Before requesting that a parent or caregiver take a drug test, the caseworker asks the person about current prescriptions and any over-the-counter medications he or she is taking. If the drug test has a positive result, the caseworker shares the person’s prescription medication information with the medical review officer (MRO) listed on the drug test results. The MRO assesses whether the medication would have resulted in a positive drug test result.
A caseworker may request a drug test for any of the following reasons:
- When a court has ordered the drug test.
- To determine whether a parent or caregiver is actively using substances.
- To confirm participation and assist in substance use disorder treatment or long-term recovery.
Types of Drug Screens and Drug Tests
The table below shows the types of drug screens and drug tests that the caseworker may conduct or order for a person and which level of staff member needs to approve the request for each type of screen or test.
| Type of Drug Screen or Drug Test | Approving Staff |
|---|---|
| Oral fluid (instant swab test, instant swab test with lab confirmation, or instant test with lab confirmation). * | Caseworker or higher level |
| Urinalysis test * (Note: Caseworkers are not allowed to collect urine from any person.) | Form 2054 Service Authorization (located in IMPACT) requires approval from supervisor or higher level |
| Hair strand test (See 1963 Children and Youth Who Are Exposed to or Using Substances.) | Form 2054 Service Authorization (located in IMPACT) requires approval from program director or higher level |
* Not approved for minors.
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