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These frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers apply to federal civilian employee drug testing under:
Purpose of FAQs: These FAQs are intended to assist Drug Program Coordinators, Collectors, Laboratory Responsible Persons, Medical Review Officers, and Third-Party Administrators in carrying out their responsibilities. They do not establish legally enforceable responsibilities but may reference actions or responsibilities that are required under statutory or regulatory authorities. The use of the word “should” in this guidance means that something is suggested or recommended, but not necessarily required by law.
These FAQs do not apply to: Employee drug testing under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs (49 CFR Part 40).
For information about transportation industry employee drug and alcohol testing: Contact DOT online at either Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance or ODAPCWebMail@dot.gov or by phone at 202-366-3784 or 800-225-3784.
FAQ TopicsFAQ Topics
Where can I find a copy of the current Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs?
Under the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs, do drug test results determine an employee’s fitness for duty?
No. The Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs do not address the question of fitness for duty.
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
How do the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs affect public safety?
The Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs provide the scientific and technical structure for the drug testing of employees in all civilian positions in Executive Branch agencies. Among these are positions that affect public safety, public health, or national security in which even a momentary lapse of attention or judgment could result in significant harm and are therefore designated for random drug testing. Revisions to the Mandatory Guidelines are intended to enhance public safety. See (Guidance for the Selection of Testing Designated Positions (PDF | 262 KB)).
Do the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs cover non-federal employees?
No. The Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs do not cover non-federal employees. They address only federal civilian employees and federal agencies required by law to use the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (e.g., the Department of Transportation and Nuclear Regulatory Commission. See (Mandatory Guidelines – Urine) and (Mandatory Guidelines - Oral Fluid), Section 3.4.
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
How do I find out if and/or how the revisions to the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs affect me or my agency?
Revisions to the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs cover all civilian employees in Executive Branch agencies. Employees should contact their federal agency employer or refer to their employer’s (agency’s) Drug-Free Workplace Program plan to learn how these revisions will affect them or their agency.
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
What Medical Review Officer (MRO) certifications are required for the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Urine (effective February 1, 2024)?
To continue serving as an MRO for federal agency specimens, a certified MRO must complete training on any revisions to the Guidelines (including any changes to the drug and biomarker testing panels) prior to the February 1, 2024 effective date. See (Section 13.3 in Mandatory Guidelines - Urine).
What Medical Review Officer (MRO) certifications are required for the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Oral Fluid (effective October 10, 2023)?
To continue serving as an MRO for federal agency specimens, a certified MRO must complete training on any revisions to the Guidelines (including any changes to the drug and biomarker testing panels) prior to the October 10, 2023 effective date. See (Section 13.3 in Mandatory Guidelines - Oral Fluid).
What are the most recent changes in the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs?
What is the Drug Testing Advisory Board (DTAB)?
The Drug Testing Advisory Board (DTAB) advises the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, SAMHSA, based on an ongoing review of the direction, scope, balance, and emphasis of the agency’s drug testing activities and the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP). See (Drug Testing Advisory Board).
The DTAB reviews the NLCP for federal workplace drug testing programs as required by Public Law 100-71 and as described in the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. See (Mandatory Guidelines – Urine) and (Mandatory Guidelines – Oral Fluid). It recommends areas for emphasis or de-emphasis, new or changed directions, and mechanisms or approaches for implementing recommendations. Periodically, the Board reviews specific science areas on new drugs of abuse and the methods necessary to detect their presence.
How do I register for DTAB meetings?
For information about DTAB meetings, please see the list of DTAB meetings at: (Advisory Council Meetings). When available, a link to register to attend the next open DTAB meeting, can be found at: (SAMHSA NACRegister). For further information about DTAB, please go to (Drug Testing Advisory Board). If there are further questions, please contact DWP (dwp@samhsa.hhs.gov or 240-276-2600).
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
Where can I find the DTAB meeting schedule?
The DTAB meeting schedule can be found at the SAMHSA Advisory Council Meetings webpage at (Advisory Council Meetings).
Is urine the only specimen allowed in federal workplace drug testing programs?
No. Effective January 1, 2020, a federal agency may collect an oral fluid specimen for its workplace drug testing program. Oral fluid and urine are the only specimen types currently authorized for collection by the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. See (Mandatory Guidelines – Urine) and (Mandatory Guidelines – Oral Fluid).
What is the federal position on marijuana, CBD products, and the 2018 Farm Bill?
How do I know if a specimen is properly tested and reported?
