Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs-Authorized Testing Panels
Published Date: 1/16/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting July 7, 2025, federal workplaces will use updated drug testing panels for urine and oral fluid tests, with new names and rules for reporting results. This affects all federal agencies and labs doing drug tests, making sure everyone’s on the same page with what’s tested and how it’s reported. These changes keep drug testing clear, fair, and up-to-date without extra costs for agencies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Fentanyl Added to Federal Panels
Starting July 7, 2025, HHS adds fentanyl to the urine and oral fluid Federal workplace drug testing panels. Until that date, fentanyl and/or norfentanyl can be analyzed only upon a Federal agency request for reasonable suspicion or post-accident testing or via a Secretary waiver.
Fentanyl/Norfentanyl Test Cutoffs Set
HHS sets specific cutoffs: for urine, an initial fentanyl cutoff of 1 ng/mL (initial immunoassay must show at least 5% cross-reactivity to norfentanyl) and confirmatory cutoffs of 1 ng/mL for both fentanyl and norfentanyl. For oral fluid (undiluted), the initial fentanyl cutoff is 4 ng/mL and the confirmatory cutoff is 1 ng/mL. These cutoffs apply starting July 7, 2025.
Laboratories and MROs Face Testing Costs
HHS says HHS-certified laboratories and Medical Review Officers (MROs) will incur initial administrative and programming costs to add fentanyl/norfentanyl testing. Estimated per-specimen costs: initial testing $0.23 to $5.00 and confirmatory testing $8.00 to $25.00; added cost per submitted Federal specimen is estimated at $0.0152 to $0.125, and total program costs for adding fentanyl are estimated from $9,317 to $194,750.
MDMA/MDA Will Remain Tested
HHS considered removing MDMA and MDA from the urine and oral fluid drug testing panels but decided not to remove them at this time and will continue to monitor prevalence and reassess in the future. MDMA and MDA therefore remain on the Federal testing panels effective July 7, 2025.
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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06537 — National Environmental Policy Act
The USDA just made final some updated rules about how they check the environment before starting projects, following changes from higher-up government orders and court decisions. These new rules affect anyone involved in USDA projects by simplifying the process and removing old regulations, aiming to speed things up without losing environmental care. The changes kick in on April 3, 2026, and could save time and money while keeping nature safe.
2026-06557 — Rescission of Obsolete Regulations Addressing Drug Addiction and Alcoholism Under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act
The Social Security Administration is wiping away old rules about drug addiction and alcoholism benefits that no longer make sense. This change affects people applying for Social Security under Titles II and XVI, making the system cleaner and easier to navigate starting April 3, 2026. No new costs or benefit changes—just a smart cleanup to keep things running smoothly!
2026-06523 — Designation of P2P Methyl Glycidic Acid as a List I Chemical
Starting May 4, 2026, anyone handling P2P methyl glycidic acid—a key chemical used to make illegal drugs like methamphetamine—must follow new government rules and register with the DEA. This means all transactions, big or small, will be closely watched to stop illegal drug production. Businesses dealing with this chemical should act fast to stay legal and avoid penalties.
2026-06527 — Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes
If you own a Honda HA-420 airplane, listen up! The FAA says you need to replace your flap control pushrods with new, tougher ones that don’t need constant anti-rust treatments. This new rule kicks in on May 8, 2026, and helps keep your plane safe without extra hassle or cost from repeated maintenance.
2026-06566 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
The government is shifting some pollock fishing quotas from the Aleutian Islands to the Bering Sea because the Aleutian Islands won’t use all their share this year. This change helps fishermen in the Bering Sea catch more pollock without going over limits. It starts April 3, 2026, and runs through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair.
2026-06514 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska
Starting April 1, 2026, fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen targeting pollock, who must stop directed fishing until September 1, 2026, helping protect the fish population and support other fisheries. The closure ensures the 2026 pollock catch limit isn’t exceeded, balancing fishing opportunities and conservation.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-00380 — Air Plan Approval; Montana; Missoula, Montana Oxygenated Fuels Program Removal, Carbon Monoxide, Limited Maintenance Plan
The EPA is giving the green light to Montana’s plan to switch off the oxygenated fuels program in Missoula from a must-do rule to a backup plan for carbon monoxide pollution. This change won’t mess with air quality and kicks in on February 18, 2025. Residents and businesses in Missoula can expect no new costs or restrictions, just a smarter way to keep the air clean.
Next: 2025-00464 — Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for the Analysis of Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; Analysis and Sampling Procedures
Starting January 16, 2025, the EPA is speeding up approval for new ways to test drinking water for harmful stuff. This means public water systems, labs, and state or tribal agencies get faster, cheaper, and more flexible options to keep our water safe. These changes help save money while making sure your tap water stays healthy and clean.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in