On November 13, 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation disrupted the drug testing industry in a powerful and meaningful way. Effective January 1, 2018, the DOT drug test panel will include hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone and oxymorphone. Some common names for these semi-synthetic opioids include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, Exalgo®. Generally prescribed for [...]
Yes. A BIG FAT yes. Some companies mistakenly think that getting drug test results directly from a lab or from an in-house-administered instant test is good enough. And after reading this, they may still consider it worth the risk. But make no mistake. There are risks. Ultimately, you are responsible for ensuring a fair, reliable [...]
If it’s a truck driver, it’s your responsibility to find out. Many employers make an offer of employment contingent upon the results of a criminal background check and drug test. If the candidates pass, they’re hired. Employers regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, however, have another important requirement. First, you must ask the new [...]
Q. Do I have to allow medical or recreational use of marijuana since it is legal in my state? A. The short answer is no. So far. Up to this point, every time an employee has challenged a company’s drug policy, the company has prevailed. The operational word, though, is “policy.” If your company [...]
Some people try to cheat drug tests. Not most people. Then again, most people don't need to! But many who are worried about it work very hard to game the system. Nearly 10% of all full-time workers in the U.S. are illicit drug users. Yet only 3.8% of pre-employment urine drug tests are positive. Why? [...]
Occasionally, our clients ask if a positive drug test results in trouble with the law. No, we don’t call the police, but that doesn’t mean all is well. Sometimes an individual tests positive for cocaine or some other illegal drug. Are we obligated to turn the person in? Thankfully, no. We’re not trained in law [...]
On August 1, 2013, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law the “Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act.” Whether you support it or not, it WILL affect the workplace. And not in a good way. The drug testing and HR worlds are buzzing with concern and questions. Many questions. [...]
And 40% don’t do pre-employment drug screening (2010 SHRM survey). Bad idea. In fact, random testing of existing employees is a better deterrent than pre-employment testing. You can study for the pre-employment test. A couple of months ago we took on a new client. It’s a small business with fewer than 20 employees, so everyone knows [...]
Public Act 093-0691 This one isn't very long, so go ahead and read it. I'll wait. Okay, here's the scoop. It's against the law in IL to possess, manufacture or sell substances or methods that help people cheat on drug tests. This includes synthetic urine, adulterants, or devices intended to help people smuggle these things in. [...]
