DRUG TESTING AS PART OF DIVERSION PREVENTION PROGRAMS

To advocate for the use of pre-employment and random or for-cause drug testing during employment based on defined criteria and with appropriate testing validation procedures; further,

To support employer- or government-sponsored drug diversion prevention programs that include a policy and process that promote the recovery of impaired individuals; further,

To advocate that employers use validated testing panels that have demonstrated effectiveness detecting commonly abused or illegally used substances.

Rationale

Controlled substance diversion and abuse has reached the attention at the highest levels in the U.S., with even the White House weighing in on the crisis. In the past 4-5 years, the Drug Enforcement Administration has levied large fines on chain drugstores, drug wholesalers, and even major hospitals. Pharmacy managers and pharmacists-in-charge have increasing responsibility of ensuring controlled substance management and storage across large healthcare organizations. There is an increased risk to organizations as acquisitions of physician office practices, clinics, and other nonhospital-based business units continue, and many challenges exist for healthcare institutions in managing controlled substances.

ASHP recognizes that drug testing job applicants and employees whose responsibilities may bring them into contact with controlled substances is an essential element of diversion prevention programs and promotes worker well-being. Pre-employment and random or for-cause drug testing should be performed based on defined criteria, with appropriate testing validation procedures, and have demonstrated effectiveness detecting commonly abused or illegally used substances. In addition, drug testing should be supported by an employee addiction recovery program, as outlined in the ASHP Statement on the Pharmacist’s Role in Substance Abuse Prevention, Education, and Assistance.