| State: | Connecticut |
| Statute of Order: | Conn. Gen. Stat. §31-51t et seq., §14-261a et seq., §14-276a |
| Covered Employers: | All private employers. |
| Applicant Testing: | Testing authorized if applicant is informed in writing beforehand. Former employees may not be tested unless they have been away from the job for at least 12 months. Testing required to certify school bus drivers. |
| Employee Testing: | Testing authorized on reasonable suspicion of substance abuse; random testing authorized of employees in safety-sensitive jobs. Testing required for intrastate truck drivers after a reportable accident, upon reasonable cause, or at random under federal law. Discipline or discharge authorized for employees who test positive. |
| Conditions & Methods: | Confirming test in case of positive findings, privacy for employee in collection of specimen, and confidentiality of test results. |
| Pass Drug Testing Bulletpoints: |
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1) A General Tip
The state of Connecticut, with special regards to the laws against drug
testing is considered hybrid in nature. There are no mandatory rules which
need to be followed while conducting drug and alcohol tests within the
state.
2) The Policy And Notice
At the time of the test, the employee on whom the test is supposed to be
conducted needs to be given a written application. Hence, the employer’s
intent to conduct a drug test is in accordance to the written notice.
3) Who Is Applicable For The Test
This test is applicable to each and every employee, with special regards to
those who are habitual of taking their jobs rather casually. Excluding
federally mandated tests, all other tests pertaining to drug and alcohol are
done within the state jurisdiction and in accordance to the laws.
4) The Venue
Drug related tests need to be conducted in a valid laboratory. The labs need
to be approved by the state authorities and hence the screening methods are
scientifically reliable in nature.
5) The Limit And The Cost
Drug related tests in the state of Connecticut are always conducted through
the means of approved labs but the upper limit which would qualify the
intake as illegal has not been specified. Likewise, the cost has also not
been specified.
6) The Permitted Tests
Even before a drug related test is conducted in the state of Connecticut,
the employer is bound by law to convey the same to the employee. It has to
be explained to the employee that his/her job performance can be under
scanner if he/she is under the influence of alcohol. Safety sensitive and
high risk jobs may be tested if approved by the employer.
7) How To Conduct Tests
All tests must be conducted utilizing a reliable methodology. The positive
test results are conducted through the means of a second urinalysis drug
test. This test is separate from the initial test and involves a gas
chromatography and mass spectrometry methodology.
8) Related Observations
No direct observations are allowed in the stat of Connecticut. The test
results are determined by the commissioner of public health. He then checks
and re checks the tests for their reliability. The results thus granted are
treated as final and have to be accepted by both the parties. There is also
no specific time limit for the tests and they can be performed as and when
the employer feels their need.
9) The Law
The law states that the collective bargaining agreements must comply with
the law. An individual, regardless whether he/she is an employer or an
employee, does not exercise the right to perform a test without prior
consent.
10) Job Functions
Certain jobs such as bus drivers, commercial drivers, forklift operators,
mechanics and other workers, are supposed to be checked on a random basis.
These jobs are also considered as high-risk jobs and the need for drug
related tests is considered a healthy option.
PASS A DRUG TEST IN CONNECTICUT
