Beginning today, Minnesota employers will be able to use oral fluid testing as an alternative to traditional lab-based drug, alcohol, and cannabis testing. This new law aims to provide faster results, potentially within minutes, compared to the days or weeks required for traditional methods.
The Minnesota Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act (DATWA) has been updated to include oral fluid testing, exempting it from the state’s laboratory testing requirements. Employers must inform employees of test results immediately. If an oral fluid test result is positive, inconclusive, or invalid, employees can request a confirmatory test at no cost within 48 hours, with further retests at their own expense.
This change offers a quicker, more convenient option for employers and employees, streamlining the testing process while maintaining strict collection and notification requirements.
Sources:
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
- Minnesota Legislature