Drug and Alcohol Misuse Policy

Questions and Answers

What constitutes a positive test under this Policy?

A cold specimen, an adulterated specimen, a substitute specimen, an unexplained dilute specimen, and refusal to test (correct)

Only Laboratory positive tests

Only tests performed on employees while on duty

Only marijuana and cocaine tests

What is the confirmation level for amphetamines?

150 ng/mL

2000 ng/mL

250 ng/mL (correct)

500 ng/mL

What is the definition of Possession Under this Policy?

The presence of a prohibited drug in the employee\'s vehicle

The presence of a prescription drug on the individual\'s person

The presence of an illegal substance or alcohol on the individual\'s person, or in his or her personal effects or other area under the dominion and control of the individual (correct)

The presence of an illegal substance or alcohol in the workplace

What is a Prescription Drug under this Policy?

A drug that is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner Signup and view all the answers

What is a Random Test under this Policy?

Drug and/or alcohol tests performed on employees while on duty and without advance warning Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the Random Test Pool?

All KCFD employees subject to the provisions of this Policy Signup and view all the answers

What is the screening level for marijuana/cannabis?

50 ng/mL Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited under this Policy?

Marijuana and its metabolites, cocaine; amphetamines, including methamphetamine; opiates/narcotics; phencyclidine (PCP); anabolic steroids; and any/all drugs and substances, as defined above as controlled by federal or state law Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an employee submits a cold/hot, adulterated, unexplained dilute or substituted specimen?

They will be placed at the appropriate step and disciplinary level per Section IX of this Policy. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an employee refuses to submit to testing under this Policy?

They will be considered to have submitted a positive test. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the duty to enforce this Policy?

Battalion Chiefs and other supervisors. Signup and view all the answers

What should an employee do if they feel they were unfairly required to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test?

File a grievance pursuant to memorandums of understanding and the Human Resources Rules and Regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence for a Battalion Chief or supervisor who fails to apply this Policy or intentionally acts to obstruct its enforcement?

They will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Signup and view all the answers

What should employees do when taking prescription/over-the-counter drugs?

Use them only in the prescribed or intended manner. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence for an employee who abuses their authority in requiring another employee to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test?

They will be subject to disciplinary action, including termination, under the Human Resources Rules and Regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a Battalion Chief or supervisor has knowledge that an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on duty?

They should take appropriate action under this Policy. Signup and view all the answers

What does EMPLOYEE refer to in the context of Kansas City KCFD?

Individuals appointed to a position with the city Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly defines 'Legitimate Medical Use'?

Properly obtaining and using a drug as prescribed for a specific medical condition Signup and view all the answers

Who is the MRO in the context of the KCFD drug policy?

A licensed physician trained to interpret drug test results Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a Positive Drug Test result?

A positive result according to federal rules without legitimate medical justification Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold blood alcohol level for a Positive Alcohol Test?

0.04 gm/dL or higher Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the EAP (Employee Assistance Program)?

To offer assistance and referrals for psychological, social, or addiction problems Signup and view all the answers

What does a refusal to submit to a drug test result in under this policy?

It is deemed equivalent to a Positive Test result Signup and view all the answers

What organization is responsible for conducting research related to drug abuse and addiction?

NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Signup and view all the answers

What must an employee do after receiving notification for a drug or alcohol screen?

Report to the testing facility within sixty minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What may happen if an employee fails to appear for testing without legitimate justification?

Their absence will be marked as a positive test. Signup and view all the answers

In what form must an employee provide the reason for not appearing for testing?

Written explanation to their Battalion Chief. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for providing the notification to the employee?

The Battalion Chief or another appropriate supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

What should the employee sign to give consent for the drug or alcohol testing?

The agreed upon Consent & Release Form. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary policy governing the drug and alcohol screen?

The Fire Department Drug and Alcohol Policy. Signup and view all the answers

What information is included in the employee notification document?

Name and address of the testing facility. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that an employee has read and understands the notification?

