Substance Testing Manual

Question 1

Only those in positions designated as a what are subject to substance abuse testing?

Answer 1

Sensitive position

Question 2

Employees serving in sensitive positions shall be subject to substance testing when there is what?

Answer 2

Reasonable suspicion

Question 3

Any peace officer as identified in PC section 830 and any other position in which drug or alcohol affected performance could clearly endanger the health and safety of others

Answer 3

Sensitive position

Question 4

How many designated And approved sensitive positions are there

Answer 4

14

Question 5

As a pertains to substance-abuse Cal HR requires that an informant be what

Answer 5

A peace officer who is willing to publicly testify on behalf of management

Question 6

Cal HR also requires that the suspected employee in question be told what in regards to informants

Answer 6

The employee in question be told who the informant is, what the informant said, and given the opportunity to respond

Question 7

What is the role of a confirming Official

Answer 7

1. Consider the facts and or evidence and agree whether or not they support reasonable suspicion.
2. I’m sure accurate and proper application of the rules.
3. Provide guidance and direction.
4. Authorize the substance test

Question 8

In no event shall the confirming Official be who

Answer 8

The suspected employees immediate supervisor or the person who made the initial observation leading to reasonable suspicion

Question 9

In regards to substance abuse when does the testing process begin

Answer 9

After the confirming official has authorized a chemical test.

Question 10

All alcohol testing will be conducted using what chemical testing process?

Answer 10

Chemical breath test

Question 11

What testing process is used primarily in determining whether or not an employee has abused drugs

Answer 11

Cal HR rules provide for a urine test as primary testing method.

Question 12

What test is required if an employee is believed to be under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs

Answer 12

Employees are required to submit to both urine and breath

Question 13

OIA shall be notified via email or fax no later than how many hours after specimen collection

Answer 13

No later than 48 hours after the specimen is collected

Question 14

The results of the chemical test will be directly communicated to who

Answer 14

When the laboratory testing is completed usually 24 to 48 hours after the samples arrival the results will be communicated directly to the medical review Officer

Question 15

Negative results will be communicated directly to who

Answer 15

Negative results will be communicated directly to the MRO, who immediately relay this information to the department

Question 16

All positive test result will be communicated directly tissue for further

Answer 16

All positive results will be communicated to the MRO for further evaluation. In this instance the MRO will attempt to contact the affected employees directly for information (such as legal prescription) to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation for the positive test

Question 17

Is the employee entitled to representation during any such conversation with the MRO

Answer 17

Yes the employee is entitled to representation during any such conversation with the MRO regarding a positive test result

Question 18

How long will samples initially screamed negative be stored at the laboratory

Answer 18

All samples initially screened negative, as well as those which test negative on the confirmatory test, will be securely stored by the laboratory for a period of three weeks

Question 19

How long will a positive specimen we retained. And how long are they kept upon notification of a challenge litigation or appeal

Answer 19

Positive specimens stored at 20°C or lower for one year. Upon notification of a challenge litigation or appeal the positive sample will be retained indefinitely.

Question 20

Commander shall ensure how many urine sample kits are available at all times

Answer 20

Commander shall ensure two unused kids are available at all times. Test kits shall be stored in a secure location.

Question 21

When Ken and employee return to full duty after substance-abuse testing

Answer 21

Since the decision to test will be based upon reasonable suspicion of substance abuse, the employee should not be allowed to return to full duty until the test results are known to be negative.

Question 22

What status is the employee placed upon on the day of testing

Answer 22

The employee should be placed on doc status for the remainder of the shift on the day of the test or refusal to take a test.

Question 23

What status is the employee placed upon on the day following substance testing or refusal to take a test

Answer 23

In most instances, on the day following the test or if usual to take a test, the employee should then be placed on paid ATO, subject to approval through the chain of command to the appropriate AC

Question 24

How long does the employee remain on paid ATO

Answer 24

The employee should remain on the status until the test results are known and or a decision is made regarding administrative action

Question 25

In those instances were only alcohol is suspected when does the employee return to full duty

Answer 25

In those instances where only alcohol is suspected, the employee should be returned to full duty the following day if completely recovered from its effects

Question 26

What criteria will be followed after a substance test has been conducted or the employee refuses to submit to a test

Answer 26

1. The employees Peace officer powers will be suspended along with any request for secondary employment. And the employee will be required to immediately surrender all state property. 2. The employee will be provided with a memorandum describing their rights and responsibilities regarding the outcome of the test. 3. The supervisor will arrange for the employee to be transported home. 4. If the employee refuses transportation or there are any doubts that the employee can care for himself or herself the employee shall be kept at the office until arrangements can be made with family or friends. 5. If the intoxication is so severe that it poses an immediate threat to others or to the medical well-being of the employee, he or she should be transported to a custodial or medical facility as appropriate.