HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-345 EMS BATTALION CHIEFS
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
TEAMSTERS LOCAL UNION NO . 769
AND
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT
DECEMBER 16 , 2003 - SEPTEMBER 309 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1 RECOGNITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 1
ARTICLE 2 MANAGEMENT RIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 1
ARTICLE 3 SEVERABILITY , 6 0 4 a a 1 11 1 1 1 0 0 so 2
ARTICLE 4 DISCRIMINATION , 0 10 # 119 09 0 & 1 & * 60 000 * 00400006 , * , 0 & * sees 0 9 9 0 , 0 . . . . . . a 9 2
ARTICLE 5 UNION BUSINESS , a 1 0 1 1 0 * I 1 0 * 0 0 e 0 0 " a . . . 0 0 0 * * a 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 a go 0 a 6 *
0 a 0 0 40 2
ARTICLE 6 CONTRACTING OR SUB—CONTRACTING . . a 0 0 4 1 0 1 1 f 0 f a 0 0 a a 0 0 * 0 0 a 2
ARTICLE 7 LAY—OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
ARTICLE 8 WORK RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ARTICLE 9 WORKERS ' COMPENSATION—SUPPLEMENTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ARTICLE 10 UNIFORMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ARTICLE 11 SAFETY AND HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 4
ARTICLE 12 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 5
ARTICLE 13 DISCIPLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ARTICLE 14 PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF DUES . . , . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . 7
ARTICLE 15 BULLETIN BOARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 7
ARTICLE 16 SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ARTICLE 17 BEREAVEMENT LEAVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 8
ARTICLE 18 MEDICAL LEAVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ARTICLE 19 INSURANCE BENEFITS . . . . . . . . . 9
ARTICLE 20 ANNUAL LEAVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . 10
ARTICLE 21 LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY ' . . . . . * go 10
ARTICLE 22 HOLIDAYS " , be * 86064 , 604 " 11
Y
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
ARTICLE 23 REMUNERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 12
ARTICLE 24 DURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ATTACHMENT A - DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM . . . . . 0 * 06 * * 1 000 * , , * * 1 * 1 -20
ARTICLE 1 = RECOGNITION
Section 1 : Indian River County Emergency Services District (the Employer) recognizes
Teamsters Local 769 (the Union) as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent, with respect
to wages, hours and working conditions of employment, for the employees in the
bargaining unit as established by PERC Certification No . 1381 , granted by the Florida
Public Relations Commission, attached as Appendix "A. "
Section 2 : The Union recognizes the County Administrator as the exclusive
representative for the County. The Union, its agents and representatives agree to bargain
collectively pursuant to Florida Statute 447 only with the County Administrator (or
designee) .
ARTICLE 2 - MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
Section 1 : Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, it is the right of the County to
unilaterally :
a) Determine the purpose of each of its constituent agencies ;
b) Set standards of services to be offered to the public ;
c) Exercise control and discretion over its organization and operations ;
d) Manage and direct its workforce, including the right to take disciplinary
action for proper cause; hire, promote, rehire, recall, demote for cause,
transfer, lay-off or relieve its employees from duty because of a lack of
work or other legitimate reasons ;
e) Schedule and assign work to be performed.
Section 2 : It is the intent and understanding of the parties that any rights, privileges or
obligations which are not specifically granted to the Union and the employees by this
Agreement are retained by the County.
Section 3 : This Agreement sets forth all covenants, stipulations and provisions agreed
upon by the parties hereto , and no agent or representative of either party has the authority
to make, and none of the parties shall be bound by or be liable for, any statement,
representation, promise, inducement or agreement not set forth herein. This Agreement
spells out the total agreement in its entirety between the parties, including wages, hours,
working conditions and all fringe benefits .
Section 4 : If in the sole discretion of the County Administrator, it is determined that civil
emergency conditions exist or may exist, including, hurricane conditions, similar
catastrophes or disorders, this Agreement may be suspended by the County Administrator
during the time of the declared emergency, provided that wage rates and other direct
monetary payments shall not be suspended.
