the Boise area, Icarus Idaho can help! We minimize your out-of-pocket costs by accepting government insurance. We even provide an insurance coordinator who calls your company to obtain program pre-approvals. Call Icarus Idaho today – your information is always held confidential.