SUBSTANCE ABUSE (6-012)

Question 1

SUBSTANCE ANALYSIS REQUEST BY SUPERVISOR/DEPARTMENT

Answer 1

Observed alcohol or drug use during working hours;
Apparent physical state of intoxication or drug induced impairment of motor
functions;
Marked changes in personal behavior or attitude not attributable to other factors;
Deteriorating work performance or attendance problems not attributable to other
factors;
Information received from reliable sources which indicate the employee has been
involved in alcohol or drug use;
Employee’s involvement in an accident during working hours in which a review of
the circumstances of the accident or other relevant factors lead to a reasonable
suspicion that the employee may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
Employee’s actions or conduct which leads to a suspicion that the employee is
under the influence of alcohol or drugs, suffers from substance abuse or is in
violation of Miami-Dade County or MDCR rules concerning the use of such
substances;
An arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or an arrest where
controlled substances were present or where narcotics were sold;
All incidents involving the arrest of staff;
A restraining orders which contain sworn information regarding alleged
unusual/bizarre behavior or substance abuse;
K. If reasonable suspicion exists to warrant the testing of a particular employee, the
necessity must be determined on a case by case basis.

Question 2

SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisors are responsible for being aware of common signs and symptoms of
substance abuse.

Answer 2

A. Appearance
1. Inappropriate attire
2. Blank staring
3. Dilated pupils/constricted pupils
B. Body Coordination
1. Impaired coordination
2. Tremors/hand shakes
C. General Attitude
1. Uncooperative
2. Agitated
3. Hostile
D. Mood
1. Depressed
2. Confused
3. Panicky
4. Anxious/nervous
5. Irritable
E. Speech
1. Incoherent
2. Slow/Fast
3. Thick/slurred speech
F. General Behavior
1. Threatening or violent
2. Odor of alcohol on breath
3. Inappropriate laughter

Question 3

COLLECTION PROCEDURE

Answer 3

During normal business hours, the PMB shall immediately notify the Internal Services
Department, Human Resource Division (HRD) to arrange for the appropriate alcohol and
drug screening. Outside normal business hours, the employee shall be escorted to the
designated emergency room to be administered the alcohol and drug screening. The
name of the escorting supervisor shall also be provided to the head nurse at the location
where the testing will be conducted.
The concerned employee shall always be escorted to the alcohol and drug screening
collection site by at least one designated supervisor of the same gender.

Question 4

EMPLOYEE NOTIFICATION OF POSITIVE DRUG/ALCOHOL RESULTS

Answer 4

If an employee tests positive for an illegal drug, a second confirmatory test of the original
specimen will be administered before administrative action is taken. The testing facility
shall then report the test results to the PMB Commander or designee within 72-hours of
receipt of the specimen, unless the PMB is notified of problems mandating an extension.

Question 5

FDLE NOTIFICATION

Answer 5

MCDR is required to notify the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) of all
positive test results for alcohol or controlled substances of any sworn employee. Sworn
employees may be decertified for positive test results.

The PMB Commander or designee will forward all positive test results which are
received as a result of pre-employment screening of a certified officer to FDLE. The
LMU shall forward all positive drug test results to FDLE which are received as a result of
MDCR employee physicals; and reasonable suspicion testing.