Rhode Island 
Drug Testing Law

Rhode Island restricts drug testing of employees to circumstances in which there is suspicion of drug use or impairment. First-time positives may not result in termination. Other restrictions apply. Note: This is only a summary and does not include specifics.

Law types(s)

Mandatory law, unemployment compensation law, and workers’ compensation law.

Legal status of cannabis

Medical and recreational cannabis are permitted.

Legal status of instant/POCT/rapid testing

Not mentioned.

Permitted drug testing specimens

Urine, blood, or other bodily fluid or tissues are permitted.

Permitted testing circumstances

Pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up testing are permitted.

Employers must comply with the entirety of the mandatory law.

Want to have access to Rhode Island’s laws in their entirety, including specific information pertaining to workplace drug testing highlighted for your convenience? Sign up for Current Compliance, the only state drug testing law database.

This information is provided for educational use only and does not give full details on Rhode Island’s state drug testing laws . Employers wishing to drug test in Rhode Island should consult applicable laws in their entirety prior to creating a drug-free workplace program. Reader retains full responsibility for the use of the information contained herein.