why would your lawyer ask uou for a drug test

by Golden Hayes PhD 9 min read

Drug addiction necessitates drug testing in almost every affected family law case. Family lawyers should be vigilant to the possibility of drug abuse by the client or by someone residing in the client’s home. Grounds for Tennessee Divorce In Tennessee divorce law, abuse of narcotic drugs is grounds for divorce.

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Why do employers drug test job applicants?

 · Family Lawyers Should Know Why Drug Tests Are Used in Court. Drug addiction necessitates drug testing in almost every affected family law case. Family lawyers should be vigilant to the possibility of drug abuse by the client or by someone residing in the client’s home.

Can a company require you to take a drug test?

 · Having a drug test show that you engage in this illegal activity could have a negative impact on your parenting time agreement. Before agreeing to a drug test, discuss the substances that will be sought through the test. Work with an Experienced Kane County Divorce Lawyer. You may be asked to do a lot of things as part of the divorce process.

Are my drug test results legally confidential?

7031 Koll Center Pkwy, Pleasanton, CA 94566. master:2022-04-26_10-46-26. Because federal law generally does not address drug and alcohol testing, the answers to all of these questions depend on your state’s law and your employer’s policies. Before you submit to a drug or alcohol test, you should learn your rights.

What are your rights when you get drug or alcohol tested?

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What does a drug test prove?

A drug test looks for the presence of one or more illegal or prescription drugs in your urine, blood, saliva, hair, or sweat. Urine testing is the most common type of drug screening. The drugs most often tested for include: Marijuana.

Do drug test go on records?

If a drug test leads to a criminal conviction, the information is public record and may be easily found by an employer. In the same vein, if an employee takes a drug test to comply with a governmental organization, such results are also public records.

How do I dispute a false positive drug test?

4 Ways to Dispute a False Positive Drug Test While On ProbationAsk for a repeat test as soon as possible. ... Reveal the substances you have been taking that might have caused inaccurate result. ... Request a more advanced method of testing for verification. ... Get assistance from your union or a private attorney.

Can my former employer say I was fired for failing a drug test?

Employment laws usually do not prohibit an HR representative or former boss from disclosing that you failed a drug test, as long as she is truthful in her statements. However, many employers have a policy of giving limited information in reference checks to avoid liability for their statements.

Is it better to refuse a drug test or fail?

The US Department of Transportation recommends that you always “comply, then complain.” Even if you don't agree with the test, it is in your best interest to take it. A refusal to take the drug and/or alcohol test is treated the same as a positive result, so it is not recommended that you refuse testing.

What happens if I fail a drug test?

So, what happens if you fail a drug test? Well, you may get suspended, demoted, or even terminated from employment. It is entirely at your employer's discretion to decide what disciplinary action to take. Some state laws prohibit employers from firing an employee for a first-time positive drug test.

What happens if a drug test comes back positive?

If the test results in a positive reading, meaning there is drug residue in the body, the results are forwarded to a medical review officer, who reviews the results and looks for any possible valid medical explanation for the results.

How long do you need to be clean to pass a urine drug test?

Urine test: This is the most common drug test used. Infrequent users (less than 2 times/week) can test positive for 1-3 days. A moderate user (several times per week) can test positive for 7–21 days after last use. A heavy user can test positive for a month or longer after last use.

How do you fail a urine drug test?

Urine Drug Test Urine tests can occasionally return false-positive drug test results. Eating certain foods that contain the chemical compounds used in prescription or illicit drugs can cause a person to fail a drug test. Eating poppy seeds, for example, can technically throw up a red flag for suspected opioid use.

How long after an interview is a drug test?

Urine Tests Urine tests detect substances from 5 to 10 days. Typically, an employer will extend a conditional job offer to a prospective employee that is contingent on the applicant passing the drug screening. The applicant will be asked to provide a urine sample, which will then undergo an initial screen.

Is synthetic urine illegal in Ohio?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that would prohibit the use of synthetic urine to defraud a drug test, Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Medina, announced Thursday.

Can you get fired for having a medical card in California?

Can I Be Fired For a Positive Drug Test if I Have a Medical Marijuana Card? If a job applicant or employee fails an employer's drug test, they can be fired or denied employment, even if they present a medical marijuana card. This is because California law grants employers the right to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Why do employers do drug tests?

