Drug testing is an important practice for many organizations, particularly for those in the transportation industry. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific regulations regarding drug testing, which are designed to ensure the safety of both employees and the public. However, the issue of donor consent can be a complex one.
What is DOT Drug Testing?
DOT drug testing is a program established by the Department of Transportation to ensure that employees in safety-sensitive positions are not impaired by drugs or alcohol while on the job. These positions include, but are not limited to, commercial drivers, pilots, and railroad employees. The DOT drug testing program requires that employees undergo drug testing for a number of specific reasons:
- Pre-Employment
- Random
- Post-Accident
- Reasonable Suspicion
- Return To Duty
- Follow-Up
Many employers who are not regulated by the DOT follow similar practices.
What is Donor Consent?
Donor consent is the voluntary agreement of an individual to submit to drug testing. In the context of non-regulated drug and alcohol testing, donor consent is often required before an employee can be tested. Without the employee’s consent, the drug test should not be conducted.
Donor consent is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the employee is aware that they will be tested and agrees to the testing. This helps to protect the employee’s rights and ensures that the testing is conducted in a fair and ethical manner. When donor consent is required, the employee must sign the agreement to indicate their consent to the testing. Typically an offer for employment is conditioned upon passing a pre-employment drug test. Drug and alcohol testing requirements are typically described in a company policy.
You are advised to consult with an employment law professional, but many would argue that submitting to an employment drug test typically implies consent. When you apply for a job, it is not uncommon for the employer to require you to undergo a drug test as a condition of employment. By submitting to the drug test, you are giving your implied consent for the employer to test your urine, blood, or hair for the presence of drugs.
When Is Donor Consent Required?
Donor consent is typically required for drug testing in non-DOT contexts when being drug-free is one of the conditions of employment as described in an employer’s written drug policy. Employers in many industries require drug-free workplaces, especially if they employ safety-sensitive workers, or have employees in healthcare settings, sports organizations, or academic institutions.
In these contexts, donor consent is generally required by the employer to ensure that the individual being tested is aware of the purpose and nature of the testing and has agreed to undergo the testing. Donor consent is obtained through a written agreement, which often describes the terms and conditions of the testing, including the types of drugs being tested for, the consequences of a positive test result, and any rights the individual may have with respect to the testing process.
Specific requirements for donor consent may vary depending on the context and the jurisdiction.
Donor Consent and DOT Drug Testing
Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to testing as a condition of their employment, and refusing a test is considered a violation of DOT regulations and can result in disciplinary action or the loss of a commercial driver’s license.
The DOT drug testing program is designed to ensure the safety of employees and the public by identifying and removing individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol from safety-sensitive positions. The program includes pre-employment testing, random testing, and testing after accidents or incidents. All employees who perform safety-sensitive functions are subject to testing. To ensure the success of a random DOT testing for example, it is important for the employee to not be aware when the testing will happen.
Donor consent not required for DOT drug testing. It is actually not permitted.
Why is it important to not ask for consent when it comes to DOT Drug Testing?
Unlike drug testing in non-DOT contexts, donor consent is not required for DOT drug testing, as the testing is considered a condition of employment in safety-sensitive positions.
There are several reasons why donor consent is not required for DOT drug testing. First, safety-sensitive positions involve a high degree of responsibility for the safety of the public and other individuals, and the DOT drug testing program is designed to ensure that employees in these positions are not impaired by drugs or alcohol while on the job. Requiring donor consent could undermine the effectiveness of the program by allowing individuals to avoid testing and continue to work while impaired.
Second, requiring donor consent could also create legal and ethical issues for employers and testing agencies. If an employer were to require donor consent for DOT drug testing, it could create the impression that the testing is optional, which could lead to confusion among employees and potential legal challenges. Moreover, requiring consent could also raise concerns about privacy and confidentiality, as employees may feel pressured to provide consent or may be concerned about the disclosure of their test results.
What are the Consequences of Refusing a DOT Drug Test?
Refusing a DOT drug test can have serious consequences for employees in safety-sensitive positions. Refusal to submit to testing is treated as a positive test result, and the employee must be immediately removed from performing safety-sensitive functions. Refusal to submit to testing for FMCSA-regulated employees must also be reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Here is how the DOT describes it:
DOT Rule 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.27
May an employer require an employee to sign a consent or release in connection with the DOT drug and alcohol testing program?
No, as an employer, you must not require an employee to sign a consent, release, waiver of liability, or indemnification agreement with respect to any part of the drug or alcohol testing process covered by this part (including, but not limited to, collections, laboratory testing, MRO and SAP services).
[66 FR 41950, Aug. 9, 2001] – Source
DOT Urine Specimen Collection Guidelines – page 9
Note: No one (including collection site personnel or the collector) is permitted to require an employee to sign a consent, release, or waiver of liability, or indemnification agreement with respect to any part of the drug testing process. Collection sites (clinics) may not use “generic” consent forms for DOT-required urine specimen collections, even if their clinic policy requires consent from the general patient population. – Source
Make sure you have the following boxes checked
- Make sure each employee has received a copy of your written drug policy and that you obtain a signed receipt. This is not only a good idea. It is also required for DOT regulated employees.
- Make sure each covered employee has received a copy of the DOT Employee Handbook and that you obtain a signed receipt.
- Read and understand the DOT Employer Handbook (pdf).
InOut Labs clients are offered all of these documents as well as unlimited consulting regarding these and other related requirements.