1
ARTICLE 3 = SEVERABILITY
Section l : It is not the intent of either party to violate any laws or any rulings or
regulations of any governmental authority or agency having jurisdiction of the subject
matter of this Agreement . The parties hereto agree that in the event any provision of this
Agreement is held to be unlawful or void by any tribunal having the right to so hold, the
parties shall meet within thirty (30) days to negotiate a substitute article(s) . The
remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, unless the parts so
found to be void are wholly inseparable from the remaining portions of the Agreement.
ARTICLE 4 - DISCRIMINATION
Section 1 : The Employer and the Union affirm their joint opposition to any
discriminatory practices in connection with employment. Employees shall be treated in a
respectful manner without regard to religion, disability, marital status, political affiliation,
race, color, creed, national origin, gender or age .
ARTICLE 5 - UNION BUSINESS
Section l : Union business conducted by any employee while on duty shall not interfere
with the employees ' normal duties, unless the local union representative has been
requested by the County to act in a Union capacity .
ARTICLE 6 - CONTRACTING OR SUB-CONTRACTING
Section 1 : If the County is considering contracting out, reassigning or sub-contracting
any work, which will eliminate bargaining unit positions, the County shall notify the
Union sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the decision. The Union shall be given
the opportunity to present their position to the County Commission. Nothing shall limit
the County' s right to subcontract work.
ARTICLE 7 - LAY-OFF
Section 1 : The County retains the unilateral right to determine the number of employees.
In the event of a lay-off, the County will make every effort to give as much notice as
possible. The County shall provide employees at least thirty (30) days notice of lay-off.
Employees shall be laid off in reverse order of seniority.
2
ARTICLE 8 = WORK RULES
Section 1 : Employees shall be required to observe, comply and administer departmental
rules and regulations governing employment, as set forth in any departmental procedures
and such special and general orders and written communications now existing or which
may hereafter be promulgated, which are not in conflict with this Agreement. Bargaining
unit employees shall receive a written copy of any newly created rule or regulation.
Section 2 : The Rules and Regulations as written, or as may be amended at the discretion
of the County, are not subject to the grievance procedure contained in this Agreement.
ARTICLE 9 — WORKERS ' COMPENSATION=SUPPLEMENTAL
Section 1 : Disability leave with pay shall be provided by the County on the following
basis :
a) The disability resulted from an injury or an illness sustained directly in the
performance of the employee's work, as provided in the State Workers' Compensation
Act.
b) If incapacitated for the employee's regular position, the employee may be
given other duties with the Department for the period of recuperation, provided the
employee's medical condition permits. Unwillingness to accept such an assignment as
directed by the EMS Chief will make the employee ineligible for disability leave during
the time involved.
C) A physician selected by the County may be used to determine the physical
ability of the employee to continue on disability leave or to return to work.
d) Except as may be modified by Section 2, if the disability leave is
approved, the first seven days of the leave (3 . 5 shifts for shift employees) will be charged
to the employee ' s medical leave, then the annual leave account. After the first seven
days (3 . 5 shifts for shift employees), the employee will be entitled to normal Workers'
Compensation benefits with any accrued medical or annual leave the employee may
have. In no case shall the employee ' s total compensation from county pay and Workers '
Compensation exceed the employee ' s normal compensation.
e) No new medical leave shall be accumulated during the period an
employee is off the job due to injury or illness from combat.
Section 2 : In the event of a combat injury, generally defined as occurring from the point
of alarm to the return to station, an employee will be paid an amount equal to the
employee's normal earnings by use of District funds or a combination of District funds
and Workers' Compensation without charge to the employee's medical or annual leave .
3
e
This coverage will be extended to other hazardous activities, if approved by the Director
of Emergency Services, after a request for approval of such paid disability has been made
by the EMS Chief. The Director's approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
ARTICLE 10 = UNIFORMS
Section 1 : The County shall provide the uniforms and equipment currently provided.
The parties agree the County may make changes in styles or update equipment, as it
deems appropriate, during the term of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 11 - SAFETY AND HEALTH
Section 1 : The parties agree to the concept of a smoke-free Department. Towards that
end, there shall be no smoking or use of tobacco products allowed in or around any area
of the emergency service stations and/or vehicles. Employees of this bargaining unit are
required to comply and enforce this provision by reporting subordinate employees to the
Department Director.
Section 2 : All bargaining unit employees shall abstain, both on and off duty, from the
use of all tobacco products.
