Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Why must staff be drug tested?
With the implementation of N.J.S.A. 30:6D-9.5 and 9.6, “The Stephen Komninos’ Law,” effective May 1, 2018, provider agencies are required to have policies and procedures related to drug testing all applicants and employees who have direct care responsibilities. Direct care staff of programs licensed or funded by the Department of Human Services (DHS) must undergo pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug testing.
Caregiving often involves giving medications, assisting with daily needs, and making quick decisions in emergencies. Using drugs can put individuals, coworkers, and the caregiver themselves at risk. Drug testing helps keep people safe, instill trust, follow state law, reduce accidents and mistakes, and support employees who may need help.
What staff require drug testing?
A direct care staff member is defined as “a person 18 years of age or older who is employed by a program, facility, or living arrangement and who may come into direct contact with individuals with developmental disabilities during the course of such employment.”
Staff who are included in the drug-testing requirement are:
- Direct support professionals (DSP)
- Self-directed employees
- Managers and coordinators who work directly with the individuals served
- Summer camp counselors
- Any other staff who work closely with the individuals served
- Volunteers who have direct interaction with individuals under DHS services
Community Care Residence (CCR) providers and alternates must also undergo annual random drug testing and/or for-cause drug testing.
What if staff refuse to be drug tested?
Staff who refuse pre-employment drug testing cannot be considered for employment. Staff who refuse or fail to complete random or for-cause testing must be promptly terminated from employment.
Drug testing will consist of either a 4-Panel or 5-Panel urine drug screen for controlled substances.
- 4-Panel Drug Test – Used for pre-employment and random drug testing only. This test screens for:
- Cocaine
- Opiates including heroin, codeine/morphine, and prescribed semi-synthetic opioids
- Amphetamines/Methamphetamines
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- 5-Panel Drug Test – Used for reasonable suspicion testing only, when a staff person shows signs of being under the influence at work. This test screens for:
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates including heroin, codeine/morphine, and prescribed semi-synthetic opioids
- Amphetamines/Methamphetamines
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Staff are prohibited from possessing, using, or being under the influence of cannabis while in the workplace.
The i3 Screen is a contracted vendor through DHS that manages and administers drug testing, including processing and results. The i3 Screen platform is used by providers to complete and review all drug testing and results for their agency.
Required drug screens must be scheduled and completed through the approved DHS vendor, i3 Screen, and conducted by Quest Diagnostics locations statewide.
Providers may choose to do additional testing using other sources, but all required drug testing must still be completed through DHS-approved vendors.
Tests may be scheduled using the i3 Screen system at: www.i3screen.net
To view an applicant's results:
- Go to Navigation
- Select Occupational Health Screening
- Select Completed Results
- Choose the applicant, then double-click the row or highlight the line item and select the result on the toolbar
The agency account administrator will be notified if the provider has the notification option enabled. If notifications are enabled, an email will be sent to the account administrator from the Medical Review Officer (MRO) with the test results.
- Existing users: Contact i3 Screen at 1-877-585-7366 (Option 3) or email accountsetup@i3screen.com to request a reset.
- New agency users: Contact the DHS Employment Controls and Compliance Unit (ECCU)
No. All drug testing accounts must be requested through ECCU at DHS-ECCU.COMP@dhs.nj.gov.
Accounts may be locked due to inactivity. First, try logging out and back in. If the issue continues, contact i3 Screen at 1-877-585-7366 (Option 3) for assistance.
Yes. You may request additional users by contacting ECCU.
Additional Questions
