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Have you heard that many employers are scrapping pre-employment drug testing? If so, you heard right.
But the Pre-Employment Government Drug Test for federal jobs? That remains firmly in place.
Are you wondering, what kind of drug test does the federal government use? What is the federal employee drug testing policy?
Let’s take a deep dive into what the government drug test is, and what it means for people looking for work.
Do Government Jobs Drug Test?
The answer is no, but they can. Federal employees must not use illicit substances – either during working hours or in their own time.
The Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988 sets out requirements for federal contractors and grantees. If they meet the following criteria, they must have a drug-free workplace policy:
- Receive a federal contract for $100,000 or more
- Receive a federal grant of any size
In practice, this means that these organizations must have and distribute a drug-free workplace policy. They should back this up with a drug-free awareness program. There are also drug reporting requirements.
In such organizations, employees are aware that they can be tested for drugs at any time. If you apply for these kinds of jobs, it’s reasonable to expect to take a federal government pre-employment drug test.
Also, if a workplace incident occurs, expect to be drug tested.
Safety and Security Sensitive Industries
Certain jobs that place a high level of trust in the federal employee. That’s why employees in these government departments are subject to mandatory drug testing:
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Department of Defense (DOD)
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Additionally, federal employees in law enforcement have regular testing. So do national security employees and those in other responsible roles.
State and federal law enforcement officers and EMTs will usually have regular drug tests.
In this context, federal pre-employment drug testing has a wider meaning. It won’t just happen before an individual first starts work.
It will also happen when an individual begins safety-sensitive functions for the first time. This could mean when they move to a new position within the same service or gain a promotion.
Depending on the department, in-service testing may be random. It may also happen when there is reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use.
If drug use is detected, this does not automatically lead to termination in all departments. Policies vary from department to department and depend on the sensitivity of the role.
For example, the DOT support employees with substance issues. First, they refer them to a trained substance abuse professional.
This professional will assess training needs. He or she will also advise when the employee is ready to return to work.
How State Law Affects Government Drug Test
In addition to federal law, as set out in the Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988, states also have legislation affecting drug testing.
For example, in the state of Kansas, state government employees can be subject to drug testing. However, federal government pre-employment drug testing will apply after a job offer has been made.
This applies to safety-sensitive jobs only. The adverts for these jobs need to specify that drug testing is mandatory.
The state of California has different requirements. It permits testing for applicants to positions of sensitivity within state agencies. For public transportation drivers, testing is a requirement.
Does Marijuana Count Anymore?
Changes to legislation in certain states have led to confusion. Currently, 37 states have legalized the use of marijuana for medical or recreational use.
However, under federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule 1 substance. All federal employees must avoid all such substances at all times.
At any time, your employer can require you to take a government job drug test. If this finds marijuana in your system, your employer’s drug-free workplace policy will take effect.
Many departments test for the following drugs on the government drug test:
Marijuana remains at the top of the list, so all government employees must continue to avoid this substance.
Drug Testing for Medical Professionals
A qualified medical officer must review all drug tests. This is a core federal government job drug test requirement for certain departments.
If you are working as a medical officer in a government department, how can you find drug tests in bulk that meet your needs?
The 12-panel multi-drug screen test is perfect for the standard urine drug test. It’s practically an instant drug test, as the results can be read through the cup in a few minutes.
Check out 12 Panel Now reviews to see how highly rated we are by our bulk drug test clients.
Choose 12PanelNow for Your Government Job Drug Test Needs!
Standards may be changing in some industries, but federal regulations remain the same! Get the best drug test kits and fulfill your government drug test requirements – all for an affordable price.
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