Department of State
DEPARTMENT OF STATE DRUG TESTING POLICY
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Signature
Date (mm-dd-yyyy)
09-2017
The Department of State (Department), as a consequence of its leading role in the development and implementation of
policies affecting the security of the United States and in compliance with Executive Order 12564 of September 15, 1986,
has a compelling reason to eliminate drug use from its workplace. It is critically important that employees with access to
sensitive in
formation be reliable and show good judgment. Illegal drug use could lead to coercion, influence, and
irresponsible action under pressure that may pose a serious risk to national security, public safety, and effective law
enforcement.
Therefore, to p
rotect our national security, reduce risks to the health, welfare and safety of the public and the Department
employees, and to increase productivity in the workplace, it is the policy of the Department and the Federal Government
that the use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of every employee to comply with
this policy.
To meet the goal of a drug-free workplace, the Department has developed a Drug-Free Workplace Program (DFWP),
which includes policies and p
rocedures for employee assistance, education and training, and identification of illegal drug
use through drug testing on a carefully controlled and monitored system (see DFWP, 3 FAH-1 H-2110).
The Department's drug testing program tests for marijuana, cocaine, opiates and opioids, amphetamines, and PCP
(phencyclidine).
All Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel who have been cleared for access to information classified at SECRET
or above are considered to be serving in a "Testing Designated Position" (TDP), and will be included in the random drug
test program. Thirty days following receipt of this notice, an employee in a TDP will be subject to drug testing under the
random testing program. In ac
cordance with the DFWP, an employee may also be subject to drug testing when there is a
reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use on or off duty, following a serious accident, and/or as required during and
following a counseling or rehabilitation program for illegal drug use. Refusal to submit to testing required pursuant to the
DFWP will result in initiation of disciplinary action, up to and including removal or separation. In accordance with the
Department's "Safe Harbor" provisions (see 3 FAH-1 H-2110), an employee who voluntarily identifies himself or herself
as a user of illegal drugs and receives counseling or rehabilitation prior to receiving notification of a required drug test
under the DFPW, and thereafter refrains from drug use, shall not be subject to disciplinary action.
Pre-employment drug testing is required of all individuals who are tentatively selected for employment into positions
with either a statutory or regulatory requirement for pre-employment drug testing (e.g., drivers), and for positions that
may be designated at the discretion of the Under Secretary for Management as particularly sensitive because of the nature
of the work. Failure to report for a pre-employee drug test, if so directed, will preclude the Department from making a
final offer of employment.
For a comple
te description of your rights and responsibilities, please consult the DFWP. Copies of the plan are available
for review at the web link cited in paragraph 3 above, in your bureau's personnel office or by contacting the drug program
manager at (202) 663-2229. You may contact your Bureau's HR Specialist if you have any questions as to whether your
position is designated as a Testing Designated Position.
By your signature, you acknowledge that you hav
e received and read this notice informing you of the Department's
DFWP. You further acknowledge that if you are cleared for access to information classified at SECRET or above, you
hold a "Testing Designated Position," and therefore, you will be subject to random drug testing and that refusal to submit
to testing will result in the initiation of disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Failure to sign this notice shall
not preclude the Department from testing you under the random drug testing program.
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