Section 3 : The parties agree to the Drug-Free Workplace Program attached as
Attachment `B . " The employees in this bargaining unit are required to enforce this
program relative to their subordinate departmental employees.
4
ARTICLE 12 - GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Section 1 : A grievance is defined as a dispute involving the interpretation or application
of the provisions of this Agreement, except as exclusions are noted in other Articles of
this Agreement. Any grievance filed shall refer to the provision or provisions of this
Agreement alleged to have been violated.
Section 2 : Employees covered by this bargaining unit shall have the right to use only this
procedure and no right to any other procedure (i. e . , rules and regulations, administrative
policy, etc .) . New employees shall serve a one-year period of probation and shall be
entitled to this procedure, except for as prohibited in Article 13 .
Section 3 : Grievances shall be presented and adjusted in the following manner:
Step 1 — Division Level
An employee having a grievance may, within five days following the first occurrence
giving rise to the grievance, submit the grievance in writing to the EMS Chief, setting
forth specifically the complete facts on which the grievance is based, the specific
provision or provisions of the Agreement allegedly violated, and the remedy
requested. The EMS Chief will meet with the employee, accompanied by the Union,
to discuss the grievance. The EMS Chief shall communicate a decision in writing to
the employee and the Union within five days following discussion of the written
grievance.
$tep 2 — Department Level
If the grievance is not settled at Step 1 , the employee may submit the grievance in
writing to the Department Director within five days after receipt of the decision at
Step 1 . The Department Director will meet with the employee, accompanied by the
Union, to discuss the grievance. The Department Director shall communicate a
decision in writing to the employee and the Union within five days following
discussion of the written grievance .
Step 3 — Administration Level
If the grievance is not settled at Step 2, the employee may submit the grievance in
writing to the County Administrator (or designee) within five days after receipt of the
decision at Step 2 . The County Administrator (or designee) will meet with the
employee, accompanied by the Union, to discuss the grievance. The County
Administrator (or designee) shall communicate a decision in writing to the employee
and the Union within five days following discussion of the written grievance.
5
Step 4 — Arbitration
If the grievance is not settled in accordance with the foregoing procedure, the Union
may request arbitration by requesting a list of arbitrators from the Federal Mediation
and Conciliation Service no later than fifteen days after receipt of the decision from
Step 3 . The grievance shall not be amended, and if the Union fails to appeal to
arbitration within said fifteen days, the Administrator' s Step 3 answer shall be final
and binding on the employee and the Union. The cost of the arbitrators list shall be
borne by the party requesting the list. Upon receipt of the list, the parties shall strike
names alternatively from the list . The decision shall be in writing and shall set forth
the arbitrator' s opinion and conclusions on the issue(s) submitted and the appropriate
remedy, if any. The arbitrator shall limit the decision strictly to the application and
interpretation of the specific provisions of this Agreement and shall be without power
or authority to make any decisions:
a) contrary to, or inconsistent with, adding to, subtracting from, or
modifying, altering or ignoring in any way, the terms of this
Agreement or applicable law or rules or regulations having the full
force and effect of law,
b) limiting or interfering in any way with the powers, duties and
responsibilities of the County under applicable law and County
ordinances.
The decision of the arbitrator, if made in accordance with jurisdiction and authority
under this Agreement, shall be final and binding on the parties. In reaching a
decision in all cases, the arbitrator shall utilize a preponderance of the evidence
standard of proof. The arbitrator may fashion an appropriate remedy where he finds a
violation of this Agreement, but no liability/penalty, monetary or otherwise, shall
accrue against the County. With respect to grievances involving demotions,
suspensions or termination of employment, the arbitrator shall not modify the
County' s disciplinary action unless it is found the County' s action was arbitrary or
capricious. However, this shall not eliminate the proper cause provision contained in
Article 2 .
The parties to the arbitration shall divide the expenses and fees of the arbitrator. Each
party shall be responsible for compensating and paying the expenses of its own
representatives and witnesses, except that the employee filing the grievance and the
Union representative shall be excused without loss of pay if the arbitration hearing is
held during their regular working hours.
