Failed Drug Test and the FAA
If you failed a drug test and are a safety-sensitive employee for the Federal Aviation Administration you will need to follow the procedure outlined below. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a zero tolerance for substance abuse by its employees and therefore conducts routine drug tests to ensure that its workforce adheres to the rules and regulations. A drug test is the analysis of a biological specimen such as urine to determine whether a prohibited substance is in the system.
Failed drug test occurs when a sample is confirmed to be positive indicating that the tested substance is present in the specimen under investigation, therefore during such a routine check whenever one of the employees fails the test, the following are the procedures that the employer will take.
FAA Employees – Failed Drug Test
- Removal from safety-sensitive duties
This should occur immediately when a positive result is detected to ensure the safety of the employee and its co-workers because of the nature of the work at FAA. At this stage referrals to a DOT qualified SAP will be given for the return to duty process to begin for the employee. - Employee must meet with SAP
At this stage an employee is required to meet with a SAP for a face-to-face evaluation. The SAP will then recommend education and/or treatment. - SAP re-evaluation
Once the employee completes the recommended education and/or treatment program, they must have a re-evaluation with their SAP. The SAP will determine if the employee has successfully completed their education and/or treatment program. - Return-to-duty test under observation
An employee must take another drug test under direct observation and receive a negative drug test result and/or alcohol test before they can be placed back in a safety-sensitive position. - Follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing
If an employee has been brought back into their safety-sensitive position they will be subject to follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing, as directed by the SAP.
If you failed a drug and/or alcohol test and work for the Federal Aviation Administration you’ll need to find a SAP in your geographic area and complete the return-to-duty process. To enroll in our FastTrack Enrollment program, click here.
source: Q&As for Safety-Sensitive Employees