Protection and Permanency TRANSMITTAL LETTER PPTL 06-09

TO: Service Region Administrators

Service Region Administrator Associates

Regional Program Specialists

Family Services Office Supervisors

FROM: Michael Cheek, Director

Division of Protection and Permanency

DATE: August 1, 2006

SUBJECT: SOP 1.16 - Drug Testing

The purpose of this transmittal letter is to notify staff of revisions to SOP 1.16 - Drug Testing. The following revisions have been made:

·  Clarification that all court ordered testing is to be completed under the voluntary self-pay process unless the court order explicitly states the Cabinet is to pay for the test;

·  Reminder that Cabinet staff do not request to any agency, including the court, for the Cabinet to pay for testing;

·  Addition to SOP 1.16 and the related request form (DPP-126), a five (5) panel drug screen (without Oxycodone);

·  Notification to the SRA and Regional Attorney within twenty-four hours if a court order is issued requiring the Cabinet to pay for any of the following:

(a) Hair Follicle testing;

(b) Blood testing;

(c) Frequency testing (testing more than once per week); or

(d) Testing through a vendor other than NTS, where DCBS is ordered to pay for the test.

Also, please be reminded that the NTS Drug Testing Sites listing is normally updated at the close of business every Friday or at the latest on Monday mornings. As there have been some counties that have had testing sites closed, at the request of the site, please ensure that staff check the listing on a regular basis to have the most accurate testing site(s) in the county.

The revised and new SOPs are effective August 15, 2006 and supersede all previously issued Standards of Practice or policy regarding these topics. If you have any questions concerning this transmittal letter, please contact Chris Workman at or (502) 564-6852 (x-4500).

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