Section 4 - General Provisions : Failure to initiate a grievance within the time limit in
Section 3 above shall be deemed a waiver of the grievance . Failure at any step of this
procedure to submit a grievance to the next step within the specified time limit shall be
deemed to be acceptance of the decision at that step . Failure at any step of this procedure
to communicate the decision on the grievance within the specified time limit shall permit
the employee, or Union where appropriate, to proceed to the next step . The number of
days indicated at each step should be considered as a maximum, and every effort should
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be made to expedite the process. The term "days" as used in this article shall mean
Monday through Friday. The parties can mutually agree to extend the above time limits,
if done so in writing .
ARTICLE 13 - DISCIPLINE
Section 1 : Discipline shall be impartially and consistently administered, with the
understanding employees of this unit shall be held to a high standard of conduct as a
result of their position within the organization. During the one-year probationary period,
new employees may be dismissed at the sole discretion of the County and are not entitled
to use the grievance/arbitration procedures relating to their discipline or discharge, and
are not entitled to payments of sick leave or vacation leave at time of termination.
ARTICLE 14 — PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF DUES
Section 1 : The County agrees to deduct prescribed dues and initiation fees from the
earnings of those employees who have signed individual authorization cards for such
deduction. The County shall remit said collections monthly to the duly designated officer
of the Union.
Section 2 : The Union shall indemnify, exonerate, and save the County harmless from
any claims or judgments against the County based upon any check-off of Union dues,
fees, or assessments. The County shall give written notice to the Union by certified mail
addressed to the Business Agent of the Union of any claim against the County based in
whole or in part on any check-off of Union dues, fees or assessments. The Union shall
defend the claim at its own cost and without expense to the County even if such claim is
false, groundless, or fraudulent.
Section 3 : An employee transferred to a classification not in the bargaining unit, or
whose employment is terminated, shall cease to be subject to check-off deduction the
month following the month in which such change in employee status occurs.
Section 4 : The County shall not be required to collect Union dues in arrears. Any
change in dues made by the Union will become effective after a thirty-day written notice
by the Union to the County.
ARTICLE 15 — BULLETIN BOARDS
Section 1 : The Union may have a bulletin board in each EMS BC Office for the posting
of notices .
7
ARTICLE 16 — SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYMENT
Section 1 : Bargaining unit employees shall inform the Emergency Services Director, in
writing, of any outside employment.
ARTICLE 17 — BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Section 1 : Regular full-time bargaining unit employees covered by this agreement shall
be granted 36 hours of leave with pay if services are in state and 48 hours if out of state,
upon verbal request to the EMS Chief or his designee prior to the beginning of the leave,
for death in their immediate family without charge to medical leave, annual leave,
holiday time, or other accumulated time.
Section 2 : For the purpose of this article, the immediate family shall consist of Spouse,
Children and Step-Children, Parents and Step-Parents, Grandmother, Grandfather,
Grandchildren, Brother, Sister, Mother-in-Law, Father4n-Law, Son-in-Law, Daughter-in-
Law, Sister-in-Law, Brother-in-Law, Step-brother, Step-sister, or Legal Guardian of the
bargaining unit employee, and any other individual so designated by the County for all
other employees.
Section 3 : Employees will be required to provide documentation supporting their request
for bereavement leave for out-of-state leave .
ARTICLE 18 — MEDICAL LEAVE
Section 1 : Full-time permanent employees earn medical leave at the rate of 12 hours per
month starting the first full month of employment.
Section 2 : Medical leave may be accumulated for a total of no more than 60 days (720
hours) at the employee ' s anniversary date .
Section 3 : Medical leave may be taken as earned. However, the initial probationary
period shall be extended by the same number of shifts used as medical leave.
Section 4 : Frequent claiming of benefits under this rule will constitute grounds for the
assumption by the Emergency Services Director that the physical condition of the
employee is below the standard necessary for the proper performance of duties. Evidence
of malingering or the abuse of this benefit will constitute grounds for prompt disciplinary
action up to and including dismissal by the Emergency Services Department .
Section 5 : Upon resignation or termination for cause of an employee from the County' s
services, all medical leave, current and accumulated, will be forfeited. Use of medical
leave will not be approved or paid during the last two weeks of employment .
