Prescription Drug Testing and Employment Pre-Hiring Screening
If your employer has a pre-hiring drug screening process and you think you had a prescription for a substance that tested positive, you can make that claim. However, you need to be prepared to back it up with proof of the actual prescription. This article explores the common scenarios and the necessary steps to take when faced with a positive test result during a pre-hiring drug screening.
Verifying a Prescription in a Positive Test Result
If you test positive for a prescription drug, the medical review officer (MRO) will contact you to verify the prescription. This is because, while you can claim the drug is a prescription, they will need evidence to support this claim. Simply stating you have a prescription without providing the necessary documentation may not be sufficient for employers to accept your explanation.
Employers will ask about the prescriptions you are currently taking, not just those that are listed as controlled substances (scheduled medications). If your results match what you report, you will likely be fine. However, if the amount detected is too high or shows an illicit substance, you will be asked to present your prescriptions. Therefore, it is crucial to have your prescription on hand in case the employer requests it.
Occupational Health and Safety Considerations
For jobs that involve responsibility for the safety of others, such as crane operators or boat captains, employers are particularly stringent about prescription drug use. They will not allow employees to test positive for opioids or benzodiazepines, as these substances can impair judgment and affect job performance. Different positions have different standards, so the consequences can vary widely, and your job may be at risk if you cannot provide proof of prescription.
Documentation and Honesty
In any reputable drug screening process, documentation of prescribed medications is part of the standard procedure. While not all employers require proof, being honest during the initial interview and providing all necessary information will position you to handle this situation more effectively if your claims need to be substantiated. Bringing up a prescription after a positive test result looks bad and may result in further scrutiny.
It's essential to be truthful in your initial response to the pre-hiring drug screening. Hiding or providing false information can result in the immediate disqualification of your application, or even legal consequences. If the employer does not ask about your prescriptions, it may indicate they are not following best practices and may have other potential issues with their hiring procedures. Employers should not skimp on the necessary steps to conduct a drug screening ethically and legally.
Conclusion
While you can claim that a substance you tested positive for is a prescription, the onus is on you to provide proof. Employers will perform this verification to ensure the accuracy of the claims and protect the safety of their workforce. Therefore, being prepared with your prescription and remaining honest throughout the process is crucial for a successful outcome.