Pubdate: Sun, 03 Aug 2014
Source: Tennessean, The (Nashville, TN)
Copyright: 2014 The Tennessean
Contact: http://www.tennessean.com/SITES/OPINION/submit-editor.shtml
Website: http://www.tennessean.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447
Author: Anita Wadhwani
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

NEW DRUG SCREENING LAW KNOCKS 4 OFF BENEFITS LIST

A controversial new Tennessee law to drug-test applicants for public 
benefits has already resulted in the Department of Human Services 
disqualifying people seeking aid since the rules went into effect July 1.

Four people were turned down because they refused to participate in 
any part of the drug screening process. Six other people willingly 
submitted to a drug test, and one tested positive. Officials with the 
Department of Human Services say they are making contact with that 
applicant for further action - which could include referral to a drug 
treatment program as a condition of receiving benefits or 
disqualification if the person refuses.

The 10 people affected by the new rules are a small fraction of the 
812 people who applied for Tennessee Families First cash assistance 
program since the measure took effect. The vast majority - 802 - 
passed the initial written drug screening.

But opponents and backers of the law say they are keeping a close eye 
on how the rules affect low-income welfare applicants: Will they root 
out drug users who could potentially abuse the small cash stipend 
intended to aid families with children? Or are the new rules an 
unconstitutional intrusion into the privacy rights of poor Tennesseans?

"I think this is a positive step, and I hope that individuals get the 
help they need," said state Sen. Stacey Campfield, author of the law, 
who noted that new rules direct state officials to connect applicants 
who test positive to treatment programs.

But Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties 
Union of Tennessee, said the law is unconstitutional and the group 
intends to challenge it in court.

"We don't test individuals who are seeking government support like 
farmers, veterans and students, so we have to take a step back and 
question why limited-income people are being targeted and have to 
submit to these intrusive searches," Weinberg said.

Tennessee is one of at least 11 states with a law requiring drug 
screening or testing for public benefits, according to the National 
Conference of State Legislatures. A recent legal challenge to a 
Florida law requiring drug testing of all applicants for Temporary 
Assistance for Needy Families - in Tennessee, Families First - was 
upheld by a federal appeals court, which ruled that the law violated 
constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Tennessee's law differs from Florida's in that it requires applicants 
to first fill out a brief written questionnaire about drug use, 
rather than testing all who apply.

Applicants who answer "yes" to any of the questions - if they have 
used illegal drugs, lost or been denied a job because of drug use, or 
had any scheduled court appearances related to drug use in the prior 
three months - are then asked to take a drug test. The Department of 
Human Services pays for the tests, which cost $20 to $35 each.

Applicants who refuse to take the written test or the drug test are 
disqualified from receiving benefits.

Applicants who test positive are required to take a second 
confirmation test. If the results are positive again, the applicant 
is given a referral to a drug abuse treatment or recovery support 
group and has 10 days to verify enrollment or placement on a waiting list.

Applicants can receive benefits as long as they continue in the 
program and test negative once it is completed. The department 
provides necessary child care during the drug treatment program.

[sidebar]

What Tennessee asks

Tennessee's drug testing questionnaire for applicants for cash 
assistance has three questions:

1. In the past three months have you used any of the following drugs?

2. In the past three months have you lost or been denied a job due to 
use of any of the following drugs?

3. In the past three months have you had any scheduled court 
appearances due to use or possession of any of the following drugs?

* Marijuana (cannabis, pot, weed, etc.)

* Cocaine (coke, blow, crack, rock, etc.)

* Methamphetamine/amphetamine type stimulants (speed, meth, ecstasy, 
X, ice, etc.)

* Opioids (heroin, morphine, methadone, opium, buprenorphine, codeine, etc.)

Source: Tennessee Department of Human Services

802 answered no to all questions

4 refused to take the questionnaire and were disqualified

5 passed drug tests after answering yes on the questionnaire

1 tested positive for drugs
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom