| State: | Virginia |
| Statute of Order: | Currently Not Available |
| Covered Employers: | Currently Not Available |
| Applicant Testing: | Currently Not Available |
| Employee Testing: | Currently Not Available |
| Conditions & Methods: | Currently Not Available |
| Pass Drug Testing Bulletpoints: |
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1) Legal Stand
This is a necessary test in the mining industry and left to voluntary
decision otherwise. Discounted programs are available for workers of other
industry. A miner cannot refuse to undergo drug testing and inability clear
the testing process involves suspension of certificate.
2) Policy
Virginia law does not dictate the need for a policy except in the mining
industry where a policy is a necessity. The policy is also needed in
organizations where the employers have chosen to volunteer for the
discounted state scheme.
3) Cost Of Testing
The law clearly states that the cost of a medical exam is to be borne by the
employer. An applicant or employee can turn to legal recourse if asked to
bear the cost. However, the law does not clearly include drug tests as part
of the medical tests. Drug test cost is specified as payable in the laws
pertaining to the mining industry.
4) Positive Test Result
The law for the mining industry specifies suspension of certificate if the
drug test returns positive. A workers compensation claim can also be refuted
if the test is positive in another industry. If the miner is able to prove
that the drug is being taken under licensed prescription, the positive
result does not lead to suspension of certificates and legal action. If a
SAMHSA lab and procedure conducts the test, the individual can be considered
to have carried out misconduct and may lose any compensation benefits on
account of the accident.
5) Drug Specification
The law does not specify the drugs to be tested for the non-mining industry.
In the mining industry, a 11-panel drug test is prescribed.
6) Approved Agency
SAMHSA certified lab and procedures are required for carrying out drug tests
for the mining industry. If a compensation claim is to be refuted, an
approved laboratory must conduct all tests.
7) Timing of Drug Tests
Law does not specify the timing of drug testing. If a mining accident has
occurred, due to the presence of intoxicants in a miner’s system, an
immediate drug test is required on the victims who have either caused or
suffered in the accident.
8) Types of Jobs
A mandatory substance abuse testing and a rehabilitation program legally is
specified for the mining industry. Other industries are free to choose the
approach to the possible existence of substance abuse that might create
workplace issues. While the law does not specify details, it takes a strong
view of substance related accidents and endangering of lives in the mining
industry.
9) Substance Abuse Program
A miner who is undergoing a substance abuse program on a regular basis will
not face suspension of the certificate. If the individual has not shown
attendance in the program, suspension is possible.
10) Method
The legal framework accepts federal DOT and SAMHSA procedures. In case of
the mining industry, these procedures are necessary, in the other
industries, these procedures are legally accepted for rebutting a
compensation claim.
PASS A DRUG TEST IN VIRGINIA
