Statement of Richard K Willard Before the House Subcommittee on Human Resources Concerning the President's Program to Foster a Drug-Free Federal Workplace on September 25, 1986

• NCJ Number: 102950
• Author(s): R K Willard
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This statement details the procedures and protections for implementing Executive Order 12564, which authorizes drug testing for Federal employees to achieve a drug-free Federal workplace and provide a model for similar programs in the private sector.

Abstract

The order provides a general authorization for drug testing without detailing procedures. Although procedures for implementing the order have yet to be decided, the Reagan administration envisions the testing of any Federal employee when there is reasonable suspicion of drug use, in the course of a safety investigation, or as a followup to a drug rehabilitation program. Random or uniform drug testing would only apply to employees in sensitive jobs. A positive test would be grounds for recommending an employee for a rehabilitation program and for changing an employee to a less sensitive job. Positive initial tests would be confirmed by a test virtually 100-percent reliable. Procedures would respect employee privacy and protect employees from preemptory dismissal or discipline. Such testing is constitutional since it parallels other medical tests intended to determine an employee's or applicant's fitness for job performance. The statement reviews proposed legislation bearing on the issue of drug testing for Federal employees.