This review shall be performed by the Medical Review Officer prior to the transmission of results to employer administrative officials.
B. Medical Review Officer - qualifications and responsibilities.
The Medical Review Officer shall be a licensed physician with knowledge of substance abuse disorders. The role of the Medical Review Officer is to review and interpret positive test results obtained through the employer’s testing program. In carrying out this responsibility, the Medical Review Officer shall examine alternate medical explanations for any positive test result. This action could include conducting a medical interview with the individual, review of the individual’s medical history, or review of any other relevant biomedical factors. The Medical Review Officer shall review all medical records made available by the tested individual when a confirmed positive test could have resulted from legally prescribed medication. The Medical Review Officer shall not, however, consider the results of urine samples that are not obtained or processed in accordance with SAMHSA standards.
C. Positive test result.
Prior to making a final decision to verify a positive test result, the Medical Review Officer shall provide the tested individual an opportunity to discuss the test result with him/her. It is primarily the responsibility of the tested individual to initiate this discussion. However, to facilitate such a discussion, the Medical Review Officer will send a certified letter to the tested individual regarding the need to discuss the test result with him/her. During the five (5) working days following such certified mailing, the Medical Review Officer will make reasonable efforts to contact the individual. If after the five working day period there has been no contact, the Medical Review Officer will forward the test results to the Chief of Police or designee.
D. Verification for opiates; review for prescription medication.
Before the Medical Review Officer verifies a confirmed positive result for opiates, he/she shall determine that there is clinical evidence--in addition to the urine test--of unauthorized use of any opium, opiate, or opium derivative (e.g., morphine/codeine). (This requirement does not apply if the employer’s GC/MS confirmation testing for opiates confirms the presence of 6-monoacetylmorphine.)
Packet Pg. 816 Attachment: 2025-2026 MOU RPOA-MISC (9.15(a)--RPOA Misc., Successor MOU) E. Reanalysis authorized.
Should any question arise as to the accuracy or validity of a positive test result, only the Medical Review Officer is authorized to order a reanalysis of the original sample and such retests are authorized only at laboratories certified by D.H.H.S. The Medical Review Officer shall authorize a reanalysis of the original sample on timely request of the employee, as applicable in this Substance Abuse Policy.
F. Result consistent with legal drug use.
If the Medical Review Officer determines there is a legitimate medical explanation for the positive test result, the Medical Review Officer shall report the test result to the employer as negative.
G. Result scientifically insufficient.
Additionally, the Medical Review Officer, based on review of inspection reports, quality control data, multiple samples, and other pertinent results, may determine that the result is scientifically insufficient for further action and declare the test specimen negative. In this situation the Medical Review Officer may request reanalysis of the original sample before making this decision. The laboratory shall assist in this review process as requested by the Medical Review Officer by making available the individual responsible for day-to-day management of the urine drug testing laboratory or other employee who is a forensic toxicologist or who has equivalent forensic experience in urine drug testing, to provide specific consultation as required by the City.
Packet Pg. 817 Attachment: 2025-2026 MOU RPOA-MISC (9.15(a)--RPOA Misc., Successor MOU) ATTACHMENT “C”
SAMPLE
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
CONSENT TO DRUG TESTING
I, _______________________________________, do hereby give my consent to __________________________, to perform urinalysis on me for the presence of certain drugs and/or alcohol. I further authorize ______________________ to release test results obtained from this examination in accordance with the procedures contained in the City of Redding Substance Abuse Policy applicable to my job classification to the City of Redding. * * * * *
I am now taking, or have taken, the following medications within the past thirty (30) days:
NAME OF DRUG CONDITION FOR WHICH
TAKEN
PRESCRIBING DOCTOR
OR
OVER THE COUNTER
(OTC)
DATED: _____________________ ________________________________
SIGNATURE
________________________________
IDENTIFICATION
DATED: _____________________ _________________________________
WITNESS
Packet Pg. 818 Attachment: 2025-2026 MOU RPOA-MISC (9.15(a)--RPOA Misc., Successor MOU)