What is drug testing like in prison?

Drugs are a serious DR while incarcerated and often FDC will conduct random drug testing. Below you will find information on drug testing while incarcerated as well as FDC's rules regarding drug testing.

The incarcerated are drug tested using urine dip sticks. Sometimes false positives happen. Anyone suspected of having a false positive result must immediately request the sample be analyzed by an outside lab. The incarcerated person will remain in AC confinement until the lab results are received which can be a couple of weeks. If the outside lab confirms the positive result, the incarcerated person would then go to disciplinary confinement and the time spent in administrative confinement would not count. If the outside lab confirms a negative result, the incarcerated person should be removed from confinement on the date the lab provided the results barring no other pending disciplinary charges. More on drug testing can be found in FDC's rule below.

33-602.2035 Prisoner Substance Abuse Testing.

The Office of Institutions shall be responsible for the development and implementation of the department’s substance abuse testing program.

(1) Definitions.

(a) Random Selection – a computerized random selection model utilized to obtain a sample of the incarcerated to be tested for drugs or alcohol.

(b) Tester – a correctional officer who has been certified as competent by the manufacturer of the onsite testing device and trained by certified training personnel, affiliated with the department, on the proper procedures for collecting urine specimens, including the completion and maintenance of Form DC6-2067, Chain of Custody Form, the handling and disposing of urine specimens, and the administration and interpretation of the on-site testing device. All testing personnel must be approved by the Office of Institutions. The Chain of Custody Form is incorporated by reference in paragraph (1)(d) of this rule.

(d) Chain of Custody Form – the form used to document the identity and integrity of the prisoners specimen from time of collection until the specimen is prepared for shipment to a designated outside laboratory for confirmation testing. This form will be provided by the laboratory conducting confirmation tests on specimens that had a positive result on the on-site testing device. Form DC6-2067, NON-FEDERAL FOUR-PART DRUG TESTING CUSTODY AND CONTROL FORM (hereinafter referred to as the “Chain of Custody Form”) is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of the form are available directly from the vendor or from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05328. The effective date of the form is 6-15.

(e) Test refusal – failure on the part of the incarcerated to fully comply with the department’s substance abuse testing procedures, which includes failing to provide a valid urine specimen, attempting to alter a urine specimen with adulterants, as established by an on-site specimen adulteration testing product, and using substitute urine in makeshift devices or objects. Any incarcerated person who refuses to comply with the testing process or fails to provide a valid specimen within the specified time frames of this rule shall be given a disciplinary report in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C.

(f) Dry cell – refers to a secure cell without a water supply or one in which the water supply has been interrupted.

(g) Confirmation Testing – testing conducted by an outside contract laboratory using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) when on-site results of a test are positive and the prisoner refuses to sign Form DC6-2065, Affidavit for Admission of Drug Use. Form DC6-2065 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of the form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-02088. The effective date of the form is 2-13.

(h) Threshold Level – the concentration of a drug in the urine used to determine whether the test will be considered positive or negative. The threshold level for confirmation testing is the lowest level that can accurately identify and quantify the presence of a drug.

(2) The Department of Corrections conducts the following types of prisoner substance abuse testing:

(a) For-Cause or Reasonable Suspicion Testing.

Incarcerated people suspected of involvement with drugs or alcohol shall be subject to for-cause testing upon order of the warden, the duty warden, the correctional officer chief of the facility, a designee of one of the above individuals, or the Office of Institutions. An incarcerated person should only be tested for a maximum of four drugs on a for-cause basis unless extenuating circumstances exist. For-cause tests will only be conducted on incarcerated people who meet the criteria outlined in subparagraphs 2.a. through c. below.
For-cause drug testing (also referred to as reasonable suspicion drug testing) means drug testing based on a belief that an incarcerated person is using or has used drugs or alcohol based on specific facts and reasonable inferences drawn from those facts in light of experience. Such facts and inferences shall be based upon:
Observable phenomena such as direct observation of drug or alcohol use or of the physical symptoms or manifestations of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol (such as slurred or incoherent speech, erratic or violent behavior, uneven gait, or other behaviors or physical symptoms unusual for the prisoner based on the staff member’s knowledge of the prisoner).
Evidence that the prisoner has tampered with or attempted to tamper with a urine specimen.
Evidence or intelligence reports indicating that an prisoner has used, possessed, sold, solicited, or transferred drugs or alcohol.
When for-cause testing is ordered, an incident report shall be prepared including the dates and times of reported drug-related events and rationale leading to the request for testing.
The senior correctional officer on duty shall be notified that a staff member has identified a suspicious prisoner who meets the for-cause drug testing criteria. The highest ranking correctional officer shall ensure that an incident report is prepared. The incident report shall contain all pertinent information concerning the prisoner that prompted the request for testing, to include any supporting evidence.
Upon approval of the warden, duty warden, correctional officer chief, their designees, or the Office of Institutions, collection and testing procedures shall be conducted immediately pursuant to this rule.
A copy of Form DC6-210, Incident Report, shall be attached to the facility’s copy of Form DC6-2067 Chain of Custody Form for positive specimens sent to the laboratory for confirmation testing. Form DC6-210 is incorporated by reference in Rule 33-602.210, F.A.C.

