how come a drug test for work is not an evasion of my privacy?

Question

I don't do illegal drugs but I don't want them to know what perscrips i am on because that might sway their decision is that not wrong if i am doing the right thing by taking meds

Answer 1

they technically only take into consideration illegal drugs, however, I can understand your concern because some testing companies do report on any drugs found in your system.
In the initial interview, a potential employer cannot ask you questions as to any type of prescription medication you are on. However, if they offer you a job, they can ask the question. If, you deny it and the drugs are present in the test, you could be denied the job based on integrity. If you answer in the affirmative, you might just find that the employer is understanding. It is a tightrope to walk because not all of them are.

Answer 2

If your ability to do the job is affected by the perscriptions you take then they have the right to know - if you dont do illegal drugs you should not have to worry about any perscibed medications. If it is an issue with you having a disease, that you dont want them to find out about, they may also have the right to know due to safety reasons or for your own safety (such as a diabetic).
It is not a invasion of your privacy because it is their job you are seeking. You have no privacy rights when it comes to being employed at their business

P.S. Stay away from poppy seed muffins - these will show as opiates on the test (as bill clinton found out while in office)

Answer 3

Where I live the testing company comes to the job site and takes samples for testing . There is a question sheet asking about specific drugs, both illegal and presription.

The prescription drugs are there because they may show in the test.

They only release a yes/no to the employer , not what you tested positive to.

Its an invasion of your privacy that you agree to by working there.

Answer 4

Because, if you are taking things, legal or illegal, it can possible affect your job performance. I don't know what you do. But what if you're a driver for FedEx? Or a pilot for an airline?or even a factory worker? What if something your on can cause a lapse in judgement, and someone get's hurt or killed? What's that do for the company? Nothing but get's them sued by someone. Everyone is looking for the quick buck and would sue their mother for a buck. So the company has to look out for it's interests. While you're on the clock, you're theirs.
Now, while I agree it's none of their business if you're taking tylenol over the counter, or morphin prescribed by a doctor. They still have to look out for # 1. Which is the bottom line. And while most people ( I said most), would use common sense and call in sick or somehow take themselves out of a job that could affect others if on a med that could affect job performance, some idiots would not do that. You know it and I know it. And those are the idiots that the company has to protect themselves against. And we all pay that price. We pay for the idiots.
I see it both ways. I really do. But if you want to work that's what we have to do.

Answer 5

If you signed an agreement that agrees to allow the drug tests, then you relinquished your right to privacy in this matter. If you did not sign the agreement and your employer has made it mandatory to do the drug tests, you have a choice to make-do the test or seek employment elsewhere. If your privacy is more important than your job, then you should start looking at the help wanted ads.

Answer 6

They will not know what perscriptions your on because these tests are almost always done by 3rd party places and they can only disclose if you do illegal drugs and not anything else, that would be an invasion of privacy.

A drug test is not an invasion of privacy because you are waving your privacy by wanting to work there and signing that you are allowing them to test you. Since that drug test is a condition of your employement, it is your decision to subject to it or not, and by that, it is their decision if they want you to work for them or not.

Answer 7

as long as you are taking medicine that the doctor prescribed for you, that shouldn't be a problem, be honest with them and tell them what your taking and they could even ask your doctor if they really want to know. they do a drug test because the company does not want any one who is taking illegal drugs to work, in case they get hurt on the job. because of it. and they can't go back and sue the company if they are using drugs and got hurt on the job.

Answer 8

The company has to buy insurance to protect you, their assets, and their customers from harm or loss. They need to properly asses their risks when hiring. One way to do that is to determine a potential new hires drug use. This is a factor that can affect their insurance rates. If you want to keep that aspect of your life completely private, then apply to a company that does not require drug testing. Otherwise, you must provide the test when requested

Answer 9

If you mean "invasion" -- it is.

But it's an invasion by a private company. And you have the right to refuse. Just like they have the right not to hire you.

Constitutional protections (with very few exceptions) only apply to government action. Private companies and individuals are under no obligation whatsoever to do business with you, and can make hiring you conditional on anything they want. Because you always have the right to refuse.

Answer 10

They are looking for illegal as well as prescription drugs that may be abused. You probably will be tested by a third party lab in which you will be asked what prescriptions you are taking. The lab (confidentially) may ask you to show them a prescription label.