February 16, 2011 - Drug Testing Integrity Act Is Reintroduced

Written by Stephen Mihalik, Chief Revenue Officer 

A new bill is being reintroduced by Congressman Eliot Engel called the “Drug Testing Integrity Act of 2011”. While I am a supporter of this bill, it still surprises me whenever we need to write a law so people can act “with integrity”.

Substituting a specimen for a drug test or adulterating a sample has been big business for a long time. On the other side of the spectrum are the scientists who work for the laboratories and are constantly on the watch for the latest and greatest way to beat the drug test. This cat-and-mouse game will continue with or without this bill passing.

You have to ask yourself, will the manufacturers, suppliers and shippers who “knowingly”, know what the “intent” of what the product is used for, all of a sudden have a conscious? Will they just stop the assembly line? Will they file for unemployment? Will they go to work behind a desk (and take a drug test to get the job)? I am guessing not.

So what will happen if this bill passes The relabeling of the product is the logical result. It is that simple. The labels of on the product will change from “Free Yourself of THC” to “Cleanse Yourself from Harmful Toxins”…Who knows, maybe we will see these products showing up on the health food isle next to some granola bars.

I still support this bill, just as I support other laws (rules) that encourage integrity such as “Do not steal”, “Do not murder”.

If you really think about it, the people who this law will affect, already have a disregard for others who break the law and can be a potential public safety risk if they are working under the influence of the drugs. Will they really care if they “unknowingly” break a law that requires them to have integrity?

All of this said, the bill is a good one-- simple, hopefully easy to understand, and an intent toward a safer workplace. It is important that this bill have as many Co-sponsors as possible. If you are a supporter, contact Congressman Engel’s office to support this worthy legislation.