Background Check/ Drug Test

[alexithymia]

Has anyone experience this before? I have a job offer, and the new company is doing a background check and had me submit a drug test.  I knew that my ADD drugs would pop, so I tried to bring my prescription information to the test site. They told me they didn't take that information, and that I would have to wait until they popped on the test, then they would contact me and ask for my prescription information then. Well, it started to get to the point that it was well over a week, and no contact from them yet, so I called the testing facility. Their customer service line was outsourced overseas, and the only thing they could tell me was it was still, 'in process,' and to call back in 24 hours.

So, I called back, and they told me it had been forwarded to a doctor for further testing because of 'abnormal results.' They gave me that number to call. So I called that number, and that person said i needed to text him a picture of my prescription bottle that shows the name of the prescription and my name on it. I'm weirded out by this. I've never had to text a picture of anything for something like this. I'm on the phone with them again trying to see if they got it and it went through. I've been on hold for 10 minutes.

Is this place legit? Am I being messed around?

[nikki25]

IDK, I wouldn't text them anything. Nothing.

They will send the results to the job and if your meds show up they will contact you directly and ask for the prescription. Just hang tight.

Also, I highly, highly doubt your meds would show up. They typically are looking for illegal drugs or Marijuana and possibly some prescription narcotics. But, if it does show up you are covered.

[walterismydog]

That sounds strange. I would just contact the employer and let them know about your prescription. I might not mention the specific medication/condition if you're concerned about that, but just let them know you're on a prescription medication that might show up in a drug test. It's up to them to ask for more information if they need it.

[FastHands]

That seems weird. I would call the job-offer company and explain the information you got from the testing facility. Explain that it seems like an unusual request and ask if that is part of the protocol as they know it.

It may very well be legit -- I'm trying to think of what nefarious reason a person might have for wanting a picture of your Rx label, and I can't find one. It doesn't have information other than your name.. That said, it's still personal health info (not sure if it meets legal PHI standards, since you would be the one sending it), and I'd be hesitant to send it in such an unprotected way.

[Elsa]

I've had medical students on benzos that have been caught on drug tests before. We just ask for a copy of their rx or a doctor's note stating that it was prescribed to them. The drug test place never does that- they just provide the information. Its never been a problem- well, except for the one student whose dad was the one prescribing the Xanax. That was an issue.

[snowflurry]

I have always been told not to contact the testing facility. If there is an issue with the test, the company will notify you and determine next steps.

I would let it be for now and wait until the company asks for clarification as to the results of the test.

[gaudi]

Wait for the testing facility to contact you for additional documentation. There is a reason that employers contract with 3rd parties to handle drug testing. Do not contact the potential employer and disclose the RX to them, they don't need to know and they don't want to know because it muddies the waters for potential discrimination claims.

[yentl]

Apr 27, 2016 10:04:47 GMT -5 nikki25 said:

IDK, I wouldn't text them anything. Nothing.

They will send the results to the job and if your meds show up they will contact you directly and ask for the prescription. Just hang tight.

Also, I highly, highly doubt your meds would show up. They typically are looking for illegal drugs or Marijuana and possibly some prescription narcotics. But, if it does show up you are covered.

ADHD drugs can absolutely show up. They are abused quite frequently by the general population. Speed is basically amphetamine... which is what is in a lot of ADHD meds. It just affects a non ADHD person a lot differently.

As far as them asking for a pic of your prescription, that's def weird. I'm not sure what harm would come from an overseas testing facility knowing your prescription info. I wouldn't be too worried about it just yet.

[alexithymia]

The new company asked me to call and follow up, because they didn't want to know if a prescription or something was the hold up. The HR person was pretty clear that she didn't want to know if I was on any meds or anything. They told me that it has pretty much never taken this long for a test to come back, so they wanted to make sure nothing had gone wrong in the process.

Now the place is telling me that they have to follow up with my doctor... even though they never asked for my doctor's contact information. This just seems like a ridiculous process and that my pee has passed through a ridiculous amount of hands at this point.

[alexithymia]

It already tested positive. That's why they wanted the text of the bottle pic. I've never had a drug test that was this complicated. I'm so frustrated with this process.

