The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires local governments who receive federal grant funds to maintain a drug-free workplace. This does not, however, require drug testing. Following is a sample drug-free workplace policy.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

                County is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees. This commitment is jeopardized when any county employee illegally uses drugs on the job, comes to work under their influence, or possesses, distributes or sells drugs in the workplace. Therefore,                 County has established the following policy:

1. It is a violation of                 County policy for any employee to possess, sell, trade, or offer for sale illegal drugs or otherwise engage in the illegal use of drugs on the job.

2. It is a violation of                 County policy for anyone to report to work under the influence of illegal drugs.

3. It is a violation of                 County policy for anyone to use prescription drugs illegally.  (However, nothing in this policy precludes the appropriate use of legally prescribed medications.)

4. Violations of this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

5. As a condition of employment with                County, employees must abide by the terms of this policy and must notify                County in writing of any conviction of a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) calendar days after such conviction.

It is the responsibility of county employees’ supervisors to counsel employees whenever they see changes in performance or behavior that suggest that an employee has a drug problem. Although it is not the supervisor’s job to diagnose personal problems, the supervisor should encourage such employees to seek help and advise them about available resources for getting help. Everyone shares responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment and co-workers should encourage anyone who may have a drug problem to seek help.

Employees needing treatment information should call [name of local employee assistance program, employer’s employee assistance program director, a qualified physician, etc.]

The goal of this policy is to balance our respect for individuals with the need to maintain a safe, productive and drug-free environment. The intent of this policy is to offer a helping hand to those who need it, while sending a clear message that the illegal use of drugs is incompatible with employment at                County.

Drug Testing Programs. CTAS does not provide sample drug testing policies, but instead recommends that counties contract with a reputable expert to handle the program, including the development of the drug testing policies (Sample Drug Testing Program Request for Proposal). It is essential that the policy accurately reflect the testing program as it is carried out in the county. For more information on Drug Testing programs, see Drug and Alcohol Testing.