Drug Testing Done Right: What Iowa Employers Need to Know
If drug testing is part of your workplace policy—or something you're considering—it’s important to make sure you're doing it the right way. From pre-employment screening to post-accident protocols, having a compliant process in place protects both your business and your people.
Here are the types of drug testing employers can use:
Preemployment
Random
Reasonable Suspicion
Post Accident
But here’s the thing: you must have a drug testing policy in place first—regardless of the testing type. (And no, the Iowa Drug Free Workplace policy doesn’t count as your official policy.)
If you have employees in safety-sensitive roles, such as:
Driving company vehicles
Operating heavy machinery
Working in healthcare or with vulnerable populations
Entering clients' homes or businesses
Manufacturing or construction
...a drug testing program is not just smart—it’s essential.
✅ Do:
Get consent and inform applicants of the substances being tested.
Have a plan for what happens after a positive result.
Communicate test results through certified mail.
Make sure those conducting or authorizing tests are properly trained.
🚫 Don’t:
Test without cause or before an offer letter.
Skip documentation or fall short on compliant recordkeeping.
Run reasonable suspicion testing without the right training.
Not sure where to start? We can help.
At Center Benefits, we work with employers across Northwest Iowa to build policies and programs that are compliant, thoughtful, and built to protect your team and your mission.
Whether you need a full policy draft or employee training for reasonable suspicion, we’re here to help make it easier.
Let's take one more thing off your plate.
