Use of certified laboratories for drug testing of samples collected
La. R.S. 49:1005
in effect49:1005. Use of certified laboratories for drug testing of samples collected
A. All drug testing of individuals in residence in the state and all drug testing of samples collected in the state, including territorial waters and any other location to which the laws of Louisiana are applicable, shall be performed in SAMHSA-certified, CAP-FUDT-certified, or CAP-FDT-certified laboratories, if both of the following apply:
(1) If, as a result of such testing, mandatory or discretionary negative employment consequences will be rendered to the individual.
(2) Drug testing is performed for any or all of the following classes of drugs: marijuana, opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and phencyclidine.
B. Drug testing as provided in this Subsection shall be performed in compliance with the SAMHSA guidelines except as provided in this Chapter or pursuant to statutory or regulatory authority under R.S. 23:1081 et seq. and R.S. 23:1601 et seq. The cut off limits for drug testing shall be in accordance with SAMHSA guidelines with the exception of initial testing for marijuana. The initial cut off level for marijuana shall be no less than fifty nanograms/ML and no more than one hundred nanograms/ML as specified by the employer or the testing entity. The Louisiana Department of Health shall have the responsibility to adopt the SAMHSA guidelines for purposes of governing drug-testing programs for specimens collected in accordance with this Chapter. The Louisiana Department of Health shall have the responsibility for adoption of any subsequent revisions of the SAMHSA guidelines as of the initial effective date of this Chapter.
Acts 1990, No. 1036, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; SCR No. 137, 1991 R.S; Acts 2004, No. 901, §1, eff. July 12, 2004; Acts 2015, No. 74, §1.
Source: Louisiana State Legislature (legis.la.gov)URL: https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=103471Fetched: 10/20/2026