Their signature on the notification. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to an employee's personnel file if they resign or are terminated at Step 4?

They shall have 'DO NOT REHIRE' placed in their file. Signup and view all the answers

How long must an employee go without an infraction to have an infraction expunged from their record?

Forty-eight months Signup and view all the answers

How frequently can infractions be expunged after the initial expungement?

Every twelve months Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of infractions that can be expunged within a twelve-month period?

One Signup and view all the answers

What should an employee do if they test positive for marijuana at Step 1, Step 2, or Step 3?

They are allowed two additional drug tests per week. Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if an employee submits a positive test result for marijuana at a lower level during the follow-up testing period?

It will not count as an additional positive result. Signup and view all the answers

What governs the grievance procedures for any disciplinary action taken under this Policy?

The applicable Memorandum of Understanding Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the MRO regarding the return-to-duty drug testing?

They determine fitness to return to duty based on test results. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions and Key Terms

Employee: Any individual appointed to a position within the City of Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD), including various employment types such as regular, part-time, exempt, and contract employees.
EAP (Employee Assistance Program): A recognized program providing psychological, social, or addiction assistance to KCFD employees.
Follow Up Test: An unexpected drug or alcohol test following a previous positive result.
HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services): Government department focused on health and human services.
Legitimate Medical Use: Properly prescribed drug use for therapy or control of a medical condition, as determined by the Medical Review Officer (MRO).
MRO (Medical Review Officer): A licensed physician with specialized training in substance abuse who interprets drug test results.
NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse): A component of HHS that researches and disseminates information on drug abuse prevention and treatment.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Positive Alcohol Test: A test showing a blood alcohol level of at least 0.04 gm/dL, with refusals treated as positive results.
Positive Drug Test: A confirmed laboratory test for prohibited substances, with no legitimate medical use according to the MRO. Various specimen conditions (cold/hot, adulterated, diluted, or substituted) also result in a positive test.
Drug Testing Standards: Specific cut-off levels for various drugs used for screening and confirmation:
- Amphetamines: 500 ng/mL (screening), 250 ng/mL (confirmation)
- Marijuana/Cannabis: 50 ng/mL (screening), 15 ng/mL (confirmation)
- Cocaine: 150 ng/mL (screening), 100 ng/mL (confirmation)
- Opiates/Narcotics: 2000 ng/mL (both)
- PCP: 25 ng/mL (both)

Policies and Procedures

Possession: Presence of illegal substances or alcohol on person or in personal effects.
Prohibited Drugs: Includes marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, PCP, anabolic steroids, and any controlled substances.
Random Testing: Conducted without prior notice, based on a scientifically valid method and includes all KCFD employees.
Disciplinary Actions: Accountability includes expungement of infractions after 48 months without subsequent violations, but only one can be removed at a time.

Employee Obligations and Rights

Refusal to Submit: Considered a positive test, with potential disciplinary consequences for non-compliance.
Grievance Procedures: Employees may contest the necessity of testing through established grievance processes.
Supervisor Responsibilities: Battalion Chiefs must enforce drug policies and take action against employees under the influence.

Testing Notification Process

Employee Notification: Selected employees must report for testing within 60 minutes and provide a written explanation if unable to do so.
Testing Facility Notification: Employees receive details about where to go for testing and must acknowledge the notification by signing a consent form.

Special Considerations

Testing for Marijuana: Employees testing positive may retest multiple times for fitness to return to duty, provided subsequent tests show reduced levels.
Use of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs: Employees must use medications as prescribed and intended.

Overall Policy Enforcement

Consequences for Supervisors: Ignore or obstruct enforcement of policy leads to disciplinary actions, including termination.
Accountability in Drug Testing: Ensures a fair and systematic approach to maintaining a drug-free workplace within KCFD.

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Description

This quiz covers the definition and scope of employees within the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD), highlighting the types of employment and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Participants will gain insights into the support services available for KCFD employees facing psychological or social challenges.