Kentucky State Drug Testing Laws

Workplace Drug Testing Issues – Kentucky State Laws

These categories do not effect DOT-regulated drug testing. Government employers should always call for potential additional restrictions on employee drug testing.

This chart is based on the KY voluntary law for Workers Comp Discount – 803 KAR 25:280

For the voluntary Kentucky drug free workplace law, instant drug testing or POCT testing is prohibited.

Drug Testing IssueStatusComments
Instant or POCT Testing Prohibited
Drug PanelsRestrictions10 panel with expanded opiates required
LaboratoryRestrictionsSAMHSA Lab Required
Medical Review OfficerRequiredMRO must review all results and follow SAMHSA guidelines.
Random TestingNo Restrictions
Post-AccidentNo RestrictionsRequired for Workers Comp Discount
Reasonable SuspicionNo RestrictionsRequired for Workers Comp Discount
Oral FluidsRestrictionsUrine is required for drugs, breath for alcohol unless specimen testing method is as accurate as and equivalent to breath and urine.
Hair TestingRestrictionsMay be approved by the Office of Workers' Claims if specimens tested are as accurate as and equivalent to breath and urine.
Unemployment DenialYesTerminate for misconduct which includes reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs or consuming alcohol or drugs on the employers premises during work hours
Workers Comp DiscountYes5% discount. Certification of drug-free workplace.
Intoxication DefenseYesLiability for compensation does not apply when injury, occupational disease, or death are directly caused by voluntary intoxication
Medical MarijuanaNo
Recreational MarijuanaNo
Report Driver DOT PositivesNo
General Statute--Kentucky allows employers to adopt a drug-free workplace program, to qualify for a discount on their workers' compensation premiums. Mining industry employers must implement drug testing programs.

Intoxication Defense – Denial of Workers Compensation Claim – States vary in their willingness to allow employers to use an injured worker’s intoxication as a defense against a claim for compensation.  State laws’ intoxication defenses generally fall into one of three rough categories: defenses that do not depend on causation; defenses that require some form of proximate causation between intoxication and injury; and defenses that require that intoxication be the sole cause of injury.  Always check with your insurance company and your attorney when you have a refusal or positive post-accident test after an injury.

This chart is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for legal guidance. State and local law varies greatly; therefore, you are advised to consult experienced legal counsel during the development or edit of your actual substance abuse testing program and with any questions that follow.

State Law Kentucky

Drug Testing in Kentucky

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Marijuana Laws for Kentucky

Marijuana considerations are important and marijuana laws often update often, check out Marijuana in the Workplace.