With the opioid crisis running rampant, many companies have employees who are suffering from this addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 8 and 12 percent of those prescribed opioid painkillers will develop an opioid use disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 350,000 people died from opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2016.
Employee drug use creates legal concerns for employers
As increasing numbers of employees are using illegal drugs, either for recreation, self-medication or due to addiction, increasing numbers of employers have to deal with the repercussions. A recent article in the Baltimore Sun presented some interesting facts about employee drug tests across Maryland and nationally.
Can businesses require random drug testing for employees?
Many businesses require job applicants and employees to submit to drug tests either on a random basis or as a condition of employment. Generally speaking, federal law does not govern drug tests except for federal employees. For employees working in the private sector or in state or local government, the specific state law applies.
