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VetVine Client Care
Pre-employment Drug Testing
Practice Management
This question was asked during a past Practice Management webinar:
Question:
I am working with the practice owner in revising some of our hiring practices. One thing that has been recommended is that we consider implementing pre-employment drug testing of prospective employees. We are not a large practice. Is this really necessary for smaller practices? Isn't this "over the top?"
Answer by Sandy Walsh, RVT, CVPM:
Pre-employment drug testing should be the standard for all positions in a veterinary practice. Think about all of the drugs employees have access to? Substance abuse and diversion have been on the rise in veterinary practices for years, and no employment group is excepted. We have seen diversion by doctors, technicians, receptionists, pet care attendants and management. Pre-employment drug screens are not cost prohibitive and should be comprehensive. You need to test for the common street drugs like marijuana and cocaine as well as the ones employees have access to in the practices. Drugs such as Fentanyl, Ketamine and Morphine to name a few. Along with good security controls and recordkeeping, drug testing should be a part of your Drug Free Workplace Policy. Practices that have this policy in place have fewer instances of accidents on the job, theft, absenteeism and substandard productivity. In addition, Workers Comp fees are reduced. My question is ... why wouldn't you have a pre-employment drug testing policy?
Comment by an audience member:
Great question, Sandy! "Why wouldn't you have a pre-employment drug testing policy?" Imagine that you hire someone without a policy in place, and the worst scenario plays itself out. What would the potential outcome be? Bad press - especially in a small community, loss of owner's time spent on the issue, and potential legal issues. On the flip side, what's the outcome of having policy in place? Minutes of time spent administering the policy and a clear message to all employees of the type of practice you run.
Comment by Sandy Walsh, RVT, CVPM:
Thanks for the feedback. So many positive things come from having a policy of pre-employment drug testing. Thank you for pointing out the positives.