[alexithymia]

Apr 27, 2016 10:47:37 GMT -5 @annabellelee said:

Apr 27, 2016 10:45:41 GMT -5 alexithymia said:

It already tested positive. That's why they wanted the text of the bottle pic. I've never had a drug test that was this complicated. I'm so frustrated with this process.

I would be frustrated, too! I also would feel squicky about sending a text of my prescription bottle. It's probably harmless, but that's really personal info.

It's super squicky. I asked my doctor's office to call them and see what they needed to do to prove my prescription was legit. He told my doctor that the picture I had sent was sufficient, even though that's not what I was told this morning. This company has terrible communication. I don't know if I can trust that this whole thing is being handled correctly.

[nikki25]

Apr 27, 2016 10:31:11 GMT -5 yentl said:

Apr 27, 2016 10:04:47 GMT -5 nikki25 said:

IDK, I wouldn't text them anything. Nothing.

They will send the results to the job and if your meds show up they will contact you directly and ask for the prescription. Just hang tight.

Also, I highly, highly doubt your meds would show up. They typically are looking for illegal drugs or Marijuana and possibly some prescription narcotics. But, if it does show up you are covered.

ADHD drugs can absolutely show up. They are abused quite frequently by the general population. Speed is basically amphetamine... which is what is in a lot of ADHD meds. It just affects a non ADHD person a lot differently.

As far as them asking for a pic of your prescription, that's def weird. I'm not sure what harm would come from an overseas testing facility knowing your prescription info. I wouldn't be too worried about it just yet.

Well yeah, I understand it could show up but they have to specifically test for it and not every place tests for everything. But, I could definitely be wrong and she could come up positive. 

[jennistarr1]

no experience but thank you for posting this

my sister is going through this exact process now, like word for word (except pain medication)

and I wasn't believing her

so I will change my tune, thank you

[textbookcase]

Apr 27, 2016 12:46:23 GMT -5 nikki25 said:

Apr 27, 2016 10:31:11 GMT -5 yentl said:

ADHD drugs can absolutely show up. They are abused quite frequently by the general population. Speed is basically amphetamine... which is what is in a lot of ADHD meds. It just affects a non ADHD person a lot differently.

As far as them asking for a pic of your prescription, that's def weird. I'm not sure what harm would come from an overseas testing facility knowing your prescription info. I wouldn't be too worried about it just yet.

Well yeah, I understand it could show up but they have to specifically test for it and not every place tests for everything. But, I could definitely be wrong and she could come up positive. 

Every place tests for amphetamines, which is what adhd meds show up as. That's why she tried to supply them with her info right away.

OP I'm sorry! I had a test that was processed while I was still there. I had my meds with me and when they showed up in the test it was nbd because they already had my prescription info. This all seems squicky.

[alexithymia]

Apr 27, 2016 12:51:47 GMT -5 textbookcase said:

Apr 27, 2016 12:46:23 GMT -5 nikki25 said:

Well yeah, I understand it could show up but they have to specifically test for it and not every place tests for everything. But, I could definitely be wrong and she could come up positive. 

Every place tests for amphetamines, which is what adhd meds show up as. That's why she tried to supply them with her info right away.

OP I'm sorry! I had a test that was processed while I was still there. I had my meds with me and when they showed up in the test it was nbd because they already had my prescription info. This all seems squicky.

Thanks. Every other time I've had to do a drug test, it was either finished right then and there or took at most 24 hours.

Once this is over and I start this job, would it look bad to tell the HR person what a hassle their testing company was? I feel like there's much easier ways to get this done.

[alexithymia]

Apr 27, 2016 12:51:34 GMT -5 jennistarr1 said:

no experience but thank you for posting this

my sister is going through this exact process now, like word for word (except pain medication)

and I wasn't believing her

so I will change my tune, thank you

Ugh. Tell your sister I completely feel for her! This is beyond frustrating.

[yentl]

Apr 27, 2016 12:46:23 GMT -5 nikki25 said:

Apr 27, 2016 10:31:11 GMT -5 yentl said:

ADHD drugs can absolutely show up. They are abused quite frequently by the general population. Speed is basically amphetamine... which is what is in a lot of ADHD meds. It just affects a non ADHD person a lot differently.