(b) Random Substance Abuse Testing. All correctional facilities shall receive on a weekly basis a list of the names and DC numbers of prisoners generated through random selection for substance abuse testing. The list will be electronically transmitted from the department’s electronic database to the secure printer of the warden of each major institution or the correctional officer chief of the correctional facility. Any facility that does not have a secure printer will have its respective list printed to a secure printer at another facility as designated by the warden of the institution or correctional officer chief of the facility. The list is considered confidential and shall not be disseminated to prisoners or non-essential staff members prior to testing. Each time a prisoner’s name appears on the random list, he or she shall be tested regardless of whether or not he or she has been previously tested.

(c) Substance Abuse Program Testing. prisoners participating in substance abuse programs will be subject to substance abuse testing as a condition of the programs.

(3) Procedures.

(a) Chain of Custody.

At a minimum, Form DC6-2067, Chain of Custody Form must include prisoner and tester identification, initialed or signed by both the prisoner and the tester, date of collection, and type of test (i.e., random, for-cause). Form DC6-2067 also may include the time of collection, if the test was initiated due to substance abuse program participation, and identification of all individuals who had custody of the specimen from the time of collection until the specimen was prepared for shipment to the laboratory. Once the outside laboratory receives the specimen, it will become the laboratory’s responsibility to maintain a chain of custody throughout the testing process.
Form DC6-2067, Chain of Custody Form allows for comments by the tester regarding any unusual observations. Any failure by the prisoner to cooperate with the collection process and any unusual nature (e.g., discolored urine or urine containing foreign objects) of a specimen shall be noted.
The tester shall ensure that all collected urine specimens being sent to a designated outside laboratory for confirmation testing are properly labeled and sealed with a security label as provided on Form DC6-2067, Chain of Custody Form. The tester shall also ensure that Form DC6-2067, Chain of Custody Form for all collected urine specimens is completed in accordance with department procedure 602.010(4).
If an incarcerated person is unable or unwilling to enter his or her initials or signature on Form DC6-2067, Chain of Custody Form, the tester will make a notation in the comment section of the form and leave the space blank. The tester will not under any circumstances sign Form DC6-2067, Chain of Custody Form for an incarcerated person.

(b) Specimen Collection Procedures.

