Pre-employment drug testing for health practitioners

JULY 2013
Drug testing for beneficiaries with work obligations
Around 40% of jobs listed with Work and Income require applicants to pass a
pre-employment drug test
From 15 July 2013 where an employer or training provider asks for a pre-employment drug
test as part of the application process for a suitable job, beneficiaries with work obligations
will be required to take and pass that test.
The drug testing process
Drug tests will be completed under a national drug testing standard. There are two types of
tests, both usually needing a urine sample:
• a screening test which shows if drugs are present
• an evidential test completed by an accredited laboratory which shows the type of drug and
the amount present.
Most employers will only do the first screening test as this generally provides them with
enough information to make a decision on whether to employ an applicant or not.
Supporting people to get help
Together with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development is establishing an
‘0800 Helpline’ for Work and Income beneficiaries who indicate that they would like support to
resolve their drug issues.
The service has been set up for beneficiaries who require support as a result of the new preemployment
drug testing obligations. The service also provides support for people with
alcohol problems, however the pre-employment drug testing obligation does not include
testing for the presence of alcohol.
The Helpline service will provide:
• screening for alcohol and drug use issues
• brief interventions to minimise harm or motivate change
• referral to alcohol and other drug treatment services for a comprehensive assessment
(where this is indicated).

Addiction and dependency
The policy is not aimed at people with addictions or dependency. Comprehensive
assessment for drug dependency will be carried out by parties suitably qualified for this work.
Input from health professionals
When a work obligated client advises Work and Income that they may fail, or have failed, a
pre-employment drug test and they have a good and sufficient reason for this, the client will
be asked to provide Work and Income with a completed Drug Test Obligations - Verification
Form.
This form is to be filled in by a health professional such as a medical practitioner, alcohol and
other drug counsellor or a treatment provider, and will help the client provide the information
required to help determine:
• whether they have a good and sufficient reason for not being able to pass a preemployment
drug test
• the duration their good and sufficient reason is expected to continue for, and
• if they should be deferred from their drug test obligations for a period of time.
• Contact the Health and Disability Team at your nearest Work and Income Regional Office
• Visit www.workandincome.govt.nz
• Call us on 0800 559 009
JOBS118W-JUL2013