The Kentucky Senate has voted unanimously in favor of legislation which proponents say encourages the employment of workers who participate in employer sponsored substance use disorder treatment. The bill is sponsored by Owensboro Senator Matt Castlen.
Castlen said keeping workers employed is only going to become more of a priority. “We see where the economy was three weeks ago. To me there’s never been a more important time right now to pouring into and investing into the workforce that you have,” said Castlen
Senate Bill 173 outlines a drug control policy for employers to include a list of licensed treatment options and a list of qualitied health professionals for onsite education and treatment. “Nobody wants to see somebody lose their job and have to go home and tell their family, they can’t provide for them. Nobody wants to see somebody lose their job for substance abuse and it be on their record and haunt them for the rest of their lives. So, this is an opportunity for this person to keep it, to stay off of welfare, to be able to have the opportunity to write their own check for their things for their family,” said Castlen.
Under the bill, an employer can require a worker to participate in drug education and treatment as a condition of employment. The employer may pay for all or a part of that treatment.
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