As far as them asking for a pic of your prescription, that's def weird. I'm not sure what harm would come from an overseas testing facility knowing your prescription info. I wouldn't be too worried about it just yet.

Well yeah, I understand it could show up but they have to specifically test for it and not every place tests for everything. But, I could definitely be wrong and she could come up positive. 

In your other post, you said they are looking for illegal drugs. Amphetamine, without a prescription, is an illegal drug. OP has stated she tested positive which isn't a surprise. This happens a lot to people who take ADHD meds. They do not have to specifically test for it... usually a drug screen will include amphetamines.

[medicmommy]

That is how I had to submit mine for a state government position. It was legit.

[sparkythelawyer]

Apr 27, 2016 9:45:47 GMT -5 alexithymia said:

Very common.  They basically want to make sure the levels in your system are compatible with the dose you are taking.  I wouldn't worry too much. 

[gizmo]

Absolutely do not share your Rx information with HR, but DO tell them about your shady experience with the company. Are you working with a recruiter?

[alexithymia]

Apr 27, 2016 13:45:53 GMT -5 gizmo said:

Absolutely do not share your Rx information with HR, but DO tell them about your shady experience with the company. Are you working with a recruiter?

No, not a recruiter. I'm working with the HR manager and the person who will be my direct manager. Both of them have said they've never had one of these tests take this long.

[MrsPenny]

I agree that the way it is being handled seems off.

Anytime I have taken a drug test, they have me fill out forms with current medications prescribed and bring the medication or letter from my doctor.

[alexithymia]

Apr 27, 2016 13:58:39 GMT -5 squirrelymom said:

I think that if you get the job, you should mention it to HR--everywhere I've ever worked contracted their drug testing out, except for hospitals with the ability to do their own testing. They may not be aware of the way the company they are paying is handling things.

Also, although I guess you theoretically did "consent" to share with the requesting provider by texting the photo requested--that's kind of shady from the HIPAA side of things on the part of the provider. That label contains Protected Health Information and they requested you send it over a, relatively, unsecured channel without providing you with information as to how that PHI would and would not be used and specifically obtaining your consent to use the information in that way. --I know our HR department would be very interested to know this, but our company is in the medical field.

If I'm wrong, someone please correct me.

I've already signed all of the employment paperwork that says the job is mine, pending my background check and drug test. Now they're saying there's a delay in the county sending my background info to the background check company.

We applied for an apartment the same day I sent in all of this paperwork. They did a background check, too, and theirs came back within a couple of days. This whole process really has me starting to freak out. How worried should I be?

[auntie]

Apr 27, 2016 10:12:15 GMT -5 Elsa said:

I've had medical students on benzos that have been caught on drug tests before. We just ask for a copy of their rx or a doctor's note stating that it was prescribed to them. The drug test place never does that- they just provide the information. Its never been a problem- well, except for the one student whose dad was the one prescribing the Xanax. That was an issue.

Maybe it's different for employment.

DS is subject to random drug testing because of FRA rules. If he were to be flagged for amphetamines, the testing company would contact him directly to produce documentation of need. For the employer to do so would be a HIPAA violation. The testing company would not share this information with the employer so long as the medication is being used to a legitimate indication as per a medical professional. 

[alexithymia]

Apr 27, 2016 15:46:52 GMT -5 squirrelymom said:

Apr 27, 2016 15:04:29 GMT -5 alexithymia said:

I wouldn't worry. The rental company and the employer probably use different sources to initiate background checks and do different levels of "digging", check for different things, check different sources. I doubt your rental company is looking for verification of any education you have received, but I can just about guarantee you that your employer is. I used to check doctors' and other medical professionals' credentials--degrees usually took a lot longer to come back than any criminal checks, license checks, etc.

I guess I'm just weirded out because they said it's specifically being held up by the county. I asked someone I know that works in the clerks office where a criminal check would go. She said that unless the company was looking for information on a specific case number, they would refer them to the online court search. They don't hand out just general criminal checks. So, now the estimated date that this will be done has moved to 5/3. It was originally set for this past Monday.

