New Drug Testing Laws in 2021

For nurses, physicians, and healthcare technicians, pre-employment drug testing could be a matter of life and death. Unfortunately, there may be more drug abuse among healthcare providers than expected. According to the Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 10 to 15 percent of physicians in the U.S. have a substance abuse issue. Increased stress from COVID-19 (specifically in the medical community) creates an even higher risk for already escalating substance abuse numbers. Considering the swift pandemic changes in healthcare, due diligence in pre-employment drug testing is critical for quality of patient care, legal liability, and the integrity of your healthcare institution’s reputation.

Changing administrations and differing federal and state laws can make it difficult to understand and apply the most up-to-date drug testing laws. For example, President Biden’s support for marijuana decriminalization and efforts to legalize cannabis consumption will likely lead states to loosen marijuana restrictions. In 2021, employers will need to review their policies to ensure that they comply with evolving laws, particularly those covering medical marijuana use. In 2020, thirty-three states approved medical marijuana use, and 11 of these states approved recreational marijuana use.  As of January 2021, this number has increased to thirty-five states which have approved medical marijuana use, 15 of which have also approved its recreational use.

What Do Pre-Employment Drug Tests Look For?

The most common pre-employment screening is the 5-Panel Drug Test which identifies five substances including:

• Amphetamines (speed, ecstasy, meth)
• Cocaine (crack, coke)
• Opiates (codeine, heroin, morphine, opium)
• Phencyclidine (angel dust, PCP)
• THC (marijuana, cannabinoids, hash)

However, with employees and providers that distribute narcotics, healthcare employers often use a more expansive 10-Panel Drug Screening. The 10-Panel Screening tests for the five drugs plus abuse of prescription drugs such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone, methadone, and propoxyphene.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing Laws by State

Drug testing laws vary by state and employers should monitor neighboring states’ laws, especially if they employ physicians or nurses with short contracts, traveling nurses, or those providing telehealth services. In the last election, voters in five states approved marijuana laws that may impact drug testing for healthcare employees in those states.

Here are the recent changes that employers should know about:

Arizona

Arizona Proposition 207, also known as The Marijuana Legalization Initiative, was passed in November of 2020 and went into effect in January 2021, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. However, legalization doesn’t affect healthcare employers who wish to maintain a drug-free workplace. Arizona is an “at-will” state, and employers can decline employment to those who use alcohol or marijuana. The proposition states that it doesn’t restrict the rights of employers to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace or restrict its use by employees or prospective employees. The exception to this rule is that employers cannot discriminate against an employee or potential employee based on race, sex, gender, disability, religion, or medical marijuana use. However, medical occupations are considered “safety-sensitive” jobs and may be subject to a prohibition of medical marijuana use.

Mississippi

Mississippi’s Initiative 65 legalized medical marijuana use effective January 2021. Mississippi employers are not required to accommodate the use of medical marijuana or permit the use of any marijuana in the workplace.

Montana

In November 2020, Montana I-90 was approved, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in the state in addition to 2020’s medical marijuana legalization. Despite I-90, employers are not required to:

• Permit marijuana use on the property
• Prohibit discipline of an employee for violation of a workplace drug policy
• Prohibit discharging or refusing to hire an employee for violation of a workplace drug policy or from being intoxicated by marijuana

New Jersey

Under Public Question Number 1, New Jersey also legalized the recreational use of marijuana in addition to the 2020 legalization of medical use. The amendment went into effect in January 2021. Although the amendment does not specifically address employment, previous legislation indicated the process with which to address suspicion of medical marijuana use while in the workplace.

In New Jersey, if there is reasonable suspicion of use and proof of workplace impairment, employers are required to investigate within the bounds of a dictated process. In New Jersey, if there is reasonable suspicion, an employer must:

1. Provide an opportunity for the provider to present a “legitimate medical explanation”
2. Provide written notice of the right to explain the result
3. Within three working days, the employee or job applicant may submit information and drug tests at their own expense

South Dakota

South Dakota’s Measure 26 also legalized medical marijuana use effective January 2021. South Dakota employers are not prohibited from disciplining employees for using marijuana in the workplace or for working while under the influence of marijuana. However, a medical marijuana cardholder:

• May not be considered under the influence of marijuana solely because a drug test shows the presence of marijuana in a concentration insufficient to cause impairment
• Is not subject to “penalty of any kind” or “denial of any right or privilege for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the law”
• May not be denied rights under the law the individual would be afforded were he/she prescribed another medication

These laws and procedures vary by state and are constantly being updated. Employers should review their drug and alcohol testing policies regularly to determine when they may test for marijuana use. Supervisors should also be trained to make reasonable suspicion determinations and be briefed on procedures if breached.

Staying Compliant with New Drug Testing Laws

As with any new laws, it’s critical that your healthcare organization become familiar with your state’s marijuana and drug testing statutes. This should include:

• State laws around drug testing
• Employer and employee rights
• Procedures to take if policies are violated
• Updates to human resources procedures and employee handbooks

In addition to being familiar with state laws, healthcare organizations should be prepared with top-of-the-line screening and monitoring for any violations, exclusions, or disciplinary actions on a provider’s record. Although it may be challenging to keep track of constantly changing drug laws, Verisys provides continuous monitoring across all 50 states to help healthcare organizations determine if violations of state or federal laws have occurred. With continuous monitoring, employers can avoid hiring providers with violations and/or sanctions.

Verisys is the most trusted source for healthcare provider credentialing. Contact us to learn more about how we can keep your organization and your patients safe.
 

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