Question:
If an employer has a zero tolerance drug policy, and an employee tests positive because they take Suboxone, a drug used to treat opioid usage, as prescribed by a doctor, can they be denied employment?
Answer:
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provided the medication is being used as prescribed and it does not impair the employee’s ability to perform essential job functions, people under Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) are protected under the ADA and Rehab Act. “People in MAT have a disability and are therefore protected from discrimination by these laws." The HHS document is located here.
