Do the results of drug testing become part of public record?
When someone takes a drug test, and let’s say they fail, does that become part of public record (meaning that anyone could have access to it)?
The reason I’m wondering is because I’m writing a paper on publication of private matters for my Law class…
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Tags: Drug Testing, Law Class, Private Matters, Public Record, Reason
July 25th, 2009 at 1:09 am
Not if it is done by a private group. If the police arrest you and then take a sample and you fail, then it can be part of your arrest record.
You can always ask the drug testing place if they keep results private.
July 28th, 2009 at 9:40 am
The only way something can become public record is if it is taken to court or recorded at the county recorders office. If you fail a drug test I do not believe it will become public record unless you fail it while on probation or some other form of court ordered drug testing. And if that is the case, the record would not say what you tested positive for only that you failed a drug test (at least in the counties I have dealt with, but probably not all). If you really want to see what private matters come up under a public record I would suggest going to your county recorders office and searching any name you can think of. A lot of times the account number for tax liens is the ssn. You can also find addresses, when and where they bought their house and so much more. I would suggest picking fairly common names, e.g. Bob Smith or something, and going to the county courthouse and recorders office and seeing just how much stuff you can come find on that person. I always find it amazing just how much is public record.