Rhode Island State law is very restrictive on drug testing. A comprehensive policy is required.
These categories do not effect DOT-regulated drug testing. Government employers should always call for potential additional restrictions on employee drug testing.
| Drug Testing Issue | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Instant or POCT Testing | Permitted | Confirmation testing, a "federally certified laboratory" is required. |
| Drug Panels | No Restrictions | |
| Laboratory | Restricted | For confirmation testing, a "federally certified laboratory" is required. |
| Medical Review Officer | Not Required | Highly recommended |
| Random Testing | Restricted | Safety-Sensitive Employees Only and Only in Certain Industries. |
| Post-Accident | Restricted | Only when there is reasonable suspicion of employee substance abuse or alcohol use. |
| Reasonable Suspicion | Permitted | Reasonable grounds to believe an employee may be impaired "based on specific aspects of the employee's job performance and specific contemporaneous documented observations." |
| Oral Fluids | Permitted | |
| Hair Testing | Permitted | |
| Unemployment Denial | Yes | Discharge for misconduct. |
| Workers Comp Discount | No | |
| Intoxication Defense | Yes | No compensation for injuries occasioned by willful intent or intoxication. |
| Medical Marijuana | Yes | Senate Bill 0710 (52-10 H; 33-1 S). Nothing in statute requires employer to accommodate use of marijuana in the workplace. |
| Recreational Marijuana | Yes | New law May 25, 2002 includes information that employers are generally prohibited from terminating or taking disciplinary action against an employee “solely for an employee’s private, lawful use of cannabis outside the workplace and so long as the employee has not and is not working under the influence of cannabis.” |
| Report Driver DOT Positives | No | |
| General Statute | -- | CHAPTER 28-6.5 Urine and Blood Tests as a Condition of Employment |
State drug testing laws must be followed – Chapter 28-6.5 – Urine and Blood Tests as a Condition of Employment.
Employers in the highway maintenance industry, which shall include the construction, upkeep, maintenance and repair of the state’s highways, roads, and bridges including the repaving or resurfacing of the same shall be allowed to test in conformity with procedures outlined in DOT regulations 49 CFR Part 40.
A written policy is required. Termination only possible after rehabilitation has been offered for a first-time positive and the employee fails subsequent follow-up testing. Post-accident drug testing for non-regulated employers may be prohibited in Rhode Island.
Recreational Marijuana – Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana in the state on May 25, 2022. Employers are generally prohibited from terminating or taking disciplinary action against an employee “solely for an employee’s private, lawful use of cannabis outside the workplace and so long as the employee has not and is not working under the influence of cannabis.”
Medical Marijuana – Rhode Island Gen. Laws 21-28.6-7
Rhode Island has explicit employee protection with respect to medical marijuana:
Intoxication Defense – Denial of Workers Compensation Claim – No compensation shall be allowed for the injury or death of an employee occasioned by his or her willful intention to bring about the injury or death of himself or herself or another, where it is proved that his or her injury or death was occasioned by that conduct, or that the injury or death resulted from his or her intoxication or unlawful use of controlled substances as defined in Rhode Island chapter 28 of title 21.
This chart is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for legal guidance. State and local law vary 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.
Rhode Island State Law
Testing locations are available in all areas. For immediate service for employers or individuals call 866-843-4545 or Order Now.
Marijuana considerations are important and marijuana laws often update often, check out Marijuana in the Workplace.