8
Section 6 : Employees retiring in accordance with existing retirement plans or who have
died and who have ten or more years service with the County will receive base pay for
one-half of medical leave hours accumulated up to a maximum of two hundred and forty
hours.
Section 7 : Medical leave accumulated in excess of 30 days (360 hours) shall be paid by
the middle of the month following the employee ' s date-of--hire month. Employees will
be paid compensation at the regular rate for one-half of all medical leave days
accumulated over 30 or all additional hours accumulated over the maximum 60 days.
The days that are compensated for through this plan will be deducted from their total
accumulation.
ARTICLE 19 — INSURANCE BENEFITS
Section 1 : Hospitalization and medical insurance is provided for all classified
employees. The County agrees to pay for the employee and the employee's dependent
coverage, except that employee shall pay $ 132 . 50 per month for dependent coverage
commencing October 1 , 2003 .
Section 2 : The County agrees to bargain over the negotiable impacts, upon proper
request, of any reduction in the amount or scope of coverage provided to employees and
the family members. The County may, at its option, obtain coverage from a different
carrier or provider, without being required to negotiate over the impacts with the Union,
provided that the benefits remain similar.
Section 3 : The County may, at its option, elect to have any future increase in the cost for
dependent coverage absorbed by the employee.
Section 4 : If the cost of insurance payable by the employee is proposed to be increased
by more than $ 35 . 00 per month in the subsequent years of this agreement, the Union has
the right to negotiate over the increase, provided that written notice is given to the
Emergency Services Director within ten ( 10) working days after notice of such proposed
increase is given to the employees.
Section 5 : The County shall maintain in full force and effect, and pay all premiums for, a
life insurance policy on the life of each employee, payable to a beneficiary designated by
the respective insured employee. Such life insurance policy shall be based on an amount
equal to the employee's annual salary to the nearest high thousand as of the month
following the payroll change.
Section 6 : Separation shall be effective as of the date of death. All compensation and
benefits due to the employee as of the effective date of separation shall be paid to the
beneficiary, surviving spouse, or estate of the employee as determined by law or by
executed forms in the employee 's personnel folder.
9
ARTICLE 20-ANNUAL LEAVE
Section 1 : Employees in the bargaining unit shall be entitled to accrue paid annual leave
on the following basis :
A. Ten working days vacation shall be earned each year for the first five
years of continuous employment commencing with the anniversary date.
Be At the start of the sixth year of continuous employment through the start
of the fifteenth year of continuous employment, an employee shall be
entitled to one additional vacation day per year as follows:
Continuous Employment Annual Days Earned
6 Years 11 Days
7 Years 12 Days
8 Years 13 Days
9 Years 14 Days
10 Years 15 Days
11 Years 16 Days
12 Years 17 Days
13 Years 18 Days
14 Years 19 Days
15 Years 20 Days
Section 2 : The maximum vacation accrual shall be thirty days.
Section 3 : Employer rules and regulations will apply regarding notification for annual
leave.
Section 4 : Employees with the most time in total service years will be given preference
when granting annual leave .
ARTICLE 21 — LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY
Section 1 : The decision to grant a leave of absence without pay is a matter of
administrative discretion. The Emergency Services Director shall determine each case on
its own merit.
Section 2 : Failure to return to work at the expiration of the approved leave shall be
considered as a resignation.
Section 3 : No medical leave or annual leave will be earned by an employee for the time
that the employee is on leave without pay.
10
Section 4 : Leave without pay shall not constitute a break in service, but time off will not
be credited toward retirement.
Section 5 : Fringe benefits can be continued at the expense of the employee on any leave
of absence over thirty days.
Section 6 : An employee shall be considered as having resigned if the employee is absent
three consecutive duty shifts without prior approval. .
ARTICLE 22 — HOLIDAYS
Section 1 : The County recognizes the following holidays and any other days authorized
by the Board of County Commissioners under the auspices of the Indian River County
Administrative Policy:
L New Year' s Day
2 . Easter
3 . Memorial Day
4. Independence Day
5 , Labor Day
6 . Veteran' s Day
7 . Thanksgiving Day
8 . Friday after Thanksgiving Day
9 . Last working day before Christmas
10 , Christmas Day
11 . Floating Holiday ( 12-hr. day)
Section 2 : Employees who are not required to work on a holiday, or work less than 12
hours on a holiday, will receive 12 hours of holiday pay at their regular hourly rate for the
pay period within which each holiday falls. Employees who work 12 hours or more on a
holiday shall receive 18 hours of holiday pay at their regular hourly rate, in addition to
their twenty-four hours of regular pay for the time worked, for the pay period within
which each holiday falls.
