“Drug testing and “hiring” don’t seem like they should be in the same sentence. Drug testing usually comes up when a misconduct incident occurs at work. However, drug testing during the hiring process is important as well.
Continue reading if you’re considering pre-employment testing but unsure if it’s right for your medical practice. You’ll learn what it entails and the benefits of including drug tests in your medical practice hiring process.
What is Pre-Employment Drug Testing?
Pre-employment drug testing involves screening candidates for illegal substances or the misuse of prescription medications. Typically, it’s conducted on candidates who have accepted a conditional job offer before they officially join your team.
This drug testing ensures that new hires are fit to work in a safety-sensitive environment. A medical practice is one such environment, as the well-being of patients and staff is a top priority.
Methods of Drug Testing
There are various methods of drug testing available. The option you choose for your pre-employment drug test depends on your medical practice’s needs, budget, and substance of interest.
However, urine tests are the most widely used method. They are relatively easy to administer and can detect a range of substances, including marijuana, cocaine, and opioids. Plus, results are available within a few days, making the method efficient for the hiring process.
Other methods of drug testing you can conduct during the hiring process include:
- Hair testing
- Saliva testing
- Blood testing
Why You Should Drug Test in the Hiring Process
Pre-employment drug testing is important for various reasons, including:
1. Ensures workplace safety
Even slight impairments can lead to serious consequences in a medical practice. When medical staff are under the influence, it can affect their judgment, reaction time, and overall performance.
Pre-employment drug testing helps reduce the risk of hiring candidates who may compromise patient safety. It also ensures that your new staff is drug-free and creates a safe work environment for everyone.
2. Promotes a professional atmosphere
Pre-employment drug testing sends a clear message to new hires. It establishes that your medical practice values responsibility and reinforces your expectation of professionalism. Hence, new employees take their roles seriously.
3. Enhances employee retention
Pre-employment drug testing ensures you hire reliable and consistent staff. People struggling with addiction often miss work, show up late, and may cause accidents, leading to higher turnover.
4. Protects your practice legally
Pre-employment drug testing demonstrates your dedication to a safe workplace. This proactive measure can serve you well if any legal issues arise regarding employee behavior.
For instance, if an incident involves an employee under the influence, your practice could face significant legal ramifications. Drug testing helps protect your medical practice by showing that you took necessary precautions to prevent such situations.
Pre-employment Drug Testing Legal Precautions
Drug testing intrudes on the privacy of candidates, and there are regulations against the public release of drug test results. So, you must implement measures to ensure that candidates’ drug test results are strictly confidential.
Also, bear in mind that there are legal limits to pre-employment drug testing. For instance, candidates taking medication for a disability may have to be exempted from testing or a particular substance exempted from their test profile.
Should You Drug Test Before Hiring?
Absolutely. Pre-employment drug testing is essential for your medical practice because it’s a safety-sensitive environment. Making it a standard part of your hiring process will ensure everyone’s safety and protect your practice.
If you need help conducting pre-employment drug testing for your Atlanta medical practice or need more information, contact us at RG Staffing today!