DeKalb committee ratifies renewal with Concentra for pre/post-employment medicals

Human Resources Director Benita Ransom told the IRPS Committee the county has an annual contract (number 1354714) for pre‑offer, pre‑employment and fitness‑for‑duty physicals and drug and alcohol testing with Occupational Health Centers of Georgia, d/b/a Concentra Medical Centers. The request presented to the committee sought both ratification of a previously provided contract term increase and exercise of the first renewal option through May 31, 2026, for an amount not to exceed $664,985.

Ransom said a timing discrepancy led to a ratification request: HR believed the contract period started in July but procurement issued the notice to proceed May 31, so the committee was being asked to retroactively approve payments from May 31 onward. The committee discussed testing regimes: Ransom said all new hires are tested and that the county maintains drug testing for safety‑sensitive positions; she cited about 3,700 employees considered safety sensitive and noted the DOT/CDL rules apply to some positions.

On marijuana testing, Ransom and Dominique (who oversees occupational compliance) distinguished between a medical prescription and a state medical marijuana card. Dominique said a valid prescription results in a negative test finding for employment purposes, while possession of a medical marijuana card alone is treated differently and could lead to removal from duty and disciplinary action. Commissioners asked staff to make drug‑testing policy clear to applicants at upcoming hiring events; Ransom confirmed the county will include that information at a July 10 job fair.

The committee voted to approve the item. Commissioner (mover) made the motion to approve item 2025‑0808, the motion was seconded, and the transcript records “All in favor? Aye.”