Specimens must be collected by a trained collector in accordance with the collection procedures outlined in the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs and the HHS Specimen Collection Handbook. A split specimen collection is conducted (i.e., the donor’s specimen is divided into the primary specimen, A and split specimen, B). Testing must be performed at a laboratory certified by HHS under the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP). Laboratory results are reviewed and reported by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO). Provision for testing the split (B) specimen adds a further safeguard.
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
How do the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs help the Federal Government address the opioid crisis?
The misuse and abuse of psychotherapeutic prescription drugs, including opioid pain relievers, are issues of concern for all populations regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, race, or community. Opioid-related overdose deaths in the United States now outnumber overdose deaths involving all illicit drugs (e.g., heroin and cocaine) combined. See (Overdose Death Rates | National Institute on Drug Abuse). In addition to overdose deaths, emergency department visits, substance treatment admissions, and economic costs associated with opioid abuse have all increased in recent years.
The Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs and the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program are deterrents to illicit use of opioid drugs and encourage federal civilian employees to seek treatment for opioid use disorders. The Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Drug Testing Programs framework with partners at the federal, state, and local levels to implement policies and programs to reduce prescription drug misuse and improve public health. Specifically, the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Drug Testing Programs provide for screening for illicit opioid use among federal and civilian employees in safety and security sensitive positions.
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
Why are oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone included in the drug testing profile?
The inclusion of the four most commonly misused Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Schedule II prescription medications (i.e., oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and hydromorphone) in the list of authorized drug tests was recommended by the DTAB, reviewed by the Department of Health and Human Service’s Prescription Drug Subcommittee of the Behavioral Health Coordinating Committee, and approved by the SAMHSA Administrator in January 2012.
The inclusion of oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and hydromorphone in the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs for urine or oral fluid drug testing is supported by various data and seen in private sector experiences with current drug abuse trends. See (Mandatory Guidelines – Urine) and (Mandatory Guidelines – Oral Fluid). HHS is continuing its efforts to prevent opioid addiction in support of combating the opioid crisis. Implementing these revised guidelines will help ensure safety in the federal workplace and national security, public health, and public safety occupations.
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
Will heroin use be detected in a routine drug test?
Yes. The 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM) heroin metabolite is included in the Authorized Drug Testing Panel. See (Mandatory Guidelines – Urine) and (Mandatory Guidelines – Oral Fluid), Section 3.4.
Will fentanyl be detected in a routine drug test?
Testing for the synthetic opioid, fentanyl, is not included in the Authorized Drug Testing Panel at this time.
What is the difference between “opiates” and “opioids?
The term “opiates” is used to describe naturally occurring alkaloid substances derived from the opium poppy plant (e.g., codeine and morphine) that bind to specific receptors in the central nervous system and have analgesic as well as narcotic effects. Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that is manufactured by acetylating morphine.
The term “opioids” has expanded in scope over time and is broadly used to describe various compounds that bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and have analgesic as well as narcotic effects. The term “opioids” includes naturally occurring alkaloid compounds known as opiates (e.g., codeine and morphine); semi-synthetic compounds (e.g., heroin, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone); and synthetic compounds (e.g., fentanyl). Opioids may or may not have structural similarity to the opium alkaloids. See (Medical Review Officer Guidance Manual), Appendix A: Glossary.
If my doctor prescribed my opioid medication and I tested positive for opioids, will the results of my positive drug test be reported to my federal employer?
Positive drug test results that are explained by a legitimate medical explanation, such as a valid prescription, will not be reported to a federal agency. See (Medical Review Officer Guidance Manual), Chapter 4.5.
Can revised agency drug-free workplace plans be submitted anytime?
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
Is a change to the HHS authorized drug testing panel considered a “substantive change” to an agency plan? Define “substantive change.”
No. An HHS change to the Authorized Drug Testing Panel (e.g., addition or removal of a drug, changed initial or confirmatory test analyte, changed initial or confirmatory test cutoff) is not considered a “substantive change” to an agency’s plan.
A “substantive change” is any alteration to a federal agency’s drug-free workplace plan that affects the substance of the plan’s policy and/or procedures, such as adding or eliminating applicant testing. It does not refer to purely editorial changes, administrative updates, or exercises of authority under the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. Federal agencies should consult with their legal counsel and labor and employee relations staff to determine the impact of any changes on collectively bargained agreements and should contact DWP staff (dwp@samhsa.hhs.gov or 240-276-2600) to receive tailored guidance that is specific to their plans.
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
Is it within discretion of the federal agencies to decide if and when to expand the list of drugs routinely tested?