So if it's not usually required, why do employers drug test? Here are a few reasons: 1 To qualify for workers' compensation discounts. Many states offer employers a discount on their workers' compensation insurance premiums if they take certain steps to maintain a drug-free workplace, which may include testing job applicants. 2 To avoid legal liability. If an intoxicated employee harms someone on the job, the employer could be legally liable for those injuries. Workplace drug and alcohol use may also violate OSHA and state occupational safety laws. 3 To maintain productivity and save money. According to the federal government, drug and alcohol use takes a toll on the American workplace. Problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse cost $80 billion in lost productivity in a single year. Employees who use drugs are three times more likely to be late to work, more than three-and-a-half times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident, and five times more likely to file a workers' compensation claim.

Who is required to test for alcohol and drug use?

For example, those in the trucking industry, aviation, or mass transit, as well as those who contract with the Department of Defense or NASA, may be required to test at least some employees for alcohol and drug use.

Can a drug test be discriminatory?

If a company singles out certain groups of applicants—for example, by race or disability—for drug testing, it could face a discrimination claim. If testing is allowed, it may be fine for the employer to single out certain job classifications for testing (for example, those that are safety-sensitive), but the employer should test all applicants for those positions.

Can you force a drug test?

Prospective employers can't force you to take a drug test. However, they can generally require you to take one as a condition of employment, as long as they follow the rules. If you don't want to take the test, you can take yourself out of the running for the job. Here are some of the legal limits that might apply to applicant drug testing:

Can you force an employer to take a drug test?

Prospective employers can't force you to take a drug test. However, they can generally require you to take one as ...

Do you have to surrender fluids for drug testing?

And, the test procedures require the test taker to surrender bodily fluids, sometimes under close supervision. Because drug testing is intrusive, state and federal laws put some limits on when, how, and whether it can be done.

Is there a legal limit to drug testing?

Legal Limits on Drug Testing. Courts and legislators have recognized that drug testing implicates privacy rights. These tests don't just reveal current drug use—that is, intoxication when the test is taken. They also show past drug use, including use of legal drugs and use of drugs on the employee's own time.

What is the law regarding drug testing?

State law determines when employers are allowed to subject their employees to drug testing. Typically, employers are permitted to test under the following circumstances: based on a reasonable suspicion that a particular employee is using drugs. following a workplace accident.

Who is required to test for drug and alcohol?

Employers in these industries, for example, might be required to test at least certain employees for drug or alcohol use, such as drivers and pilots who could cause serious damage if intoxicated. Employers that contract with the Department of Defense or NASA might also be required to conduct drug and alcohol testing.

Do employers have to have a written policy to test employees for alcohol?

In most states, an employer that wants to test employees for drugs or alcohol must have a written policy in place ahead of time.

Can you get fired for refusing to take a drug test?

Many states allow employers to fire employees for refusing to take a drug or alcohol test (as long as the testing is valid under the state’s laws). You might even be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits if you are fired for this reason.

Can you fire someone for testing positive for marijuana?

To date, courts have found that employers may fire employees for testing positive for marijuana use, even if the employee has a prescription for medical marijuana and is not impaired at work.

Does Georgia allow random drug testing?

for employees in certain safety-sensitive positions (for example, employees who must carry a gun). Many states (such as Georgia) also allow random drug testing, provided that employees are given advance notice of the policy.

Do employers have to test employees?

Otherwise, however, private employers do not have to test their employees. In a number of states, employers can receive a discount on workers’ comp insurance premiums by participating in a drug-free workplace program, which might require drug testing in some circumstances. However, adopting such a program is optional.

Why are drug tests not able to distinguish between intoxication, current drug use, and drug use in the recent

As noted above, drug tests are not able to distinguish between intoxication, current drug use, and drug use in the recent past because the tests simply show some marker that the person tested has ingested a drug at some time. Markers for certain drugs stay in the blood stream longer than others.

Why is Gina used for drug testing?

Because drug tests take samples from a person's body that may contain genetic information that would reveal disabilities, susceptibility to certain diseases, and other confidential medical information, GINA bars employers from gathering and using genetic information to screen out certain employees or applicants.

Can you smoke marijuana on the weekend in Colorado?

In addition, now that many states have legalized either recreational or medicinal (or both) use of marijuana, employer drug tests will reveal legal use of marijuana possibly many days prior to the test. So, if you smoked pot on the weekend in Colorado (where it is currently legal for recreational use) and your employer makes you submit ...

Do drug tests show drug use?

Drug tests do not merely explore a person's drug intoxication: Tests themselves are invasive (often involving the taking of a urine sample), and the results do not merely show current drug intoxication but can reveal off-duty drug use.

