Altru Health in Grand Forks, N.D., instituting random drug-testing policy for all employees

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Altru Health System here is instituting a new, random drug testing policy for all employees, company officials said Tuesday.

The new policy, which takes effect Sept. 1, will cover all Altru staff, including doctors, office staff and support personnel, the company said in a news release.

According to the release, Altru has long done testing on hew hires, but will expand its program to include current employees. Each month, a random number of employees will be selected for testing.

If an employee tests positive for drug use, they will undergo evaluation and rehabilitation services “appropriate to their circumstance,” the company said.

“Unfortunately, chemical dependency among health care workers is a serious national issue,” said Dave Molmen, Altru’s chief executive officer, in the release. “Because of the nature of our jobs — caring for our community — no amount of chemical or substance abuse is acceptable. Utilizing a random testing process will help provide reassurance to our patients and community that Altru offers the safest environment for trustworthy care.”

Employees will have the confidentiality rights required by law, Altru said.

Altru Health System is a community-owned health system with an acute care hospital, rehabilitation hospital, more than a dozen clinics in Grand Forks and the region, a home care network and a congregate living facility. The system employs nearly 200 physicians and 3,800 staff.

The Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald is owned by Forum Communications Co.

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