I know I sound like a crazy person, but man, this whole process has felt shady.

[sparkythelawyer]

Apr 27, 2016 15:04:29 GMT -5 alexithymia said:

Apr 27, 2016 13:58:39 GMT -5 squirrelymom said:

I think that if you get the job, you should mention it to HR--everywhere I've ever worked contracted their drug testing out, except for hospitals with the ability to do their own testing. They may not be aware of the way the company they are paying is handling things.

Also, although I guess you theoretically did "consent" to share with the requesting provider by texting the photo requested--that's kind of shady from the HIPAA side of things on the part of the provider. That label contains Protected Health Information and they requested you send it over a, relatively, unsecured channel without providing you with information as to how that PHI would and would not be used and specifically obtaining your consent to use the information in that way. --I know our HR department would be very interested to know this, but our company is in the medical field.

If I'm wrong, someone please correct me.

I've already signed all of the employment paperwork that says the job is mine, pending my background check and drug test. Now they're saying there's a delay in the county sending my background info to the background check company.

We applied for an apartment the same day I sent in all of this paperwork. They did a background check, too, and theirs came back within a couple of days. This whole process really has me starting to freak out. How worried should I be?

Not at all. This is all very very normal. With my current job, my background check was being held up because of similar stuff. At one point I had to forward them my academic transcripts so that they can verify some of my work experience. It happens. When you start and you are officially an employee, let them know about your experience with the background check. There is nothing unusual regarding how they're handling the drug screen.

[sparkythelawyer]

Apr 27, 2016 16:58:15 GMT -5 alexithymia said:

Apr 27, 2016 15:46:52 GMT -5 squirrelymom said:

I wouldn't worry. The rental company and the employer probably use different sources to initiate background checks and do different levels of "digging", check for different things, check different sources. I doubt your rental company is looking for verification of any education you have received, but I can just about guarantee you that your employer is. I used to check doctors' and other medical professionals' credentials--degrees usually took a lot longer to come back than any criminal checks, license checks, etc.

I guess I'm just weirded out because they said it's specifically being held up by the county. I asked someone I know that works in the clerks office where a criminal check would go. She said that unless the company was looking for information on a specific case number, they would refer them to the online court search. They don't hand out just general criminal checks. So, now the estimated date that this will be done has moved to 5/3. It was originally set for this past Monday.

I know I sound like a crazy person, but man, this whole process has felt shady.

No but they do with a release in their hands. Which is what you provided when you agreed to allow the background check. I know that this feels really crazy, but it is probably just fine. Hang in there

[Deleted]

I would not text anyone anything.  Honestly, I'd let the HR department know the issues.   They always ask for a list of all meds that you are currently taking before your drug screen.  If you are on something that will show up, then they require a letter from the prescriber.    

[alexithymia]

Apr 27, 2016 17:42:14 GMT -5 @blueyes623 said:

I would not text anyone anything.  Honestly, I'd let the HR department know the issues.   They always ask for a list of all meds that you are currently taking before your drug screen.  If you are on something that will show up, then they require a letter from the prescriber.    

Ugh. I already sent it. I was really just looking to get it done. I thought it was really weird at the time, but the more I think about it, the weirder I feel about it.

I thought the drug test was what was holding the whole thing up, but now they're telling me the criminal report from the county is the hold up. I just can't with this place.

[Deleted]

Apr 27, 2016 18:09:52 GMT -5 alexithymia said:

Apr 27, 2016 17:42:14 GMT -5 @blueyes623 said:

I would not text anyone anything.  Honestly, I'd let the HR department know the issues.   They always ask for a list of all meds that you are currently taking before your drug screen.  If you are on something that will show up, then they require a letter from the prescriber.    

Ugh. I already sent it. I was really just looking to get it done. I thought it was really weird at the time, but the more I think about it, the weirder I feel about it.

I thought the drug test was what was holding the whole thing up, but now they're telling me the criminal report from the county is the hold up. I just can't with this place.

Background checks can take a while (even completely normal ones), so don't worry about that.  Just let HR know if there are any further issues.