Reasonable Suspicion Drug & Alcohol Testing

Support Your Supervisors When They Suspect Impairment at Work

When a supervisor reasonably suspects an employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work, you need a clear, consistent process and access to fast, professional testing.

goMDnow helps employers carry out reasonable suspicion testing, also called for-cause testing, in a way that is policy-based, consistent, documented, and supportive of workplace safety and compliance.

When is reasonable suspicion testing used?

Reasonable suspicion testing is used when trained supervisors observe signs that may indicate drug or alcohol impairment. The decision should be based on specific, documented observations rather than rumors or assumptions.

• Appearance, behavior, speech, or body odor concerns
• Unsafe work behavior or sudden performance changes
• Post-incident impairment concerns
• DOT reasonable suspicion situations for regulated employees
• Company drug-free workplace policy requirements

DOT vs Non-DOT Reasonable Suspicion

For DOT-covered employees, reasonable suspicion testing has specific requirements and should be based on supervisor observations that meet DOT standards. For non-DOT employees, testing should follow the employer's written workplace policy and applicable state law.

goMDnow can support both DOT and non-DOT reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing through professional collection sites and secure result handling.

Recommended employer process

1. Supervisor documents specific observations.
2. Employer reviews the policy and determines whether testing is appropriate.
3. Order the correct drug and/or alcohol test.
4. Send employee to a nearby collection site.
5. Maintain testing records and supervisor documentation.

Important note

Reasonable suspicion testing should be handled carefully and consistently. Employers should use trained supervisors, written policies, and documented observations before sending an employee for testing.