What are the major controversies surrounding drug tests? What can employers do to overcome the problems associated with these tests?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The major controversies surrounding drug tests involve not their reliability and validity but whether they represent an invasion of privacy, an unreasonable search and seizure, or a violation of due process.
Employers considering the use of drug tests would be well advised to make sure that their drug-testing programs conform to some general rules:

1. These tests should be administered systematically to all applicants for the same job.
2. Testing seems more defensible for jobs that involve safety hazards associated with failure to perform.
3. Test results should be reported back to the applicant, who should be allowed an avenue of appeal (and perhaps retesting).
4. Tests should be conducted in an environment that is as unintrusive as possible, and results from those tests should be held in strict confidence.
6. Finally, when testing current employees, the program should be part of a wider organizational program that provides rehabilitation counseling.