Workplace Drug Testing Laws for Rhode Island

Under Rhode Island law, employers may drug test employees if reasonable grounds exist to indicate that the employees are under the influence of controlled substances or impaired while performing their job.

This means random testing is not allowed. The employee drug testing statute also imposes consequences for employers who do not follow the requirements in the statute.

Employers should also keep in mind that Medical Marijuana is legal in the state of Rhode Island, therefore it should be conscious not to discriminate an individual based on a medical condition even though they might test positive for marijuana. The Supreme Court of Rhode Island has already ruled that a job applicant cannot be refused employment if he or she holds a Medical Marijuana card.