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Drug Test Consent Form

Drug Test Consent Form

Narcotics and other illicit substances negatively affect an employee’s performance, as well as their train of thought. And In as much as we wanted to find out if people are using these substances within our ranks, we can only do so without violating their person in any way. Letting our employees sign a drug test consent form is the only way to find out the truth once and for all. Read on further and learn more. Read More

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Drug Test Consent Form

A drug test consent form is a consent form that allows us to subject our employees to a drug test legally. This is to ensure that testing them for substance abuse and use is done voluntarily and fairly—according to the standards set by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). And like other consent forms, employees fill out and sign a drug test consent form as part of their responsibility for a safer workplace.

Drug abuse has caused expensive problems for companies and institutions. And knowing the root cause of such a menace is the only way to combat it. But, we must carefully do this without harming our employee’s privacy by letting them sign a drug test consent form. For us to do this, here are some tips in making a drug test consent form and maintain safety in the workplace and the company.

1. Ask for the Employee’s Name

In making a drug test consent form for the company, the first thing it must do is ask for the employee’s name. This part is where you can find their statement of consent to conduct such tests. What’s more, having their name in the first part of the consent form also indicates their willingness to participate in such a test as well.

2. Indicate the Substances to be Detected

Each type of drug requires a certain type of test to detect them. So the next thing a drug test consent form must do is to indicate which type of substances must employees be tested for. Each of the substances is divided according to the potency and degree of harm they bring to a person. You may choose one category that employees must be tested for, or opt to have them tested for all categories for better results.

3. Outline Its Terms and Conditions

Next, the consent form must also give employees a full understanding of the necessity of conducting a drug test. So the next it must do is to outline the terms and conditions of the drug test consent form itself. This involves promising that any positive drug results will not be used in criminal proceedings against them, remedies for erroneous test results, and allow them to prove that they’re taking prescription drugs before the test.

4. Let the Employee Sign the Consent Form

A consent form wouldn’t be complete without the employee’s signature on it. And, their signatures sums-up their willingness to undergo the test and full understanding of the consequences of refusing to take part in it. So the last thing to do in making a drug test consent form is to provide a space that they can sign-on. This space is usually found on the last and bottom part of the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Refusing to sign a drug test consent form indicates an employee’s refusal to undergo drug testing. And doing so will also give negative consequences for the employee, as well. An outstanding consequence of such refusal is the termination of the employee from his job.

Yes, as it is still illegal for us to test our employees for illicit substances without their consent. Additionally, we may also be required to notify employees beforehand whenever we plan to conduct such tests in the future. Aside from that, we must also consider state laws about drug testing as not all states permit such tests to be conducted.

Drug tests vary according to the type and category of substances that needed to detect from an employee’s system. However, the point is to find out which ones are using them and what type of illicit drugs they’re using. The common drugs that these tests detect are listed as follows.

  • Amphetamines
  • THC
  • Cocaine
  • Opiates
  • Phencyclidine

Additionally, drug tests often collect samples from an employee’s hair, urine, blood, and other physical indicators of substance use. Moreover, these tests are often intrusive thus the need for an employee’s permission before conducting such tests.

Yes. Companies may require applicants to undergo drug testing—apart from background checks— before being hired. However, we are required to notify our applicants before subjecting them to such tests. But before doing so, we must also check our local laws first as drug testing laws and guidelines vary from state to state.

Possibly. Although schools can conduct drug tests without consent, such matter has been subject to much controversy with court rulings favoring both sides. And besides the Supreme Court’s approval for testing athletes for opiates and performance-enhancing drugs, testing the rest remains a case by case question without clear answers

What is the governing body that guides drug testing and drug test consents in general?

Drug testing and drug test consents are governed by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This body sets the standards and guidelines on conducting drug tests in companies and different institutions. Apart from that, SAMHSA also ensures that the rights and privacy of patients are protected during this potentially intrusive test.

An unsound mind and blurry senses often cause injuries in the workplace. And, drugs and illicit substances often play a part in causing these. Preventing these substances from proliferating in your company means providing a safe and conducive space for your employees. But achieving a safe workplace always begins by voluntarily signing a drug test consent.