HHS Refreshes Federal Drug Testing Lab Directory
Published Date: 5/1/2026
Notice
Summary
HHS just dropped the latest list of labs and testing sites approved to do urine and oral fluid drug tests for federal workers. If a lab loses its certification, it’s taken off the list until it’s back in good standing. This update helps keep drug testing fair, reliable, and up-to-date for all federal agencies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
No Oral-Fluid Labs Certified Now
HHS says there are currently no laboratories certified to perform oral fluid drug and specimen validity tests for federal workplace drug testing as listed in the May 1, 2026 notice. That means federal agencies cannot use HHS-certified oral fluid testing right now.
IITFs Limited to Urine; DOT Restriction
The notice states HHS-certified Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities (IITFs) meet the Mandatory Guidelines for urine testing but HHS does not allow IITFs to conduct oral fluid testing, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) does not allow IITFs to test DOT-regulated specimens. These rules limit where and how certain federal drug tests can be performed.
Certified Urine-Testing Labs Listed
HHS published a list of laboratories currently certified to conduct urine drug and specimen validity testing for Federal programs (for example: Alere Toxicology Services; Clinical Reference Laboratory; LabCorp; Quest/LabOne; MedTox; ElSohly Laboratories; Dynacare). The notice also shows some labs only test for specific federal employers (e.g., Minneapolis VA Forensic Toxicology Laboratory for VA employees only; US Army Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory for DoD employees only).
Omega Laboratories Suspended March 19, 2026
The notice states that Omega Laboratories, Inc. voluntarily suspended its HHS certification effective March 19, 2026, and will be omitted from future HHS-certified lists until certification is restored.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13100 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
SAMHSA is collecting new data from clinics in its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion program to see how well these clinics improve mental health care. Clinics will share anonymous client info during late 2025 and 2026 to help SAMHSA track progress and make services better. This effort affects clinics getting grants and aims to boost care quality without extra costs for patients.
2026-12883 — Solicitation for Public Comments on the Development of an Independent Accreditation System for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion (CCBHC-E) Grant Recipients
SAMHSA wants your thoughts on creating an independent accreditation system for clinics that get CCBHC-E grants, which help community mental health services grow. This new system will make sure clinics meet quality standards, cut down on paperwork, and offer consistent support nationwide. Comments are open until July 27, 2026, and funding will help clinics cover accreditation costs.
2026-12977 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request Proposed Project: Request To Publish the 30-Day Notices in the Federal Register To Solicit Public Comment on Information Collection for the Continued Approval and Updates for the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals With Mental Illness (PAIMI)-Revised Annual Program Performance Report (PPR)-OMB No. 0930-0169- DECISION
SAMHSA wants to update and keep collecting info from groups that help people with mental illness through the PAIMI program. They’re asking the public to comment on these changes before the current approval expires on July 31, 2026. This helps make sure the program runs smoothly without adding extra paperwork or costs.
2026-12975 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review (OMB); Comment Request
SAMHSA is restarting its check-up on the PATH program, which helps homeless people get support through local groups in all 50 states and U.S. territories. This evaluation happens every three years to make sure funds are used right and to find ways to improve the program. No big cost changes are expected, but the review includes surveys and interviews happening soon.
2026-12646 — Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Notice of Supplemental Funding Opportunity
SAMHSA is giving nearly $1.2 million extra funding to a 2024 grant winner to create a special fellowship program for substance use prevention. This program will train and support community and state workers, helping them get certified and ready for jobs by September 2029. It’s all about building a strong, skilled team to fight substance use in communities that need it most.
2026-10884 — Current List of HHS-Certified Laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities Which Meet Minimum Standards To Engage in Urine and Oral Fluid Drug Testing for Federal Agencies
Hey federal agencies! This notice shares the up-to-date list of labs and testing sites approved to do urine and oral fluid drug tests that meet strict government rules. If a lab loses its certification, it’s dropped from the list until it’s fixed. Staying current helps keep drug testing fair and reliable, with no extra costs or delays for agencies.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08505 — New Postal Products
The Postal Service has asked for approval to add or change special deals for competitive mail services. This affects businesses and customers who use these services, possibly changing prices or options soon. The public can comment before the Postal Regulatory Commission makes a final decision.
Next: 2026-08508 — Carbazole Violet Pigment 23 From China and India; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. International Trade Commission is checking if duties (extra taxes) on a special purple pigment from China and India should continue. This review affects companies importing or making this pigment and could impact prices or trade rules. If you’re involved, you need to share your info by June 1, 2026, so your voice counts!