Training Required for Certification

in setting up your own Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Program

Participating employers are required to provide drug-free training for all employees and supervisors. This page explains the required and recommended content for this training. Employees must acknowledge their awareness of the employer's drug-free workplace policy in writing annually.

Training Resources

The training components of the drug-free workplace program are meant to be flexible so that employers may be creative in conducting these trainings. Employers may utilize any available resource.

Minimum Training Requirements

Provide at least one hour of training to all employees at least one time. All employees must be trained within sixty calendar days of an employer’s implementation of a Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Program or within sixty calendar days of the employee’s date of hire.

Training Records

Employers must keep appropriate records including a copy of the signed consent form in order to document the completion of the employee and supervisory training requirements for each current employee and supervisor.

Employee Training Topics

Required Topics

  1. The employer’s Drug-Free Workplace Program policies;
    • Prior to testing, the employer must give a written policy statement to employees and job applicants. 
    • This policy should contain a copy of the employer’s drug and alcohol policy. Download an example.
  2. The employer’s testing procedures;
  3. The consequences for violating the employer’s policies;
    • Notify all employees that it is a condition of employment for an employee to refrain from reporting to work or working with the presence of drugs or alcohol in the employee’s body.
  4. The specific drugs for which testing will be performed; and
  5. Any employee assistance program (EAP) and/or substance abuse treatment options available for their employees.

Additional Recommended Topics

  1. The disease of addiction;
  2. Defining use versus abuse;
  3. The recovering employee in the workplace;
  4. Why people abuse substances;
  5. Avoiding relapse in the workplace;
  6. The role of the family in addressing substance abuse and addiction;
  7. The role of co-workers in addressing substance abuse and addiction;
  8. The role of co-workers in maintaining a drug-free workplace;
  9. The effects and dangers of commonly abused substances in the workplace;
  10. 12-step programs;
  11. Stress and the workplace;
  12. Safety and the workplace;
  13. Warning signs;
  14. The most commonly abused drugs in the workplace (e.g., marijuana, cocaine/crack, inhalants, alcohol, opiates, hallucinogens, prescription drugs, etc.);
  15. The physical and psychological effects related to the abuse of the above drugs, and others;
  16. The health and medical risks of substance abuse; and
  17. Avoiding substance abuse through wellness, exercise, diet, etc.

Supervisory Training

In addition to the employee training listed above, participating employers must provide all supervisory personnel with an additional two (2) hours of supervisory training at least one time. Supervisory training must include:

  • Recognizing the signs of substance abuse in the workplace;
  • Documenting and reporting to the proper employer representative signs of employee substance abuse;
  • Referral of an employee to Human Resources (HR) for counseling and possible treatment options;
  • Being able to understand and explain the employer’s Drug-Free Workplace Program policies; and
  • Being able to understand and explain the Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Program rules.

The supervisory training may include additional topics as listed above and any additional resources to help employers create and maintain a drug-free workplace.

Tips for creating a successful drug-free workplace training program

  • Make sure the training is comprehensive and covers all aspects of drug use in the workplace.
  • Use a variety of methods to deliver the training, such as lectures, videos, and role-playing exercises.
  • Make the training interactive and engaging.
  • Provide employees with opportunities to ask questions and get clarification.
  • Follow up with employees after the training to reinforce the information they have learned.
  • Consider including the following information on your organization's internal website or onboarding packet
    • A list of resources that employees can use if they have questions or concerns about drug use in the workplace.
    • A statement of the company's commitment to a drug-free workplace.
    • A list of the consequences of violating the company's drug-free workplace policy.