Arkansas Gets OK To Drug Test Parolees Again
Last updated Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:19 PM CDT in News
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LITTLE ROCK -- Arkansas can once again conduct drug tests on its probationers and parolees, after agreeing to have some of the tests confirmed by an independent laboratory.
In July, federal regulators ordered a Community Corrections Department office at Pine Bluff to stop testing parolees' urine for drugs, saying the state agency lacked a needed certificate.
Arkansas officials argued that the agency is exempt from the certification requirement, but agreed to have an independent lab confirm tests that result in a referral for drug treatment.
This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services told the state that the plan was a suitable compromise.
"We agree that the policy revisions, as submitted, will allow the Arkansas Department of Community Correction to continue operation and drug testing" without a certificate, wrote David Wright, associate regional administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Under the new policy, some positive samples will be sent for confirmation to Advanced Toxicology Network's laboratory in Memphis, Tenn. The lab charges $25 to test a sample for one drug.
A confirmation test will only be used when a test is the sole basis for a referral. Officials said it won't be needed if the probationer or parolee admits to using drugs or agrees to enroll in treatment to avoid going to prison.
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