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Summary of differences between federal and state regulations
The federal laws which govern medical exams for employment purposes are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), federal drug testing guidelines under the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). A federal executive order prohibits federal employers from requesting genetic tests as a condition of employment, but there are as yet no provisions relating to private employers.
The ADA governs medical testing in relation to applicants and employees with disabilities. For more information on the Americans with Disabilities Act, see the section on ADA.
Drug tests are not considered medical examinations under the ADA, but the records of such tests are considered confidential medical records from a privacy standpoint, and certain procedures must be followed in conducting the tests. For more information, see the section on Drug Testing.
For more information on privacy and medical records, see the section on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA.
Drug test information
Georgia law mirrors federal law on drug testing with respect to keeping information confidential. The law states that all information gathered by the employer in connection with a drug and alcohol testing program is confidential and can not be used against an employee or job applicant in any criminal proceeding.
Costs of tests
The law also states that the employer is to pay all the costs associated with drug tests required of employees, but that employees and applicants can be required to pay the costs of any additional tests that are not required by the employer.
State
Contact
Regulations
Drug test information
Georgia Code Title 34, §34-9-420(a)
Costs of tests
Georgia Code Title 34, § 34-9-415 (d)(10)
Federal
Contacts
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Drug testing
US Department of Transportation
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Regulations
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
29 CFR 1600, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604,
1605, 1606, 1607, 1608, 1610, 1611,
1612, 1614, 1620, 1621, 1625, 1626,
1627, 1630, 1635, 1640, 1641
1650, 1690, 1691
DOT drug testing rules
49 CFR Part 40
49 CFR Part 382
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
45 CFR Subchapter B – Parts 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, Subchapter C – 160, 162, 164,
Public Law 104-191 (104th Congress)