NCJ Number
127887
Date Published
1990
Length
278 pages
Annotation
This book presents the medical facts and legal principles pertinent to employers' drug testing of existing and prospective employees.
Abstract
An introductory chapter reviews the scope and cost of drug abuse in the United States, the development of employee drug testing programs, and issues of public concern in such testing. A chapter then focuses on legal considerations in drug testing. Constitutional issues are discussed in the context of public versus private employment. Sources of legal limitations and parameters for employee drug testing are examined including State drug testing laws, discrimination laws, common-law principles, and collective bargaining considerations. A chapter on drug testing methodology covers sample selection, accuracy, screening tests, and confirmation testing. Another chapter discusses the benefits and limitations of various drug-detection methods and describes the uses and pharmacokinetics of various types of illegal drugs. Remaining chapters address the employer's decision as to when to test, the implementation of a drug testing program, labor union challenges to employee drug testing, and the National Institute of Drug Abuse's mandatory guidelines for Federal workplace drug testing programs. Chapter notes, table of cases, and a subject index