Can I be charged $300.00 for a urinalysis test and not get results?

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   Marlin McKelvy

   President, Consumer Directed Benefit Solutions, Memphis, Tennessee

   This is very unusual but not unheard of and technically legal as I understand it.  In my nearly 30 years of being associated with employer's group health plans I have had many clients who require a drug screen as a condition of employment but I have never had one that charged a prospective employee to pay for it.
   
   Do they offer to reimburse you if you pass the drug screening?  Really a drug screen should only be the last step before you are hired or you are given a conditional offer of employment based upon passing the drug screen.  With today's technology $300 seems an excessive amount to be charged just for a drug screening, is there a credit check and criminal background check also included in this?
   
   Traditionally such practices have been a cost of doing business for the employer (and these tests can be required of the employer if the have Federal or State contracts they have to comply with as part of their doing business with the government) and not passed onto a job applicant.  Personally, I would look for employment elsewhere before I would pay a prospective employer for the "privilege" of getting a job offer.  If they will pick your pocket up front like that I can only imagine what a delightful work environment they must provide.

   Answered on July 29, 2014

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