Drug screening typically focuses on the use of the top illegal drug families, like marijuana, methamphetamines, and opiate-based drugs such as heroin.  Drug screening may also include prescription drugs like pain medication that can be abused. Because the cost of drug screening can be high, many employers and other users of the screening process conduct random drug screening tests.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act employers cannot request an employee’s medical records, and can only inquire about an applicant’s ability to perform specific job duties.  As long as the employee can do the job, an employer may not make a job decision based on an employee’s health status. Some states also have laws protecting the confidentiality of medical records.