Drug Test - Lafayette, CO

Lafayette, CO Drug Testing

What Are Drug Tests Used For?

From workplace hazard mitigation to working out court-ordered parenting plans, there are many uses for drug testing in Lafayette, CO. Read on to learn more about the common types of Lafayette drug screenings to determine if one is right for you.

Employment

To reduce workplace safety and legal risks, many Lafayette employers will require employee and job applicant drug screenings. These screenings often pertain to safety-sensitive positions, such as certain Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) employee types who must submit to pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug screening requests.

Likewise, many employers require workers to undergo a drug screening in Lafayette as part of their company's drug-free workplace policy. While employee screening policies will vary from workplace to workplace, these plans typically include the use of pre-employment drug screening, reasonable suspicion drug testing, and post-substance abuse treatment monitoring.

Court Mandates

Legally mandated drug and alcohol screening in Lafayette, CO is a common court practice for criminal offenders facing or convicted of substance abuse-related charges. In fact, many DUI offenders are required to complete a court-ordered program that leverages substance use monitoring including but not limited to urine screenings, saliva testing, and breathalyzers.

Child Custody

If a parent's ability to care for a child has shown to be impaired by substance abuse, drug testing may be requested as part of a motion to restrict that parent's custody. Under Colorado Statute § 14-10-116.5, Boulder County Court may appoint a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) in certain custody cases to investigate and monitor parents. This process can include the use of child and parent interviews as well as drug testing to support the court's custody decision.

Colorado State Laws Around Employment Drug Testing

If an employer wishes to request a drug test in Lafayette, it's important to understand the current Colorado workplace drug testing laws. Consider the Colorado legalities below to help avoid costly state penalties and legal repercussions.

Pre-Employment Testing Law & Regulations

There are no state laws in Colorado limiting employers from conducting pre-employment drug testing. However, in regards to drug testing in Lafayette, CO, Boulder County Municipal Code 12-3-3 states that no employer shall conduct a pre-employment drug or alcohol screening unless a notice of this testing requirement is outlined on the application for employment.

Furthermore, Boulder County Municipal Code 12-3-2 states that post-employment drug testing is prohibited as a means of determining an employee's eligibility for promotion or disciplinary action. There are certain exceptions to these regulations, including county, state, and federal government workers as well as Boulder Valley School District employees.

Workplace Accident Testing & Regulations

According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, there was a 23.1% increase in the number of fatal occupational injuries between 2020 and 2021 statewide. If an employee is injured or causes an injury or death, there is no state legislation that prevents an employer from conducting a workplace accident drug test in Lafayette. However, it is recommended that all accident testing protocol is fully outlined in an employer's drug-free workplace policy.

Can Employers Test for Marijuana Even Though It's Legal in Colorado?

Although adult recreational and medical marijuana consumption is fully legal in the state of Colorado, there are no policies restricting an employer from conducting Lafayette marijuana testing. Regardless of current Colorado marijuana laws, an employer can still require employee or applicant marijuana screenings and can decline employment if marijuana use is prohibited under the organization's employee policies.

Last updated 11/15/2023