| State: | Delaware |
| Statute of Order: | Del. Code Ann. Tit. 21 §2708 |
| Covered Employers: | Public and private schools and entities that furnish transportation services to schools; Department of Corrections. |
| Applicant Testing: | Testing required to certify school bus drivers. Testing also required for security-sensitive positions with Department of Corrections. |
| Employee Testing: | Employee testing is not subject to restriction. |
| Conditions & Methods: | Further analysis in case of positive findings. |
| Pass Drug Testing Bulletpoints: |
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1) A General Background
The state of Delaware is considered as a hybrid state. Over here, the
employers are supposed to test certain category of workers. A perfect
example of a job profile wherein drug testing is a perquisite is the home
healthcare department.
2) The Limitations Involved
Employers have certain limitations when they opt for drug testing laws.
Delaware is an open state wherein there are no rules whatsoever which limit
the testing of drugs to the workplace. Hence, tests can be carried out
anyplace, with special regards to state recognized labs.
3) Policy Restrictions
The state does not ask for a written policy. However, there are certain test
industries wherein a written police is required. Likewise, in the case of
worker’s employment and unemployment purposes, the employers must have a
valid written policy in place.
4) Notices And Costs
In the state of Delaware, there is requirement of a prior notice. Likewise,
the overall costs of these medical exams are to be born by the employer. It
should also be kept in mind that a drug test has not been determined as a
medical test by the court of law.
5) The Consequences
According to the state law, there are no limits set on drug testing. It is
therefore up to the employers to set certain standards and proceed
accordingly. If the employers find that their employees have crossed the
permissible limit, they are free to take action.
6) Who All Can Be Tested
Although there is no mandate on the tests, certain industry workers need to
be tested on a regular basis. These include home healthcare services,
nursing home, department of corrections, school bus drivers/aids and
harnessing racing. There are also no specified areas of testing and hence
lots of products are therefore covered in the tests.
7) When To Carry Out The Test And How
There is no time limit pertaining to the drug tests and employers may carry
out the tests as and when required. Likewise, the tests can be performed at
any place. They should preferably be performed at recognized labs.
8) Fines In Case Of Failure
Certain high risk jobs such as commercial drivers and construction workers
need drug testing. Certain other professions such as home healthcare
workers, department of correction employees and harness racing workers need
to undergo these tests or else they can be fined.
9) The Compensation Benefit
Workers who fail the drug tests are considered guilty. They are also termed
intoxicated and this in turn may effect their earning capacity, with special
regards to the workers compensation and unemployment benefits. Hence, such
employees need to take their tests with utmost care.
10) A Word Of Caution
Although the state of Delaware is often regarded as an open state, there are
certain rules which need to be adhered to by both the employers as well as
the employees. These rules have been listed above and they need to be read
with utmost care.
PASS A DRUG TEST IN DELAWARE
