Three test positive for days in FY05

Three government employees tested positive in random drug tests conducted by the Office of Personnel Management in fiscal year 2005.

According to OPM Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace program coordinator Frances T. Salas, 46 employees were randomly tested between October 2004 and September 2005 for the presence of cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine in their urine.

Employees who test positive are referred to the Community Guidance Center for rehabilitation. Those who do not seek rehabilitation are subject to termination.

Five other employees went through drug testing after they had an accident. None of the employees were found positive.

Only one employee was tested based on Ågreasonable suspicion.Åh He or she tested negative.

Furthermore, 650 drug tests were conducted for individuals seeking government employment. Ten of them tested positive.

ÅgOnce an applicant tests positive, an employment offer is withdrawn. But that doesn’t mean they cannot apply again. They can come back after they have been certified fit for employment by a medical officer from the Community Guidance Center,Åh Salas said.

OPM policy indicates that no new employee, whether civil service or contract, may be assigned to work in any position until the individual presents results of a urine test taken after the offer of employment.

A negative test result must be received before they can be allowed physically on the job. I must emphasize that employees cannot be put to work until the test results are received, an OPM memorandum said.

The requirement also applies to all gubernatorial appointees. But the new administration’s start-up staff will be authorized to work pending the release of the test results.

Off-island hires are also required to go through the procedure.

All drug tests must be conducted at laboratories certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Tests cost about $35.50 and results may be expected within seven working days from the time it was conducted.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has required all of his appointees to undergo a similar drug test to assure the public that they do not use drugs. He said this will partly restore trust and confidence in the government. Fitial himself will undergo the same test.