Implementation Guidelines - Federal Transit Administration - U.S. ...

TYPES OF TESTING
PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
♦ All applicants for employment in safety-sensitive positions or individuals
being transferred into safety-sensitive positions must be given a preemployment
drug test. The FTA does not allow any waivers of preemployment
drug tests. Employers must get written consent from the
applicant to check the applicant’s drug and alcohol testing records from
previous DOT covered employers. Employers are required to complete
this records check. Obtaining drug test results from a previous employer
does not waive the requirement to conduct a pre-employment drug test
on new employees.
Does the transit agency have on file the negative drug test results for all
new hires?
Does the transit agency assign an employee safety-sensitive functions
only after the employer has a negative drug test result for the applicant?
♦ If an individual has a positive pre-employment drug test he/she cannot be
assigned safety-sensitive duties.
♦ If an individual reapplies for a safety-sensitive position after a previous
positive pre-employment test, the applicant must provide evidence of
successful completion of the return-to-duty process including the
completion of an education/treatment program and evidence of wellbeing
from a SAP and be enrolled in a follow-up testing program, before
he/she can be assigned safety-sensitive duties.
♦ The employer must allow the applicant to discuss the results of the test
with a medical review officer prior to making a final decision to verify a
positive drug test result. Employers must provide a list of qualified
SAPs to applicants who test positive.
♦ If a pre-employment drug test is cancelled, the applicant is required to
submit to and pass another test.
Is the time between the hire date and the test date reasonable (less than
90 days)? If not, another pre-employment test is required.
Are MROs allowed to report a negative pre-employment test result for
individuals that are unable to provide sufficient volume because of a
permanent disability, but have a medical evaluation that indicates no
chemical evidence of illegal drug use?
Appendix J. Self-Assessment Checklist J-24 August 2002
A
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DMINISTRATIVE
EQUIREMENTS
Pre-employment
Drug Testing