Contents
The University of Washington's drug and alcohol testing program complies with Federal Regulations that prohibit covered employees from being under the influence of drugs of abuse while working, and that require drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers license (CDL) holders and other covered transportation workers. The information on these web pages applies only to University of Washington employees who are required to possess the CDL as a condition of employment. The program covers regular drivers, backup drivers and temporary employees who are required to hold the CDL.
The program does not apply to workers unless they are required to drive a vehicle for which the a commercial driver's license (CDL) is mandatory. The program is fully described in University of Washington Administrative Policy Statement 13.8.
UW employees who are required to hold a commercial drivers license (CDL) as a condition of employment must not report for work if they are impaired and/or under the influence of drugs of abuse. Being impaired and/or under the influence of controlled substances while on duty, or any activity involving use, possession, distribution, or sale of alcohol, unauthorized prescription drugs, controlled substances or drug paraphernalia at University facilities or in University vehicles is prohibited.
The appropriate use of legally prescribed drugs and nonprescription medication is not prohibited. However, covered employees must remove themselves from vehicle and equipment operation if they experience any adverse effects from medication or prescribed drugs, and report the situation to their supervisor . Employees are not required to disclose to their supervisor the names of any prescribed medication they are taking or the diagnosis of the condition that is being treated. Supervisors may require medical verification of the information provided by an employee. Supervisors should not require medical verification with out first speaking with their unit's Human Resources Consultant.
The University uses a contractor to provide specific services which are described below.
Each participating department pays for the services rendered to it through the use of a University ProCard. Current service charges are as follows:
The drug and alcohol testing program components are summarized below. The links take you to a complete description of the process for each program element.
| Program Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Employer Policy | Administrative Policy Statement 13.8 - This policy is the governing document for the University's CDL drug and alcohol testing program and is provided in compliance with federal regulations. A copy of the policy must be given to each cdl driver. |
| Training | Supervisor Training - see Employing Unit Responsibilities, below for details. |
| Pre Duty Background Check | Employing units must arrange for a background check for all CDL drivers at the time of appointment to a CDL driving position to determine if they have had a positive drug and/or alcohol test with another employer. |
| Pre Duty Drug Testing | Employing units must arrange for all CDL drivers to have a pre duty drug test before driving a vehicle that requires CDL. The Pre Duty Drug Test may be at the time of original employment if driving or backup duties will begin immediately, or at a later time when cdl driving duties are assigned. There is no pre duty alcohol test. |
| Random Testing | Each month our testing contractor notifies the departmental contact for an employing unit when one of its employees is required to be sent for random drug and/or alcohol testing. |
| Post Accident Testing | Following an accident that meets certain conditions the employee must be sent for Post Accident Drug and Alcohol Testing . Follow the link for detailed information about post accident testing requirements. |
| Reasonable Suspicion Testing | An employee who the supervisor or manager finds to be possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol must be sent for Reasonable Suspicion Drug and Alcohol Testing. Follow the link for detailed information about reasonable suspicion testing. |
| Periodic Follow-up Drug Testing | Employees who have had a positive test who remain employed must undergo Periodic Follow-up Drug and/or Alcohol Testing in addition to regular Random Drug and Alcohol Testing. Follow the link for detailed information about these program components. |
Each unit with a CDL driver has the following responsibilities:
CDL drivers are responsible for complying with the provisions of University policy, Administrative Policy Statement 13.8. This policy is in compliance with US Department of Transportation regulations and:
Employees who do not comply with the provisions of University policy are subject to corrective action including dismissal.