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Subject: Families First Drug Testing

Policy 23.06 Date of Last Review: 02/23/2024 Effective Date: 03/01/2024 Date of Next Review: 02/23/2027 RDA: SW22 Page 2 of 7 Drug Testing 1. If the completed HS-3074 TANF/Families First Drug Screening indicates there is reasonable cause to believe that the applicant is using one (1) or more of the listed controlled substances, the applicant must submit to a drug test. a. If the applicant is currently taking a prescription medication(s) containing any of the listed controlled substances, the applicant is still required to complete a drug test. b. The applicant must be advised that they may provide verification of the valid prescription(s) to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) in the event of a positive test result. The applicant may also advise the MRO of any over-the-counter medication they are taking. c. No drug or which an applicant has a current valid prescription will be a basis for denial of Families First benefits. 2. The Eligibility Counselor will refer the customer to a licensed drug testing agency using HS-3076 Drug Test Referral. a. The customer must complete and sign HS-2557 HIPAA Authorization for Release of Medical/Health Information to Tennessee Department of Human Services and return to TDHS. b. The customer must be provided with a chain of custody (COC) form. 3. The applicant must submit to a urine-based five (5) panel drug test at a licensed drug testing agency. The drug test consists of an initial screening to detect the presence of a controlled substance. If detected, the agency will complete a confirmation test using the same urine sample to determine the type and quantity of drug(s) present in the sample. 4. The drug testing agency will report all test results to TDHS State Office via electronic communication. • Positive test results will also be submitted to the MRO for review. The MRO will submit the final result to TDHS State Office via secure email. 5. TDHS State Office staff will notify the referring Eligibility Counselor of the drug test results. a. No additional action is needed for a negative result. b. When the test result is positive, the applicant must be referred for a substance abuse evaluation using HS-3078 Substance Abuse Evaluation & Drug Treatment Referral to determine if substance abuse treatment is needed. 6. Failure or refusal to undergo drug testing will result in the denial of the Families First application