Section 3 : An employee must be on active pay status or approved leave on the regularly
scheduled working day immediately prior to a holiday, and the regularly scheduled
working day immediately following a holiday, in order to qualify for the holiday time.
11
a
ARTICLE 23 - REMUNERATION
Section 1 : Employees covered by this agreement shall receive a cost-of-- living increase
of 2 . 5% on October 10, 2003 , 2. 5% on October 8 , 2004, and 2 . 5 % on October 7, 2005 .
Section 2 : Employees shall be eligible for a 5 % anniversary increase based upon a
successful evaluation; provided, however, that no employee ' s salary shall exceed the
maximum salary of the pay range . The present salary range is considered as exempt at
$48, 173 to $66,625 .
Section 3 : Employees in this bargaining unit are exempt from the overtime provisions of
the Fair Labor Standards Act and shall be eligible for 72 hours of administrative leave
time off per calendar year. This leave must be used in increments of 24 hours and
scheduled in accordance with the vacation policy. Any hours not scheduled and used
within the calendar year shall be forfeited and not carried over.
ARTICLE 24 — DURATION
Section 1 : This agreement shall be in full force and effect from the date of approval by
the Board of County Commissioners through September 30, 2006. Either party desiring
to amend this agreement shall notify the other party in writing by February 1 , 2006 .
Agreed this 16th day of December 920036
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY TEAMSTERS LOCAL UNION NO. 769
EMERG SERVICES DI ICT
eth Macht, Chairman usiness AepAsentative
d
kmergency
Chandler, Adm' stra of the Date
0 Services D strict
/6 Ratified by the Union on the
Witness day of he&Abe,,e , 2003 .
December 16 , 2003 Co med by .
Date
Business Resentative
FINAL EMS BC 11 -5-03
12
Attachment A
Indian River County , Florida
Emergency Services District
Sixty ( 60 ) Day Notice of
Drug -Free Workplace Program
For Teamsters Local 769 Collective Bargaining Unit Employees
The District is committed to maintain a safe , healthy , and productive work environment
for its employees ; to provide professional services for its citizens ; to maintain the
integrity and security of its equipment and workplace ; and to perform all these functions
in a fashion consistent with the interests and concerns of the community.
The District believes that there is potential for serious consequences to your
employment security , and our business , due to drug and alcohol use and/or abuse by
employees , which has been shown to increase safety risks and absenteeism while
decreasing productivity and quality .
Pursuant to the District's philosophy and goals , it is codifying a Drug-Free Workplace
Program to ensure that we will have a drug-free workplace . This program is intended to
satisfy the Drug -Free Workplace Program requirements set forth in 440 . 102 , Florida
Statutes , and Rule 59A, Florida Administrative Code .
It is the policy of the District that unlawful possession , use , being under the influence,
consumption , sale , purchase , distribution , dispensation , or manufacture by any
employee of alcohol or any illegal drugs or illegally obtained drugs in the workplace , on
District premises , or within its facilities , in the conduct of District-related work off District
premises , or when operating District vehicles on or off duty is strictly prohibited and will
be grounds for immediate termination . Nor will the District permit any employee to report
to work or to perform his or her duties while taking prescription or non-prescription
medication which adversely affects the person 's ability to safely and effectively perform
his or her job duties . Employees are required to notify supervisors of all such medication
use . It is a condition of employment to abide by the terms of this policy .
In furtherance of its Drug-Free Workplace Policy , the District will institute drug and
alcohol testing procedures beginning October 1 , 1998 . Under this testing program ,
special- risk and safety-sensitive candidates for employment, as well as current
employees under certain limited circumstances (i . e . , for cause , fitness for duty and post
accident) , will be subject to alcohol and drug testing . A complete copy of the District's
Drug- Free Workplace Program will be provided to each employee and applicant in
advance of the program' s commencement date .
