Council reviews updated substance‑abuse policy to align testing, workers' comp rules

Irondale staff presented a revised substance‑abuse policy that the council said updates outdated wording, aligns testing practices with federal requirements for commercial drivers and clarifies handling of medical-review information.

Rod (city staff) told the council the revised policy is longer but aligned with current law, including federal commercial-driver rules and state workers’ compensation provisions. He said the policy updated the role of the medical review officer and spelled out when testing is required: “If we are talking about workers' compensation, we are required to test them,” he said, describing the city’s intent to test employees who report on‑the‑job injuries that may result in a workers’ comp claim.

Council members asked for specifics. Councilman Claire (London) asked how the policy identifies a “designated city official” and whether the city has or will contract with a city physician for medical review functions. Rod said the city typically uses its employee assistance provider and medical review officer that are already contracted through the city’s benefits arrangements. On the question of testing after workplace death, Rod cited Alabama Code language included in the draft and said the city is “not required to request an autopsy” but that if medical testing is available that would inform decisions about workers’ compensation benefits.

Council members also asked whether opioid-settlement funds could be used to fund a drug-free awareness program mentioned in the draft policy. Legal staff said uses of opioid-settlement funds depend on each settlement’s terms and recommended staff bring a specific proposal for legal review if the council seeks to use those funds.

Outcome: The council agreed to leave the item on the consent agenda for this meeting; the policy remained in the consent block rather than being moved to the regular agenda for separate discussion or adoption during this session.