The tester shall ensure that all urine specimens are collected in accordance with department procedures. All collections shall be performed under direct observation, where the tester directly observes the voiding of urine into the specimen cup. Direct observation may also be accomplished through use of mirrors strategically mounted in the collection rest room.
Under no circumstances is direct observation of a prisoner by a tester of the opposite sex allowed.
A female prisoner shall not be required to provide a urine specimen during her menstrual cycle.
Prior to collecting a urine specimen, the tester shall ensure that there is positive prisoner identification by observing the prisoner, confirming his or her name and DC number, and examining the prisoner’s picture identification card.
The tester shall search the prisoner to ensure that the prisoner is not concealing any substances or materials that could be used to alter or substitute his or her urine specimen. If any such substances or materials are found, the prisoner will be charged with refusing to submit to a substance abuse test.
The tester shall give each prisoner a closed specimen cup with an identification label containing the prisoner’s name and DC number prior to collecting the prisoner’s urine specimen. The tester shall ensure that the prisoner acknowledges his or her correct identity information on the label of the specimen cup.
The prisoner is expected to provide a minimum of 30 ml of urine. If the prisoner provides less, the tester shall again attempt to collect an adequate specimen. If the prisoner cannot immediately provide an adequate specimen, the procedure outlined in subparagraph (3)(b)8. below shall apply.
An incarcerated person who has not provided an adulterated urine specimen and who claims an inability to provide an adequate urine specimen shall be detained in the presence of the tester or other designated person for a period not to exceed 1 hour to provide an adequate specimen. During that time, the prisoner shall be allowed to consume one cup (8 oz.) of water or other beverage every 1/2 hour, not to exceed a total of 2 cups during this time period, and Form DC6-2064, Acknowledgement of Beverage, shall be completed. Form DC6-2064 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of the form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-02087. The effective date of the form is 2-13. If after the 1 hour period a prisoner still fails to submit a valid adequate urine specimen, the prisoner shall be considered to have refused to provide a urine specimen, and a disciplinary report shall be prepared in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C.
After the prisoner has voided a urine specimen into the cup, the tester will visually inspect the urine specimen to make sure that it appears to be valid and unadulterated. If the tester suspects that the specimen has been adulterated based upon observation, experience, or prior training, the tester will utilize the on-site specimen adulteration testing product in front of the prisoner following the manufacturer’s testing protocols. If a positive result is received on the on-site specimen adulteration testing product indicating that the urine specimen was adulterated, the specimen will not be accepted as valid and will be discarded. The prisoner will be required to submit a valid and unadulterated specimen pursuant to the procedure outlined below in subparagraph (3)(b)10. below.
Prisoners who have adulterated their urine by ingesting substances, as established by the on-site specimen adulteration testing product, shall be detained in the presence of the tester or placed in a dry cell for a period not to exceed one hour. During that time, the prisoner shall not be allowed to consume any water or other beverage. If after the one hour period a prisoner still fails to submit an unadulterated, valid urine specimen, the prisoner shall be considered to have refused to provide a urine specimen, and a disciplinary report shall be prepared in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C.
Once the tester has determined that the urine specimen is valid and unadulterated, the tester shall direct the prisoner where to place the urine specimen so that the on-site test can be conducted. The specimen must be in view of the prisoner throughout the entire testing process.
If a urine specimen contains blood or appears to contain blood, the prisoner who produced the specimen shall be referred immediately to the medical department for evaluation. If no valid reason exists for having blood in the specimen, the prisoner will be required to provide another urine specimen. If the prisoner cannot submit a urine specimen, the prisoner shall be detained in the presence of the tester or other designated person for a period not to exceed 1 hour to provide an adequate specimen. During that time, the prisoner shall be allowed to consume one cup (8 oz.) of water or other beverage every 1/2 hour, not to exceed a total of 2 cups during this time period, and Form DC6-2064, Acknowledgement of Beverage, shall be completed. If after the 1 hour period a prisoner still fails to submit a valid adequate urine specimen, the prisoner shall be considered to have refused to provide a urine specimen, and a disciplinary report shall be prepared in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C

(c) Upon notification from a prisoner that he or she is unable to urinate due to a medical condition, the officer shall verify with medical staff that the prisoner possesses a specific medical condition or is taking medication that inhibits the prisoner from urinating within the designated time frame. Upon receiving such verification, the prisoner shall be given the opportunity to provide a urine specimen under the following conditions:

The prisoner shall be informed that he or she will be placed in a dry cell until he or she can provide a valid urine specimen, not to exceed two hours. The prisoner shall be issued a hospital or other type privacy gown during the time that he or she is housed in the dry cell.
The prisoner shall remove his or her shirt, shoes, pants, hat, and the contents of his or her pockets. The prisoner shall be thoroughly searched prior to entering the dry cell to prevent him or her from using any adulterants such as bleach or cleanser to alter the specimen.
The tester shall give the prisoner a closed specimen cup with an identification label containing the prisoner’s name and DC number. The testing officer shall ensure that the prisoner acknowledges his or her correct identity information on the label of the specimen cup.
The prisoner shall be allowed to consume one cup (8 oz.) of water or other beverage every 1/2 hour, not to exceed a total of two cups during the time spent in the dry cell, and Form DC6-2064, Acknowledgement of Beverage Form, shall be completed.
A physical check shall be made on the prisoner once every 30 minutes to see if he or she has provided a valid urine specimen.
Upon receipt of the urine specimen the tester shall visually inspect the specimen to ensure it appears valid and unadulterated, and the procedures outlined in paragraph (3)(e) for the testing of urine specimens shall be followed.
If after the two hour period a prisoner fails to submit a valid urine specimen, the prisoner shall be considered to have refused to provide a urine specimen, and a disciplinary report shall be prepared in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C.

