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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 24, 2020 01:18 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Thomas P. Murt |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Oral Fluid Drug Testing |
| Effective January 1, 2020, The Department of Health and Human Services established technical guidelines for the inclusion of oral fluid specimens in the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. For people who cannot produce urine, oral fluid drug testing provides a hope of employment and better quality of living for those constrained by this illness to procure employment. Laboratory-based oral fluid drug testing has been around for many decades and has emerged as a legitimate alternative to urine testing, the most common drug testing method. The benefits include accuracy, an observed collection, and reliable detection of recent drug use, especially marijuana. In my district there are individuals who have either lost or been denied their CDL license because they can’t participate in random drug screens that are currently only available with urine. A 23-year-old man was denied a clean bill of health for the physical he needed to get his CDL license because he is on dialysis. He owns his own landscaping business and is trying to qualify to drive large trucks. Another constituent drove for UPS for many years and was unable to renew his CDL license once he started dialysis because he could not produce urine. Therefore, he can no longer drive for UPS. The constituent continues to incur medical bills for his own care and that of his three uninsured children. In the future, I will be introducing legislation to support the use of Oral Fluid Drug Testing in the State of PA for those non urine producing people seeking CDL licensing. Please join me in co-sponsoring this effort to extend our drug testing capabilities to those disenfranchised constituents who are unable to work and support themselves and their families due to the current law. |
Introduced as HB2955