HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SERVICES PROGRAM
TOXICOLOGY SCREENING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What is the color code system?
All HPSP participants that are required to provide random toxicology screens are assigned a color, which corresponds
 to a minimum number of screens they are required to provide each quarter.  

What is the Toxline? 
The Toxline consists of two numbers, one toll-free and another metro, for individuals being screened to call each 
Monday through Saturday between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM.  Participants listen to a recorded message and if their color 
is announced, they are required to provide a specimen by 6:00 PM that day (or sooner if requested by HPSP). 

What are the advantages to the color code system? 
You can call the Toxline as early as 6:00 AM to hear the color of the day and you have until 6:00 PM to 
provide the specimen (unless otherwise noted).  You won't need to worry about missing phone calls or pages 
requesting screens and you will have better documentation of your continued sobriety.

How do I get registered with a lab?
HPSP has pre approved the use of HCMC and Regions Hospital Labs  to run the urine tests
To register with one of these labs you must fill out the bottom half of the form and send it to HPSP.  If you decide on HCMC, an additional form
must be filled in.  Please call the Toxicology Coordinator, Sheryl Jones @ 651.642.0822.  If you select Regions Lab, you should call them directly 
and let them know that you are a new HPSP client and they will register you over the phone.  If you would like to use a different lab, you must first 
have them fill out a Lab Protocol Form which you may request .  

Where can I provide specimens?
If you are not providing specimens at  one of our pre-approved labs, we ask that you establish an off-site collection site in advance.  
Acceptable collection sites include:
          Hospital or clinic laboratory 
          Hospital emergency room
          Employee health program or laboratory
          Paramedic station
          Nursing Home
          Detox center
          Probation work release program
          Supervisor (not acceptable in all cases)
          See Drug Screening Instructions form for further information on providing off-site specimens.

Who pays for the screens?
You are responsible for the costs associated with the screens.  However, a few facilities pay for their employee's screens.   
You may be responsible for additional costs associated with the witnessing off-site specimens.

What if I am unable to provide a specimen because of illness or vacation?
You may have vacation dates cleared in advance UNLESS you are under a Board Order or Corrective Action. 
See Drug Screening Instructions form for further information related to vacations, illnesses or other missed or problem screens.

Why am I screened on days I'm not working?
Random toxicology screens are one of the mechanisms HPSP uses to assist you in documenting your continuous abstinence 
and overall illness management.

Can I be screened on days other than those when my color is announced? 
Yes, HPSP or its designee may contact individuals at any time to request that they provide an 
immediate specimen.

Who is screened?
HPSP requires that individuals monitored for substance disorders be screened.  

Who gets my screen results?
HPSP and possibly your physician.  

Are results confirmed?
Yes, all screen results are confirmed by GC/MS or LC/MS.

What if I am taking prescribed a controlled substance?
You are required to both call HPSP if you are prescribed a controlled substance AND provide HPSP 
with a copy of the prescription at the time the prescription is written. 

How does HPSP manage positive screens?
1)	HPSP will contacts you immediately to obtain further information on the positive screen and request that 
                      the client take an immediate leave from his/her position,
2)	HPSP will contact the work site monitor to inform them that we have asked the client to take an immediate leave,
3)	HPSP will contact the treating professional and requests their assistance in setting up evaluations,
4)	If there is a medical explanation for the positive screen, the treating professional will provide HPSP with 
	documentation for it,
5)	HPSP will file a report with your licensing board regarding the positive screen, which may also result in discharge  
	from the program.

What happens if I tell my case manager I relapsed?
1)	HPSP will gather information from you regarding the details of the relapse, for example, was diversion involved, 
	did it occur in the course of practice….
2)	HPSP will request that you take an immediate medical leave until more information is gathered,
3)	HPSP will contact the work site monitor to inform them that we have asked the client to take an immediate leave,
4)	HPSP will contact the treating professional and request their assistance in setting up evaluations,
5)	Depending on the information HPSP receives regarding the circumstances of the relapse, HPSP may file a report
	with your licensing board and you may be discharged from the program.

How does HPSP manage screen results that have a low creatinine/specific gravity?
Upon receipt of screens with low creatinines, HPSP contacts the participant  to request a make-up screen.  
If the participant has repeated low creatinines, HPSP may request that they provide specimens by 10:00 AM, visually witnessed screens 
or that they provide both blood and urine specimens.