Alcohol and drug testing for control purposes

Workplaces and educational institutions

Drug testing at work is regulated by the Government Decree no. 218/2005 and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Guideline no. 2/2006. Drug testing in educational institutions is regulated by the so-called SORA legislation package which includes provisions on solutions for detecting students' unsuitability for further studies. Application guidelines are provided in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health handbook on the implementation of the SORA provisions and regulations in health services.

Drug testing at work may be requested by the employer or a health service unit. An educational institution may request a student to provide a drug test certificate if suspicions arise in the course of practical assignments, workplace learning or job training that the student is under the influence of drugs or has a drug addiction and that his or her functional capacity is undermined.

Health care professionals carrying out the drug tests must have the appropriate skills and experience in drug testing. Drug test certificates may be issued only by doctors who have completed a drug-test training organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare or similar training.

The samples can be tested only in accredited laboratories where the scope of accreditation includes the methods used.

If a drug test is requested by the employer, the drug test certificate is given to the employee who then forwards it to the employer. The certificate will state whether the employee has used a particular drug for other than medical purpose. When a health service unit requests a drug test, the results are reported in a health-examination statement, which can be submitted directly to the employer. This statement will show whether the person is suitable for performing the position in question. Students receive their drug test certificates first and then forward the certificate to their educational institution. The certificate will show whether the student has used a particular drug for other than medical purpose in a way that has impaired his or her functional capacity.

Both employees and student must be given the opportunity to explain a positive test result.