By Staff
LANSING – Michigan welfare recipients who are suspected of substance abuse may have to submit to a drug test under welfare reform legislation approved Tuesday in the House Government Operations Committee, announced Dowagiac Rep. Neal Nitz.
Under House Bill 6481, the Department of Human Services may require a welfare recipient to submit to a drug test if the department employee has reasonable suspicion of substance abuse by the recipient.
"Michigan's welfare system is available for residents who need help getting their lives back in order to become more self-sufficient," said Nitz, R-Baroda. "This legislation is an important step that will prevent substance abuse, keep kids safe from drug exposure and insure welfare recipients aren't taking advantage of taxpayer dollars to purchase or use drugs."
The department will implement a pilot program of substance abuse testing as a condition for assistance eligibility, according to a protocol that includes all of the following steps:
The department administers a substance abuse survey.
A substance abuse professional screens the individual for suspicion of substance abuse using an empirically validated screening tool in one-on-one contact.
The substance abuse professional gathers additional information about the individual, including information from a drug-screening test.
The substance abuse professional determines the level of treatment needed and makes the appropriate referral.
"This legislation will provide us with an additional opportunity to refer welfare recipients to a rehabilitation program if it is needed for them to get back on their feet," Nitz said.
"Similar testing is done before an employee is hired for a job. Michigan's welfare program is essential for assisting needy families and is not a program that supports drug habits."