Are Drug Test Results Considered Medical Records?

Whether it be a 5-panel drug screen or a 22 panel drug test, when it comes to drug testing—you’ve probably asked yourself, “Are drug test results actually considered medical records?” It’s a great question and one that touches on some important issues like privacy, confidentiality, and legalities. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Drug Test Results: Medical Records or Not?

To put it simply, drug test results are typically not classified as medical records, however they do fall under the umbrella of protected health information (PHI). There’s a distinction between the two, but it’s easy to see why the confusion exists. 

Drug test results, especially when they’re part of pre-employment or ongoing workplace screenings, are seen as sensitive information that can have direct effects on someone’s job status. While they aren’t technically medical records, they are still treated with a high level of confidentiality.

What Does HIPAA Say About Drug Test Results?

When it comes to drug testing, such as a 5-panel drug screen, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a familiar term that often comes up. HIPAA is a law that protects individuals’ medical information from being disclosed without their consent. But the big question is, does HIPAA apply to drug test results?

In short, it depends. Drug test results themselves are not covered by HIPAA unless they are handled by a healthcare provider, health plan, or a healthcare clearinghouse. If your drug test is performed by an employer as part of their internal drug-free workplace policy, your results may not be considered HIPAA-protected. However, employers must still safeguard that information and maintain confidentiality due to other laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

How Employers Handle Drug Test Results

Employers are often required to keep drug test results confidential, though the specifics vary depending on federal, state, and local laws. These results are usually stored separately from medical files but are still treated as sensitive information. Employers should limit access to drug test results to those who need to know, such as HR personnel or direct supervisors. In most cases, results are not shared widely to protect employee privacy.

Employers must also inform candidates or employees if a drug test is part of the hiring or employment process, and they must handle any positive results in a manner consistent with employment law.

Why This Matters for Employees and Employers

Understanding how drug test results are classified is crucial for both employers and employees. Employers need to ensure they’re compliant with relevant laws when handling drug testing information, while employees have the right to know how their personal information is being used and protected.

For employees, it’s always a good idea to ask how your results will be used, who will see them, and how long they’ll be stored. Employers should clearly communicate their drug testing policies, especially in industries where testing is frequent, like transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Order Your 5-Panel Drug Screen Today!

To wrap things up: while drug test results aren’t usually considered medical records, they are still highly sensitive. Employers have a responsibility to handle them with care, and employees should feel empowered to ask questions about their privacy.

At 12 Panel Now, we understand the importance of confidentiality and accurate results in the drug testing process. We provide a wide range of drug tests from 5-panel drug screens to 22 panel drug test kits. Our drug tests provide fast, reliable results while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and professionalism. Whether you’re an employer trying to navigate drug testing policies or an individual who’s been asked to take a test, knowing your rights and the laws surrounding drug test results can help you feel more confident and informed.

For more information on drug testing or to shop our range of testing products, feel free to contact us today!