Can an employer test for HIV?

Under the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), employers are barred from testing an applicant to screen out those with HIV/AIDS or other disabilities or to discriminate against current employees. HIV/AIDS is among the disabilities that may be revealed in a drug test of a blood sample.

Can drug tests be used to discriminate?

Drug Test Results Used to Discriminate. The U.S. Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act ("GINA") prohibits employers from using genetic information to discriminate against employees in hiring or employment. Because drug tests take samples from a person's body that may contain genetic information that would reveal disabilities, ...

Can an employer test an employee for drug use?

In general, the law places more limits on an employer's right to drug test an employee than a job applicant. Some states limit employer drug testing of employees to situations indicating "individualized suspicion" of possible drug use, such as where the employee to be tested was involved in an accident or just returned from drug or alcohol rehabilitation leave. Many states allow employers in certain professions and industries (such as health care workers, police officers, or public transit operators) to test employees with fewer restrictions. Ask an employment lawyer familiar with the drug testing laws in your state about when, how, and why employers may drug test people in your capacity (either applicant or employee).

Why would a doctor order a drug screen?

A doctor may request a urine drug screen if they think that a person has been using illegal drugs or misusing prescription drugs. For example, a doctor may request a urine screen to determine if a person is misusing the opioids that the doctor had prescribed to treat their chronic pain.

Can a doctor drug test you without consent?

Lack of informed consent in clinical testing In many cases, such as trauma or overdose, explicit consent is not possible. However, even when substance abuse is suspected and the patient is able to provide consent, clinicians often order drug testing without the patient’s knowledge and consent.

What shows up on a drug test urine?

Urine drug testing may screen for multiple substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP, methadone, nicotine, and alcohol.

Does a failed drug test go on your medical record?

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), “if the results of a drug test reveal the presence of a lawfully prescribed drug or other medical information, such information must be treated as a confidential medical record.” As a best practice, all drug test results should be filed in a confidential

How long does it take to find out if you failed a drug test?

Drug test results typically take 24 to 48 hours, depending on the type of test being performed (e.g., urine, hair or DOT).

Can my Obgyn drug test me without consent?

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that hospital workers cannot test pregnant women for use of illegal drugs without their informed consent or a valid warrant if the purpose is to alert the police to a potential crime.

What does the Obgyn test urine for?

What is My OB/GYN Looking for in the Urine Sample? The test is used to screen for glucose, protein, ketones, white blood cells, red blood cells, nitrites, and bilirubin. The nurse will also document the appearance of the urine and if there is an unusual smell.

What happens if a drug is detected in a sample?

If drug is detected in sample, the medical review officer (Dr associated w lab) will reach out to the prospective employee to see if there are prescribed medications causing the positive result. This can be drugs like Xanax, Adderall, Vicodin, etc. If a script can be verified, the employer receives a “negative” result and doesn't even know a thing about the meds, it's kept private.

Who is screened for recreational drugs in the military?

As it is, all military and federal government personnel and contractors are screened for recreational drugs in their syst

Can you be fired for taking a drug test?

Depending on the state, they may be legally barred from not hiring you, firing you, or firing without unemployment benefits , etc.

Can you take a drug test without cause?

Yes, it’s legal for your employer to randomly drug test you for no reason. The only exception is if your employer forces you and only you to take a pre-employment drug test as a condition for employment. If no one else is being asked to take a drug test as a condition for employment but you are, then that would be considered discriminatory. Random drug tests on-the-job without cause are perfectly legal.

Do you urinate into a cup during a urine test?

During the test do not immediately urinate into the cup, let the start of the flow go into the toilet. After a second or two, fill the cup.

What happens if a water sample comes back dilute?

Lastly, if the sample comes back dilute, like if you tried to add water to it or drank an excessive amount of water, the employer is notified and they can either retest, treat it as a negative, or positive. Up to them.

What happens if a substance comes back as posivite?

If it comes back posivite for a substance that is not prescribed, the employer is notified of a positive result and it's up to them what they do. If they don't care about marijuana for example, they might hire you still. Company policy rules. I wouldn't count on getting hired tho

3 attorney answers

I would call your doctor and explain how you felt, the doctor should know his staff was rude to you (I would want to know if my staff behaved like this!).

Tajara Dommershausen

Before I respond to your inquiry, I must state that we have not spoken, I have not reviewed the relevant documents and facts, and I do not represent you. Therefore, my discussion below is not a legal opinion, but is informational only.

