Workplace Drug Testing Laws for Louisiana

Under Louisiana law a private employer is only required to follow minimal regulations. However, Louisiana’s Workers Compensation statute and administrative code has set very strict requirements employers must follow in order to deny workers’ compensation benefits.

Following the worker’s compensation and unemployment statute is not mandatory but if followed can provide safety precautions. The statute gives employers liability protection if there is compliance with the rules.

Before implementing a drug-free testing policy employers should review workers’ compensation regulations to ensure they are following with the statute requirements. Louisiana has also passed its own Medical Marijuana Act, which means employers must be mindful not to discriminate against employees with disabilities.

The statute does not specify whether if the employer maintains the right to test. The Medical Marijuana Act has been recently appealed and has amended several terms in the statute, the employer should maintain current in the changing law in order to implement a policy that does not discriminate.