1. I nvestor Newslette r
How To Incorporate An Employment Drug Screening
Procedure Into The Hiring Process
An employment screening check allows hiring personnel to really get to know a
potential hire. One key aspect of that test is an employment drug screening to
help identify problems before a candidate is hired.
No one wants to work with someone who is as periodic re-tests for current employees.
a safety hazard. Hiring personnel are Companies may also request a test if they
responsible for bringing the most qualified suspect on the job substance abuse or after
people into their companies. Candidates an on the job accident occurs. However, it
undergo a comprehensive employment is advisable to consult a lawyer to interpret
screening check to allow hiring managers federal and local laws related to testing to
to make informed decisions about the type ensure the program can meet any legal
of worker they are about to hire. Yet, one of challenges if any issues arise.
the most important screening steps is often
the most sensitive, the employment drug Federal guidelines and standards are set
screening. The risk associated with hiring a forth by the Substance Abuse and Mental
person who abuses illegal substances is Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),
entirely too high to ever skip an which is part of the U.S. Department of
employment drug screening. Health and Human Services. Tests actively
check for amphetamines, opiates,
When using this tool, human resources cannabinoids, phencyclidine, and cocaine;
personnel have to be careful how they the tests can even detect trace amounts
proceed. There are a number of laws from usage up to 30 days before the test.
governing drug testing along with union
issues if applicable. Utilizing an effective No company should attempt to perform
program that follows the letter of the law is testing in-house. Certified laboratories are
the best way to hire the perfect candidate. required for official results; the best way to
implement a program would be to contract
Know Your Rights And The a service for collection and analysis. In this
Laws Governing Employment way, the results are properly certified and
from a licensed provider.
Drug Screening
The 1988 Drug-Free Workplace Act The Public Sector
governs many of the guidelines of the
how's and when's of a drug testing For government and public positions, the
program. Private companies typically have rules are not much different. Federal and
the right to test for illegal substances as a local laws will specify which positions and
condition of hiring a new employee as well agencies must check applicants for

2. What Hiring Managers Should Do With
Background Criminal Checks
substance use. Here, it is mandated by law
to use approved testing providers that
follow all standard set forth by the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration.
Unions And The Employment
Screening Check
The presence of unions within a company
changes the procedure for establishing a
drug testing policy somewhat. All union
members must be informed of the intention
to require drug testing and then the
company must negotiate with the labor
union. The specific terms and conditions
will be established during the bargaining
process and are then integrated into the
drug testing program. Beyond that, the
same laws and regulations still apply, but
always make sure to reference the most
recent bargaining agreement.
Kevin Connell is an author for AccuScreen, the industry
leader in employment screening checks since 1994.
AccuScreen provides comprehensive services including
employment drug screening.