Christopher Edward Ezold

You weren't required to consent to the drug test. And the doctor wasn't required to refill your amphetamine prescription. Your doctor's office sounds like it is staffed by rude people. I would change doctors and move on.

Who can see your drug test results?

Examples of people who may see your drug test results include a Medical Review Officer (MRO), selected employees in the human resources department, safety managers, and the employer’s Designated Employer Representative (DER).

What is the law that protects drug test results?

The primary federal law in the United States relating to the confidentiality of your drug test results is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law required covered entities, such as medical provider and drug testing labs, to not share your protected health information except in certain situations. To comply with HIPAA, your medical records, including your drug test results, may be kept in a medical file separate from your general employment record. When results from lab tests are sent to your employer, they should be sent only to authorized individuals and using methods that protect your privacy. In most instances, a health care provider or another facility that is a covered entity will require your employer to submit an authorization form signed by you before releasing your test results to ensure that your HIPAA rights are not violated.

What happens if you refuse a drug test?

The consequences of a refusal to test can include dismissal. The Department of Transportation has issued an advisory opinion indicating that to comply with DOT rules, your drug test results may be released to designated individuals without your consent. According to this advisory, your drug test results may be disclosed without authorization ...

Can an employer disclose medical history?

The specifics of each state’s law may vary but, in general, an employer is expected to only divulge information regarding your medical history if it is related to your work performance, your safety, or the safety of your workplace. Your employer should have a written drug testing policy that outlines when and why you can be tested ...

Can drug test results be shared?

In limited circumstances, other federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may also limit when and how your drug test results may be shared. Each state also has its own laws governing your right to privacy.

What happens if you get tested for a safety sensitive position?

You should also be aware that if you are tested for a safety sensitive position under DOT guidelines, any positive test result will become a part of your employment record and will be shared with any future employer who hires you for a DOT regulated position.

Do you have to have a urine test for DOT?

For DOT drug testing, you will be asked to provide a urine sample.

How to refuse a drug test?

Seek out an experienced criminal attorney. Do not agree to anything without first consulting with an attorney. You can and should refuse any and all requests for drug tests. One, the allege time you were drunk or high has already passed and no test now would be able to confirm if you were drunk or high at the time. Second, a tip must have some reliability before it could be used to obtain a warrant to force you to submit to a test. It may give the police the authority to follow up on the tip, but that's about it, unless their investigation leads to more probable cause.

Can you refuse a drug test if you don't have a warrant?

I would not advise my clients to comply with a drug test or interrogation based on something as groundless as this. You have the right to refuse any of that if they don't have a warrant. If they tell you that you have to do it, get a lawyer.

Can cops drag you to the police station?

No the cops would have dragged you to the police station already. The reason they are asking you to go take a test is, that is the only way to trick you into taking the test. You have the right not to speak to them or to take any test! Report Abuse.

Can a tip be used to obtain a warrant?

Second, a tip must have some reliability before it could be used to obtain a warrant to force you to submit to a test. It may give the police the authority to follow up on the tip, but that's about it, unless their investigation leads to more probable cause. Report Abuse. Report Abuse.

Can you get a warrant for a phone call?

No, tell them to get a warrant. They can not impinge your right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure based upon an anonymous telephone call with no corroborating evidence.

Can you get a drug test without a warrant?

No, the police cannot drug test you without a warrant or without charging you. Don't make any statements to the police without a layer present. Report Abuse. Report Abuse. Please explain why you are flagging this content: * This will flag comments for moderators to take action. 0 out of 500 characters.

Can you make a drug test anonymously?

To make a drug test or BAL test there has to be probable cause to feel that the person being tested is illegally under the influence. There is an argument that an anonymous tip is not enough to make the test. Being sixteen your father is allowed to give consent for the tests.

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Why Employers Drug Test

Legal Limits on Drug Testing

  • Courts and legislators have recognized that drug testing implicates privacy rights. These tests don't just reveal current drug use—that is, intoxication when the test is taken. They also show past drug use, including use of legal drugs and use of drugs on the employee's own time. And, the test procedures require the test taker to surrender bodily f...
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What About Medical Marijuana?

  • More than twenty states allow residents to use marijuana for medical purposes. These "medical marijuana" or "compassionate use" laws typically require the user to have a written doctor's authorization to use marijuana, often for particular diseases or disabilities. If a patient meets the criteria, he or she cannot be prosecuted under state law for crimes relating to the use, possessio…
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