I have an update on the Drug Testing code issue. I have sent the email below to a few Legislators, requesting changes to state code 34-41-103 (c) allowing different types of drug testing for preemployment for local governments. Kami Perkins, Tooele City HR Director, has forwarded my request on to Johnnie Miller, CEO of Utah Counties Indemity Pool. I am also in contact with our drug testing company, CODA, to get their suppport on a proposed bill. My city also has representation on the ULCT LPC, so I am working that channel as well.
I will keep you updated on if we get a bill file/bill number. I would appreciate your support on this matter to allow greater local control and decision making. Once there is a bill number, I would ask you contact your local rep in support of the change.
Copy of Email:
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Good morning Senator Kennedy and Representatives Christofferson and Maloy,
Let me introduce myself. I am David Kitchen, HR Director for Lehi City since 2013. Love the city, community, and public service.
As HR Director for Lehi, one of my responsibilities is to oversee pre-employment drug testing for Lehi City employees and volunteers. State Code 34-41-103 (4) (5) currently requires local governments to use a split urine sample for testing or retesting. I would like the additional option of using oral fluid samples, which are less invasive to an employee/volunteer’s privacy and allow direct observation than urine samples, while still remaining as effective to detect drug use. Oral fluid samples have been studied by oversight agencies, such as SAMHSA and College of American Pathology.
Here are a few references to their documents:
As of June 2, 2023, the US DOT approved by rule oral fluid testing for DOT testing, but is waiting on HHS for approval of approved and accredited laboratories for federal split sample testing for CDL licenses and over federally regulated programs:
In addition, other sections of State Code that require drug testing do not restrict types of drug testing or urine samples only. See 34-38-2, 80-3-1, 9-23-309, 35A-3-304.5
Upon review, Code 34-28-6 is more clear for drug testing for employers, but 34-38-2 excludes local governments. I understand that 34-41-103 protects that rights of employees using split samples and the due process required for public employees. I believe what is important is that the lab process and results are consistent and fair to employees and that can be covered by 34-41-104. In fact, 104 (2)(c) allows local governments to “designate the type of sample to be used for testing.”
Therefore, I would like to explore modifications to these requirements, either using language similar to 34-38-6 or modifying 34-41-103 and 104 to allow use of oral fluid samples with the consent of an employee or volunteer.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
David
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