WSR 05-09-101

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL


[ Filed April 20, 2005, 10:38 a.m. ]

     Continuance of WSR 04-08-126.

     Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 357-37-200 Can an employer require an employee or applicant to submit to drug/alcohol testing?

     Hearing Location(s): Department of Personnel, Joan B. Darin Conference Room, 521 Capitol Way South, Olympia, WA, on May 24, 2005, at 10:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: May 24, 2005.

     Submit Written Comments to: Sharon Whitehead, Department of Personnel, P.O. Box 47500, FOR DOP TRACKING PURPOSES PLEASE NOTE ON SUBMITTED COMMENTS "FORMAL COMMENT," fax (360) 586-4694, by May 18, 2005.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Department of Personnel by May 18, 2005, TTY (360) 753-4107 or (360) 586-8260.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The new section addresses drug/alcohol testing for employees or applicants.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 41.06 RCW.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 41.06.150.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: Due to the passage of SHB 1268 the director of the Department of Personnel has rule-making authority regarding drug/alcohol testing for employees or applicants. This proposal implements this provision of the Personnel System Reform Act.

     Name of Proponent: Department of Personnel, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Sharon Whitehead, 521 Capitol Way South, Olympia, WA, (360) 664-6348; Implementation and Enforcement: Department of Personnel.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Not required.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328.

April 19, 2005

Eva N. Santos

Director


NEW SECTION
WAC 357-37-200   Can an employer require an employee or applicant to submit to drug/alcohol testing?   In addition to drug/alcohol testing required by state or federal law, an employer may require a specific employee or applicant to submit to drug/alcohol testing designed to identify the presence in the body of controlled substances referenced under chapter 69.50 RCW, other than drugs prescribed by a physician, if:

     (1) The employer has a policy that:

     (a) Complies with legal requirements;

     (b) Establishes procedures under which the test may be conducted;

     (c) Provides for the confidential treatment of drug and or alcohol test results as required by law or in an action or proceeding challenging any disciplinary action arising from the circumstances which led to the test; and

     (2) If testing an employee, one of the following situations occur:

     (a) The employer has specific, objective grounds to believe the employee's work performance is impaired due to the presence of such substances in the body; or

     (b) While on duty the employee is involved in an accident or incident as described by the employer's policy.

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