News Article

Federal Workplace Drug Testing Guidelines

Attention Clients:  Important change in implementation date for revisions to HHS and DOT workplace drug testing programs.

SAMHSA has postponed the May 1, 2010 implementation of the revised HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs.  The new effective date is October 1, 2010.

The delay was issued to provide sufficient time for the DOT to evaluate comments and issue a final rule harmonizing its regulations with the revised HHS Guidelines in a time frame that will permit implementation of the rules at the same time.  This action is welcomed; it will allow HHS-certified laboratories to use the same testing and reporting procedures for Federal workplace and transportation workplace drug testing programs subject to DOT Regulations, avoid the confusion of administering regulatory programs with different requirements and will ensure fairness in treatment of employees subject to the rules.  

A notice is posted in the Federal Register for publication on April 30, 2010. See attached PDF.