Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Revised Authorized Testing Panels
DATES: The authorized drug testing panels and required report nomenclature are effective July 7, 2025.
On January 16, 2025, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs-Authorized Testing Panels detailing updated Authorized Testing Panels for urine and oral fluid drug testing. These revisions will take effect on July 7, 2025, and apply only to federal agency workplace drug testing programs, not to federally regulated drug testing programs under the Department of Transportation (DOT), including USCG, or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Details of the update:
- Fentanyl has been added to the testing panel.
- Criteria for grouped analytes have been revised for associated alternate technology initial drug tests.
- Abbreviations for THC and its metabolites have been updated.
- The current panels will remain in effect through July 6, 2025. All HHS-certified labs must use the revised panels for federal agency specimens accessioned (received) on or after July 7, 2025, regardless of the collection date.
- HHS has not approved biomarker testing for federal workplace drug testing.
Important notes:
- This update applies exclusively to federal agencies governed by HHS UrMG and OFMG.
- DOT and NRC testing programs remain unaffected at this time.
- DOT and NRC must issue their own rules to conform to these revisions before they apply to their programs.
- DOT has not yet adopted the 10/12/23 HHS UrMG revision to a 4000 ng/mL morphine confirmatory cutoff.
Notice in the Federal Register
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and HHS Revised Authorized Testing Panels apply to federal workplace drug testing programs regulated by HHS, such as testing for federal employees under Executive Order 12564. They do not apply directly to DOT-regulated testing programs, which are governed by DOT-specific regulations (49 CFR Part 40).
That said, WorkforceQA is fully equipped to assist with both HHS and DOT-compliant testing programs:
WorkforceQA’s Solutions for HHS and SAMHSA Programs
- Comprehensive Testing Panels: Ensure compliance with SAMHSA’s revised testing panels, including expanded opioid testing.
- Expert Guidance: Navigate the nuances of HHS guidelines with support from our compliance experts.
- Custom Reporting: Tailored reporting to meet federal agency requirements.
DOT-Specific Services
For DOT-regulated testing, WorkforceQA ensures compliance with:
- DOT Drug Testing Panel: Includes amphetamines, opioids, marijuana, cocaine, and PCP, as required by DOT.
- Regulatory Updates: Stay informed on all changes specific to DOT regulations, including drug panel revisions.
- 24/7 Post-Accident Testing: Immediate support when you need it most.
By partnering with WorkforceQA, you can ensure compliance with both HHS workplace testing guidelines and DOT-specific drug and alcohol testing regulations. Let us know how we can help streamline your program!
