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Tennessee State Drug Testing Laws

Workplace drug testing issues – State Laws – Tennessee

These categories do not affect DOT-regulated drug testing. Government employers should always call for potential additional restrictions on employee drug testing.

This chart is based on the provisions of the Tennessee voluntary law for a Drug-Free Workplace – TCA 50-6-418, 50-9-100 et. seq., and 50-6-110.

For the voluntary Tennessee drug-free workplace law, instant drug testing or POCT testing is prohibited.

Workplace Drug Testing Laws in Tennessee

Drug Testing IssueStatusComments
Instant or POCT TestingRestrictedDOT-like procedures are required.
Drug PanelsRestrictedDOT-like procedures are required. SAMHSA 5 panel drug test unless Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development adds additional drugs.
LaboratoryCertification RequiredCAP or SAMHSA certification.
Medical Review OfficerRequiredRequired for both positive and negative results
Random TestingNo restrictions 
Post-AccidentNo restrictions 
Reasonable SuspicionNo restrictions 
Oral FluidsNo restrictionsNo mention in the law
Hair TestingNo restrictionsNo mention in the law
Unemployment DenialYesDischarge or discipline of an employee or refusing to hire a job applicant who is found to violate the covered employer’s Drug-Free Workplace Program will be considered done for the cause.
Workers Comp DiscountYes§50-9-101 – Provides a 5 percent discount on premiums to employers who establish a drug-free workplace program.
Intoxication DefenseYesTCA § 50-6-110(c)(1) u2013 no compensation for the employee’s intoxication or illegal drug usage.
Medical MarijuanaLimitedLicensed physicians can recommend cannabis oil that contains less than 0.9% THC, but only to treat severe seizure disorders.
Recreational MarijuanaNo 
Report Driver DOT PositivesNo 
General Statute Tennessee has a drug-free workplace program, TCA Section 50-9-101. Drug and alcohol abuse is discouraged, and that employees who choose to engage in drug or alcohol abuse face the risk of unemployment and the forfeiture of worker’s compensation benefits.

Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace employers Program Development and Implementation Guide

Intoxication Defense – Denial of Workers Compensation Claim – In Tennessee, If an employee is injured at work and later fails a post-accident drug/alcohol test, it is presumed that the drugs or alcohol were the proximate cause of the injury. Workers’ Compensation benefits can be denied until the injured employee overcomes that presumption. The legislation was passed in 2011 that increased the standard of proof required by an injured worker to overcome the presumption from a preponderance of evidence to clear and convincing evidence. This change makes it even more difficult for employees impaired by alcohol or other drugs while at work to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

§50-9-101

This chart is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for legal guidance. State and local law vary greatly; therefore, you are advised to consult experienced legal counsel during the design of your actual substance abuse testing program and with any questions that follow.

View Individual State Law Summaries

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