Georgia’s drug and alcohol testing laws offer workers’ compensation premium discounts for compliant employers; non-compliant employers can test at-will. Drug and alcohol testing are legal. Rapid testing is permitted for pre-employment purposes only.
These categories do not affect DOT-regulated drug testing. Government employers should always call for potential additional restrictions on employee drug testing.
The chart below applies to the Georgia Voluntary Drug-Free Workplace Act.
| Drug Testing Issue | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Instant or POCT Testing | Restrictions | For pre-employment only, non-negative results must be confirmed at Laboratory |
| Drug Panels | See Comments | 5 or 10 panel - AMP-Amphetamines (including MAMP-Methamphetamine, MDMA-Ecstasy); COC-Cocaine: OPI-Opiates (including codeine, morphine and heroin); PCP-Phencyclidine; THC-Marijuana; BZO-Benzodiazepines BAR-Barbiturates; MTD-Methadone; PPX-Propoxyphene; and Meth u2013 Methaqualone. |
| Laboratory | Certification Required | Certified by SAMHSA or approved by CAP |
| Medical Review Officer | Required | |
| Random Testing | Permitted | |
| Post-Accident | Required | |
| Reasonable Suspicion | Required | |
| Oral Fluids | No Restrictions | |
| Hair Testing | No Restrictions | |
| Unemployment Denial | Yes | 34-8-194. Grounds for disqualification of benefits u2013 must follow Georgia Drug Free Workplace Program |
| Workers Comp Discount | Yes | 7.5% discount |
| Intoxication Defense | Yes | Georgia HB 1505 |
| Medical Marijuana | No | On March 15, 2015, Georgia Legislature authorized the use of Cannabidiol (CBD) under strict guidelines. |
| Recreational Marijuana | No | Comments |
| Report Driver DOT Positives | No | |
| General Statute | -- | Voluntary Drug Free Workplace Act |
Voluntary Drug Free Workplace Act –Application for Workers Comp Discount
ARTICLE 11 – DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM
Unemployment Denial for positive drug test or refusal to test – § 34-8-194 – Grounds for disqualification of benefits
Intoxication Defense – Denial of Workers Compensation Claim – § 34-9-17 – Grounds for denial of compensation
This chart is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for legal guidance. State and local law varies greatly; therefore, you are advised to consult experienced legal counsel during the development or edit of your actual substance abuse testing program and with any questions that follow.
Georgia State Law
This chart is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for legal guidance. State and local laws vary greatly; therefore, you are advised to consult experienced legal counsel during the development or edit of your actual substance abuse testing program and with any questions that follow.
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