Civilian workers at Hill may be drug tested Published Feb. 3, 2011 By Angela Johnson OO-ALC/DPL HILL AIR FORCE BASE -- As a result of its national defense responsibilities and the sensitive nature of its work, the Air Force has a compelling obligation to eliminate the effects of illicit drug use from its workplace. "Illicit drugs" are defined as all illegal drugs, as well as legal (prescription) drugs when they are abused. Management at Hill Air Force Base is actively engaged in seeking out and purging illicit drug use by its workforce. A step in this direction is the implementation and enforcement of AFI 44-107, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, for non-bargaining unit employees. As Hill moves out on implementation of AFI, many non-bargaining unit employees have been notified that their positions have been recently designated as a testing designated position (TDP). TDPs are those positions sufficiently critical to the Air Force mission or to the protection of public safety to require testing of the incumbent to detect the presence of illicit drugs as a job-related requirement. These are the positions that are tested at random intervals. Computer software performs an algorithmic equation to select personnel based on the pool. However, because names are not taken out of the system and because they are drawn randomly, individuals cannot predict when they will be tested, or how many times they will be tested during the year. Performing duties under the influence of illicit drugs adversely affects employee safety, risks damage to government property, significantly impairs day-to-day operations, exposes sensitive information to potential compromise, and is inconsistent with the Air Force mission. Therefore, if there is a reasonable belief that an employee has engaged in illicit drug use -- on or off duty ¬-- that employee is subject to testing based on management direction. Management may also require employees whose conduct may have caused or contributed to an accident or safety mishap involving personal injury that requires emergency medical treatment, a fatality, or $2,000 in property damage to be tested. The tests will detect illicit drug use as well as illegal substances. Illicit drugs are those taken without a current prescription. For example, a patient may be given a prescription for codeine and then tests positive for codeine months later without a current prescription. Also, taking a spouse's medication and testing positive for that drug without a current prescription is considered taking illicit drugs. Initial positive test results are confirmed through a Medical Review Officer (MRO) in order to verify any legitimate use of prescription medication before management is notified. As stated in the Civilian Drug and Alcohol Policy, signed by Maj. Gen. Andy Busch, Sept. 25, 1909, "Bottom line -- use of illegal drugs, reporting for work under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs at work, will not be tolerated and if discovered, appropriate corrective action will be taken which could include removal from federal service." Employees who voluntarily self-identify as a user of illicit drugs prior to being notified of a requirement to test, and who also agree to the provisions described in the civilian drug testing program, will not be subject to disciplinary action for past use. If you believe you or someone you know may have a drug problem, you are encouraged to voluntarily seek counseling or referral services. On base, you may contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-800-222-0364, or the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program office at 801-777-7909.