No. HHS will publish the Authorized Drug Testing Panel in the Federal Register on an annual basis. A federal agency can request an HHS waiver to test for any Schedule I or II drug routinely, or can test a post-accident or reasonable suspicion specimen for a specified Schedule I or II drug on a case-by-case basis. See (Mandatory Guidelines – Urine), Sections 3.1 and 3.4 and (Mandatory Guidelines – Oral Fluid), Sections 3.1 and 3.4.
What is the impact of state drug law changes on the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program?
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
What is the federal position on marijuana oils, marijuana infused products, and hemp products?
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
Can federal employees invest in the stocks or companies producing or selling marijuana/hemp/ CBD products?
Consult with your agency’s Ethics Office, Office of General Counsel, Human Resources, and Office of Safety and Security regarding your specific situation.
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
Can a federal employee use products that contain delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol?
Consult with your agency’s Ethics Office, Office of General Counsel, Human Resources, and Office of Safety and Security regarding your specific situation.
Source: DWP Staff, 240-276-2600
What are the definitions for marijuana legalization, marijuana decriminalization, and medical marijuana?
There is no official definition at this time. There is, however, significant public discussion around marijuana, much of which includes the terms legalization, decriminalization, and medical marijuana. See: (DEA Marijuana Factsheet) (Marijuana is listed under DEA CSA 7360 as Cannabis, marijuana) and (DEA clarification of the new drug code) (7350) for marijuana extract.
What chemical compound is tested to detect marijuana use?
The compound tested and reported in urine is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid or THCA. The compound tested and reported in oral fluid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). See (Mandatory Guidelines – Urine) and (Mandatory Guidelines – Oral Fluid).
What should employees expect if sent for a drug test and what is the process?
A federal job applicant or employee can expect their specimen to be collected by a trained professional in a limited access collection setting. The collector will explain the collection process to the donor. See (Mandatory Guidelines – Urine), Subpart H and (Mandatory Guidelines – Oral Fluid).
What are the privacy requirements for a routine urine collection?
The following privacy requirements apply when a donor is providing a routine urine specimen:
What are the procedures for conducting a “direct observed urine collection”?
What are the procedures for conducting a “monitored collection” for urine specimens?
If an applicant or employee is unable to provide a sufficient specimen for a drug test, are they allowed to provide an alternate specimen?
The collector notifies the federal agency for authorization to collect an oral fluid specimen or follows the federal agency’s standard protocol. If authorized, the collector will proceed with collection of another authorized specimen type (i.e., urine or oral fluid). If the federal agency does not authorize the alternate specimen type, the collector stops the collection and reports the donor’s inability to provide a sufficient specimen to the federal agency and the MRO. The MRO notifies the federal agency to direct the donor to obtain an evaluation from a licensed physician acceptable to the MRO of any pre-existing condition that prevented or will prevent the applicant or employee from providing a sufficient specimen (i.e., urine or oral fluid) for drug testing. The MRO may conduct the evaluation if qualified. Depending upon the MRO determination based on the medical evaluation, further actions may be warranted.
What is the difference between the “observer” who observes the collection and the “monitor” who monitors the collection?
Observed Collections: When an observed collection is conducted, the observer is the person assigned to physically observe the collection of the specimen. The observer’s gender must be the same as the donor’s (which is based on the donor’s gender identity). The observer is not required to be a trained collector but must be trained as an observer. An observed collection is the same as a routine collection except the observer is in the restroom or stall and watches the donor urinate into the collection container. The observer maintains visual contact with the specimen until the donor hands the container to the collector. The collection container cannot be handled by the observer unless the observer is also serving as the collector.
Monitored Collections: When a monitored collection is conducted, a monitor is the person assigned to monitor collection of the specimen. The monitor’s gender must be the same as the donor’s (which is based on the donor’s gender identity) unless the monitor is a medical professional. The monitor is not required to be a trained collector. It is the same as a routine collection, except the monitor provides visual privacy while being alert for signs of tampering. The monitor must not touch or handle the collection container (unless the monitor is also serving as the collector) and must not watch the donor urinate into the collection container.
What is the history of urine and oral fluid drug testing?
HHS published the first Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (urine only) on April 11, 1988. The first Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Oral Fluid became effective January 1, 2020. Source: (Mandatory Guidelines – Oral Fluid) and (Mandatory Guidelines – Urine).
See Drug Testing Resources for additional information and links to HHS documents.See Drug Testing Resources for additional information and links to HHS documents.
