Drug-Testing Options in Healthcare

An article in Provider, the journal of the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, October 2007, suggests that providers take a stronger stance against use of the illicit drugs and alcohol by drug testing employees. See www.providermagazine.com.

The four major options for drug-testing include:

1.  Post-Job-Offer Testing;

2.  Suspicion Drug Testing;

3.  Random Drug Testing; and

4.  Post-Accident Drug Testing.

Positive drug tests by nurses in the workplace, especially for illicit drugs or medications that were not prescribed by an authorized prescriber, can have licensure implications. Most states pursuant to the Nurse Practice Act and Board of Nursing regulations requires employers to report the positive drug test to the State Board of Nursing. This triggers a disciplinary investigation.

What are your opinions regarding drug testing?