This policy statement summarizes our usual practice. Exceptions will be made if the treating clinician deems it in the best interest of the adolescent

Drug testing adolescents is complex given confidentiality issues and the legal and financial ramifications of testing. Also, drug testing is fallible and the limitations of testing need to be understood by the adolescent and his or her parent(s).

We endorse the American Academy of Pediatrics position statement on testing for drugs that is available at http://www.aap.org/policy/01495.html. Specifically we recommend that the appropriate response to suspicion of drug abuse is for the adolescent to be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

When an individual or her/his parents contact our office about testing, our staff will schedule, at a minimum, a 15 minute visit with one of our clinicians to discuss the issues involved with testing, screen for underlying emotional, family or attentional issues that may be contributing to the student’s substance use, and review any assessments and treatment plans from counselors that may already be involved. This is a billable visit that may or may not be covered by insurance.

The initial screening visit may indicate a more thorough evaluation of the drug use is needed. Recommendations concerning the need for further evaluation will be made at the initial visit.

Options for testing will be discussed at this visit.

The clinician will ascertain at the time of the visit with whom we should share the results of testing and obtain written permission to do so. If clinically appropriate, we will give the adolescent or family a written order for random drug testing through Speare Memorial Hospital that is good for 1 year. This cost is often not covered by health insurance.