The State of Georgia, State Personnel Administration has administered drug testing for State employees for almost 20 years. They have recently announced that they will make their comprehensive drug testing program available to Georgia County Governments. Drug testing can help counties avoid hiring problem employees that can create a liability to the county. In addition, the State and Federal
Departments of Transportation require testing of certain employees. ACCG Insurance Programs offer insurance discounts for those counties that meet certain criteria, including encouraging a drug-free workplace designed to reduce or control losses.
For those counties interested in using the State program, there will be a small one-time set-up fee, an annual fee, and a charge for each drug test administered. Work/Life Program Manager Barbara
Murdoch oversees the drug testing program for the State and is available to answer any questions that you may have. Murdoch may be reached at (404) 657-8420 or at Barbara.murdock@spa.ga.gov
. For additional information on the program available to counties, please click here.

STATE PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION EXPANDING SERVICES OF EFFECTIVE,
PRODUCTIVE, AND COST EFFICIENT DRUG-TESTING PROGRAM TO GEORGIA LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS
Not knowing whom you are hiring will cost you time and money. Because employees don't leave their substance abuse problems at the door when they enter the workplace, the State Personnel
Administration (SPA) is expanding its comprehensive drug testing program to city and county governments. SPA currently administers the drug testing program for 111 state entities including executive agencies, authorities, CSBs and the University system. Last year 1.8% of the 15,314 drug tests administered through our program showed a positive result for a known drug.
SPA drug testing program participants receive immediate notification of positive results. Value and quality is the staple of the SPA drug testing program. Our drug testing program price includes valuable testing options other program providers generally provide at an additional cost, including:
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Confirmation testing by an HHS certified laboratory.
Medical Review Officer (MRO) verified results on all drug tests.
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Telephone testimony by Certifying Scientist and/or MRO as necessary.
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Expert consultation on testing, policy development, reasonable suspicion testing, US DOT regulations, state drug-testing regulations, etc.
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Training sessions around the state for Department Heads, Managers, or Supervisors on the drug
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 testing program and how to refer for reasonable suspicion testing.
Account management services.
Access to our Drug Testing website with information, forms, frequently asked questions, ability to find the closest collection center your city or county, reference to applicable laws & regulations, and best practices.
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Ability to access drug testing results online from a secured website that is updated every three hours.
It is our commitment to provide each of our clients with exceptional customer service together with accurate and precision testing. For enrollment information, contact Barbara Murdock, Work/Life Program
Manager at 404-657-8420 or barbara.murdock@spa.ga.gov
. Barbara has more than 20 years of experience in substance abuse testing, drug-free workplace programming, and workplace behavioral consulting.
Website: http://www.spa.ga.gov/agencyservices/recruitment/drugalcoholsites.asp