Subject: Pre-Commencement Drug Testing
Purpose: To ensure a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Federal Drug- Free Workplace Act of 1988
Policy: Adventist HealthCare will not hire anyone who is known to be currently abusing drugs. To help ensure this, after a job offer has been made, a drug test will be done on the physical exam date, thus helping to ensure a safe environment for hospital employees, patients, and the general public.
1. Applicants will be notified of the testing procedure via the employment form, flyers/postings displayed in the Human Resources office and during job interviews.
2. A consent form will be obtained from the potential employee, outlining applicable procedures, and the possible consequences of positive results and refusal to take the test.
3. Substances test for will include, but not be limited to: amphetamines, methadone, PCP, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates, cannabinoids and ecstasy. AHC will test for cotinine, a nicotine by-product to promote a tobacco free workplace. AHC retains the right to test for other drugs.
4. A body fluid specimen (urine/blood/saliva) will be obtained in the Employee Health Clinic on the date of your physical. Refusal to consent to drug testing will result in the denial of employment.
5. Specimens will be obtained in such a way as to maintain the individuals’ dignity and privacy while also ensuring the best possibility that the specimen is legitimate.
6. In order to further ensure the security of the specimen, the employee will initial a tamper proof seal and immediately place it on the specimen container, in accordance with the chain of custody procedure. The specimen will then be sent to a NIDA certified lab selected by the Hospital.
7. Results of the test will be confidential and made available only on a “need to know” basis within the Hospital. If results are positive, the individual will be offered the opportunity to have the same specimen re-tested at a credential lab. The individual will also be given the opportunity to determine whether positive test results might be due to reasons other than drug abuse. Confirmed positive results indicating unlawful drug use or tobacco use will result in the denial of employment at Adventist HealthCare.
8. If a potential employee is denied employment due to positive drug results or because of refusal to take the test, they will be given the opportunity to reapply after a waiting period of one (1) year. Those testing positive for cotinine are given the opportunity to re-apply in 90 days, if they can truthfully attest that they have not used any nicotine/cotinine products in the past ninety (90) days and successfully pass follow-up testing. Managers and supervisors will only be informed that the person was not able to pass the physical at this time.
9. Employees are subject to testing for cause as provided in the Substance Abuse Policy.
I have been given the opportunity to read the drug testing policy and ask any questions that I might have regarding testing.