(d) If a prisoner claims an inability to urinate in front of or in the presence of others, the tester shall collect the urine specimen under the conditions outlined in subparagraphs (3)(c)1.-6. In this circumstance, the inability to urinate is not treated as a medical condition, and the officer does not need to verify with medical staff that the prisoner possesses a specific medical condition or is taking medication that inhibits the prisoner from urinating within the designated time frame. However, such prisoners shall be limited to up to one hour in the dry cell rather than two.

(e) Testing of urine specimens.

Only certified testing personnel are authorized to utilize the on-site testing equipment. For every on-site test conducted, regardless of purpose, the results shall be entered into the department’s electronic database.
Certified testers shall follow collection procedures in paragraph (3)(b).
All on-site testing procedures shall be conducted in the presence of the prisoner in accordance with the manufacturer’s protocols.
After the tester has taken a sample of urine from the specimen cup for the on-site testing device, the tester shall close the cup tightly.
In instances wherein an on-site testing device does not exist for the drug being tested, the sample shall be sent directly to the lab.
Negative test results. The tester shall inform the prisoner of the negative test results of the on-site testing device. The tester shall record all negative test results in the department’s electronic database. The tester will then dispose of the remaining specimen, specimen cup, and testing device. All forms shall be retained in accordance with state law and rules governing the retention of records.
Positive test results. The tester shall inform the prisoner of the positive results of the on-site testing device. The prisoner will then be given the opportunity to sign Form DC6-2065, Affidavit for Admission of Drug Use.
If the prisoner chooses to sign Form DC6-2065, the testing officer shall complete the affidavit form and have the prisoner swear to its content, with the officer witnessing the prisoner’s signature. The prisoner will be placed in administrative confinement, and a disciplinary report shall be written. The signed Form DC6-2065 will be attached to the disciplinary report to be used as evidence in the disciplinary hearing.
The testing officer shall indicate the positive results of the on-site testing device in the department’s electronic database.
If the prisoner does not sign Form DC6-2065, the following steps shall be taken:

(I) Once the urine specimen has been securely closed by the tester, the tester shall attach a security seal from Form DC6-2067, Chain of Custody Form across the lid of the sample cup under the prisoner’s observation.

(II) The tester shall instruct the prisoner to place his or her initials on Form DC6-2067, Chain of Custody Form verifying that the urine specimen was collected and sealed under the prisoner’s observation and that the specimen cup identification is correct.

(III) The tester shall then prepare the urine specimen for shipment by a commercial carrier to the designated outside laboratory for confirmation testing.

(IV) prisoners with positive test results on the on-site testing device shall immediately be placed in administrative confinement pending investigation until results of the confirmation test are received.

Once received from the outside laboratory, the confirmation testing results will be entered into the department’s electronic database. If the confirmation testing results are positive, a copy of the results will be attached to the disciplinary report for use as evidence during the disciplinary hearing.

(f) Other on-site testing device procedures.

Due to product limitations, it may become necessary to utilize other noninvasive on-site testing devices for alcohol testing. In such instances, the certified tester will utilize the on-site testing device in the presence of the prisoner in accordance with the manufacturer’s testing protocols. If the initial result of the on-site testing device is positive, and the prisoner declines to sign Form DC6-2065, Affidavit for Admission of Drug Use, a urine specimen will be obtained from the prisoner and sent to a designated outside laboratory for confirmation testing in accordance with the procedures outlined in paragraphs (3)(b) and (3)(e) above.
All correctional facilities shall maintain a record of all reasonable suspicion substance abuse tests conducted. This record shall be maintained by the correctional officer chief or designee. Form DC6-2066, Reasonable Suspicion Testing Tracking, shall be utilized for this purpose. Form DC6-2066 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of the form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-03902. The effective date of the form is 4-14.

(g) Record keeping. Each facility shall keep all records pertaining to the testing program. This includes the drug testing list and results, Chain of Custody forms, laboratory confirmation reports, and inventory control logs. All records shall be kept in accordance with state law and rules regarding retention of records.

Rulemaking Authority 944.09, 944.473 FS. Law Implemented 944.09, 944.472, 944.473 FS. History–New 2-8-00, Amended 2-5-01, Formerly 33-602.2045, Amended 7-2-02, 2-19-07, 7-29-08, 8-26-09, 2-10-10, 11-28-10, 1-11-12, Formerly 33-108.101, Amended 2-17-13, 4-6-14, 6-9-15.

F.A.C. 33-602.2035