1
It is the District's desire that individuals voluntarily address and resolve any drug and
alcohol-related problems on a confidential basis . Should an employee realize that he or
she has developed a dependence on drugs , alcohol , or any controlled substance , he or
she is advised to seek rehabilitation voluntarily (without disciplinary penalty) , prior to any
management action .
In order to provide an effective means of helping employees deal with drug/alcohol use
and/or abuse , which may be interfering with their job performance , the District has an
Employee Assistance- Program ( EAP) provider, Bradman/UniPsych Companies , which
offers employees and their families substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation
services . Information on these services is available from the District at 567-8000 ,
extension 225 at the Director's Office , Fire Chief at 562-2028 , or the EMS Chief at 567-
3160
We would like to have the opportunity to answer any questions anyone might have prior
to the effective date of the program . If you would like to discuss the policy (on
a
confidential basis) , please contact the Emergency Services Director, or his or her
designee , at any time .
We do appreciate your work on behalf of the District and ask your assistance in keeping
the workplace free of alcohol and drug-related problems .
JV es E . Chandler ou Administrator
2
Policy Statement
To ensure a workplace free from the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse , the
following revised policy has been established . As in the past , the policy applies to all
employees , supervisors , and managers . Any violation of the Policy will result in
discipline , up to and including termination of employment.
The District is committed to providing a safe work environment for employees , guests ,
community , and the public. The abuse of alcohol and drugs is a national problem that
impairs the safety and health of employees , promotes crime , and harms the community .
In order to maintain the highest standards of morale , productivity and safety in its
operations , the District has previously implemented a drug and alcohol free workplace
policy. With the cooperation and assistance of its employees , the District will continue
its program designed to provide a safe workplace environment free from drugs and
alcohol use and/or abuse .
The District recognizes that alcohol and drug dependency require medical supervision
and treatment if there is to be successful rehabilitation . The District' s desire and intent is
to encourage any employee with alcohol or drug dependency to enter, voluntarily, a
drug or alcohol rehabilitation program . It is the responsibility of each employee to initiate
and obtain assistance before any difficulties with drugs or alcohol affect his or her work.
Accordingly:
This policy satisfies the requirements of the Florida Drug-Free Workplace Program , as
provided in Section 440 . 101 , et sec. , Florida Statutes , This Drug-Free Workplace Policy
and Work Rules requires all employees to be free from the influence of drugs and
alcohol while working or while in District property . The use , possession , sale ,
distribution , or manufacture of any drugs , and/or the unauthorized possession and/or
use of alcohol , while working or while on District property , is prohibited .
All special risk and safety sensitive job applicants will be tested for drugs prior to being
employed . All employees will be subject to drug and alcohol testing upon reasonable
suspicion , as defined herein , and as a follow- up to release from a rehabilitation
program . All employees are encouraged to be aware of the effects of, and to advise
their supervisor when taking , prescription medication that may affect their performance
at work .
3
Rules on Drugs and Alcohol
Employees of the District are hereby notified that it is a condition of
employment for each employee to refrain from reporting to work or working with
the presence of drugs or alcohol in his or her body.
It is not the intent of the District to intrude into the private lives of its
employees .
However, the effect of drug and alcohol use , abuse , and/or dependency on safety, work
quality, increased medical expenses , and lost productivity requires that this policy be
implemented . The following rules apply under the District policy:
1 . 0 Pre-Employment Conditions
1 . 1 The following pre-employment conditions are established to
determine the suitability of employees to work for the District .
1 . 2 All job applicants must submit to a drug test prior to starting
employment in that position . Any job offer which a job applicant
may receive from the District is contingent upon the applicant
successfully completing the drug test.
1 . 3 Any job applicant who refuses to submit to drug testing as part of
the pre-employment testing process will be refused employment .
Any job applicant who tests positive for drugs will be refused
employment at that time . Confidentiality will be maintained pursuant
to this Policy .
1A The District will not discriminate against an applicant for
employment because of the applicant's past addiction to drugs or
alcohol . It is the current use/abuse of drugs or alcohol that will not
be tolerated .
2 . 0 Conditions of Continuing Employment
2 . 1 Each employee will receive a copy of the Drug - Free Workplace
Policy and must abide by the Policy. The rules contained in the
Policy are to be considered conditions of continuing employment
and are to be consistently followed . Any violation of these
conditions of continuing employment will result in disciplinary
action , up to and including termination of employment.
