Workplace Drug Testing Laws for Iowa

Under Iowa law implementing a drug-free workplace policy is optional. However, if an employer chooses to implement a drug-free workplace policy it must abide by the state statues.

The statute regulations do not apply to employees who are subjected to the Federal Department of Transportation. The statute is very specific and detailed as to when drug testing can be conducted and the procedures for drug testing.

If employers substantially abide by the rules in the statute, it offers an employer immunity from a lawsuit that may arise under it. Employers are expected to act in a reasonable and in good faith manner when enforcing its drug-free testing policy.

The state of Iowa has also implemented statues that regulate confirmatory laboratories for private sector drug-free workplace testing; employers should ensure that the laboratories performing its drug testing abide by these statutes (see Iowa Admin. Code r. 641-12. (1)-(12) (730).