

Now, before you rush to judgment and say that the workers gets what they deserve for using drugs, keep this in mind: the injured worker loses if they test positive for drugs whether or not the drugs had anything to do with the injury or not!Ĭlaimants frequently challenge the validity of the drug or alcohol test when there is a lapse of time between the injury causing event and the taking of the blood or urine sample. This creates a significant hurdle for the injured worker. According to the Division of Workers Compensation, rebuttable presumption means that the burden of proof shifts to the claimant to prove that they are not intoxicated at the time of injury. Workers comp carriers require a drug test for post-accident situations. Don’t forget the post-accident drug and alcohol test after an injury.Ī workers comp claim in Texas may be denied if the employee tests positive for drug or alcohol after an accident. The intoxication defense stands as a way for employers to avoid liability when a claimant was injured because of his/her intoxication. The intoxication defense often works in Texas to deny a claim saving both the employer and the employee money. Falsification of a drug test is an offense in Texas with the person committing the act of using substances or devices to falsify drug tests guilty of a Class B misdemeanor and those aiding or delivering substances intended to falsify the test for drugs guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.ĭenial of a Workers Comp Claim for a Positive Drug Test in Texas

Under Texas law, using a substance or device to try to falsify drug test results is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Texas has a law against cheating on a drug test. That is why it is so important to have each employee sign a consent form allowing complete disclosure of all test documentation by both the testing lab and the employer for the purpose of responding to claims and lawsuits.

97-000997, sets out some fairly clear guidelines regarding the kind of documentation an employer needs to respond to an unemployment claim involving an ex-employee whose termination resulted from failing a drug test. What kind of documentation is needed in a TWC unemployment claim regarding a positive drug test in Texas?Ī TWC precedent case, Appeal No. Will the company allow rehabilitation after a positive drug test? (optional – not required by any Texas or federal law).
#NOVA MEDICAL CENTER HARLINGEN FREE#
What disciplinary measures will result from violations of the drug free workplace policy? (necessary).Which employees will be covered for drug testing? (necessary).What positive drug test will be considered a violation? (necessary).The policy should address certain questions: Most drug free workplace policies start out by emphasizing in positive terms the need for safety in the workplace and adherence to job requirements and work quality, and go on to cite goals such as improving safety and productivity. What is a good, basic drug testing policy? Drug testing in the oil and gas industry in Texas is huge. Drug testing occurs daily in the State of Texas. The federal government and many other employers now have mandatory drug testing.
#NOVA MEDICAL CENTER HARLINGEN SOFTWARE#
Our robust technology drug testing software system manages the entire drug testing program for Texas employers conducting drug testing.ĭrug testing basically started in the 1980s, after President Ronald Reagan issued a mandate ordering federal agencies to have drug-free work places. National Drug Screening offers medical review officer (MRO) services throughout Texas and also offers drug testing software. Under Texas and federal laws, there is almost no limitation at all on the right of private employers to adopt drug and alcohol testing policies for their workers. Drug testing is available for employers and for individuals. There are many locations available in Texas for drug testing so National Drug Screening can help you to get a drug test done just about anywhere in Texas from Dallas to Houston to San Antonio to Midland. Texas is a big State with a lot of drug testing.
