Helpful Links...

For more links and information on safe hiring in general and pre-employment background screening, see Employment Screening Resources (ESR) at www.ESRcheck.com

1. www.samhsa.gov  This site is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Metal Health Services Administration, an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Service (SAMHSA).

2.  www.health.org   The national clearinghouse for drug and substance abuse information, sponsored by SAMHSA.

3. www.health.org/workplce/summary.htm      A  report sponsored by SAMHSA on the  accuracy of 15 so-called, "Rapid" or "Instant" drug tests, which are the do-it-yourself instant kits widely available over the Internet. As a result of the study, SAMHSA concluded that the kits generated a "fair number of false positives and false negatives."   Essentially, the devices that detected higher number of positives also gave a higher number of "false positives."  Other devices were more conservative giving fewer false positives, but missing many true positives.   Given these results, many professionals urge caution in using such "Rapid" or "Instant" tests for pre-employment screening, especially given the fact that actual laboratory testing is easier to administer (there is no handling of a urine spaceman on the job) and does not cost that much more compared to the potential liability  of these kits.

4. www.nida.nih.gov/   Site sponsored by the US National Institute of Drug Abuse concerning drug abuse and prevention.

5.  www.dot.gov US Department of Transportation site, covering tests mandated by that department, referred to commonly as DOT testing.

6.  www.drugfreeamerica.org     Information concerning drug abuse and prevention.

7. Site maintained by the Dept. of Labor Small Business Initiative. www2.dol.gov/dol/asp/public/programs/drugs/workingpartners/main.htm  
    
8. www.notes.dol.gov/said.nsf     Site maintained by the Dept of Labor-the Substance Abuse Information Database (SAID), containing references t the laws in the fifty states.

9.  www.drugs.indiana.edu/druginfo/home.html    Site sponsored by the University of Indiana with interesting links to other sites.

10.  www.drugfreeworkplace.org the Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace has excellent information and publications.

12.  www.hr-guide.com/data/081.htm   the drug and alcohol page for the HR-Guide, and outstanding collection of Human Resources links and services.