What Is the SBA Drug-Free Workplace Program?

The SBA Paul D. Coverdell Drug-Free Workplace Program awards grants to eligible intermediaries that help small businesses set up drug-free workplace programs (15 U.S.C. 654). The program gives small employers access to the same program elements larger employers use.

Program elements. A drug-free workplace program under the statute includes:

• A written policy that explains expectations, prohibitions and the consequences of violations.
• Drug and alcohol abuse prevention training for a total of at least two hours for each employee.
• Employee drug testing, with analysis by a laboratory certified by SAMHSA or approved by the College of American Pathologists for forensic drug testing, and review of each positive result by a medical review officer.
• Employee access to an employee assistance program, including confidential assessment, referral and short-term problem resolution.
• Continuing alcohol and drug abuse prevention education.

Who receives grants. An eligible intermediary is an organization with at least two years of experience carrying out drug-free workplace programs, its own drug-free workplace policy, and a location in a State, the District of Columbia or a territory (15 U.S.C. 654).

Definitions. The statute defines the terms used in the program, including employee and medical review officer (15 U.S.C. 654).

How the pieces connect. The FAQ on drug-free workplace program components walks through each element. The FAQ on the role of an MRO explains result review, and the FAQ on steps to start a drug testing program covers getting started.