3 . 0 Prohibition of Possession , etc .
3 . 1 The unlawful manufacture , distribution , dispensation , possess , sale ,
or use of any drug or un prescribed , controlled substances and/or
unauthorized possession or usage of alcohol by employees while
4
working or when on any District property , including parking lots , are
strictly prohibited .
4 . 0 Prohibition of Drug or Alcohol Use
4 . 1 All employees are prohibited from being at work or on District
property , including parking lots , with the presence of any drug or its
metabolite , as set forth herein , in the employee's body . Any
employee who has a confirmed positive test of a drug or its
metabolite at the levels defined herein will be presumed to be under
the influence of a drug and in violation of District Policy ,
4 . 2 All employees are prohibited from being at work or on District
property , including parking lots , with the presence of alcohol , as set
forth herein , in the employee's body . Any employee who has a
confirmed positive test of alcohol at the levels defined herein will be
presumed to be under the influence of alcohol and in violation of
District Policy ,
5 . 0 Requirements to Report Medication Use
5 . 1 The District does not prohibit the use of a drug (prescribed
medication) which has a currently accepted medical use , provided :
(a) The drug is prescribed or authorized for an employee by a
licensed practitioner; and
(b) The use of the drug at the prescribed or authorized level is
consistent with the safe performance of the employee's
duties ; and
(c) The drug is used at the dosage prescribed or authorized .
5 . 2 Employees are encouraged to notify their immediate supervisor
when reporting for work or during the course of a work shift if the
use of any prescription or non-prescription medication may
adversely affect his or her ability to satisfactorily and safely perform
his normal job duties (e . g . , including but not limited to drowsiness) .
Employees in safety sensitive or special risk positions are required
to provide their supervisor with such information .
6 . 0 Employee Drug and Alcohol Testing
6 . 1 Employees will be required to submit to drug and/or alcohol testing
upon reasonable suspicion as defined in this Policy , and after
release from a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program unless the
employee voluntarily entered the program . If follow up testing is
required , it must be conducted at least once a year for a 2-year
5
period after completion of the program . Advance notice of a follow
up testing date must not be given to the employee to be tested .
6 . 2 Confidentiality will be maintained at all times to the extent permitted
by law.
7 . 0 Employee Drug or Alcohol -Related Criminal Charges or Arrests
7 . 1 Employees are required to notify the District of any criminal drug
statute-related criminal charge of arrest no later than five ( 5) days
after such charge has been filed . Employees in positions which
require driving a District vehicle on District business must notify
Personnel of any drug or alcohol-related arrest (e . g . , including but
not limited to Driving While Under the Influence) on the next
workday.
7 . 2 The District will take appropriate action with respect to an employee
who is so charged , which action may include transfer to a non
safety sensitive or non special risk position in alcohol-related cases
or discipline in cases related to illegal drugs .
7 . 3 Employees are required to notify the Emergency Services Director,
or his or her designee , of the outcome of all criminal drug statutes
or alcohol-related criminal charges no later than five (5) days after
any change in status of such charges . This includes notification of a
conviction , a plea of guilty, an adjudication of guilty , a plea of nolo
contendere , adjudication withheld , an acquittal , or a dismissal of the
charges .
7A The District will take appropriate disciplinary action against such
employee within thirty (30) days of receiving notice of the outcome
or any change in the status of such criminal drug statutes or
alcohol - related charges .
8 . 0 Rehabilitation Procedures
8 . 1 An employee who is experiencing problems as a result of drug
and/or alcohol abuse should contact the Emergency Services
Director, or his or her designee , for referral for treatment and/or
counseling . This discussion will be kept confidential . Supervisory
personnel may be notified when treatment or rehabilitation will
require absence from work.
9 . 0 Employee Education and Referral Program
9 . 1 It is the responsibility of each employee to seek assistance before
drugs and alcohol use or abuse leads to disciplinary problems .
6
Employees who may require assistance for substance dependency
and related program are encouraged to seek assistance and
information from the Emergency Services Director, or his or her
designee .
9 . 2 Once a violation of this Policy occurs , subsequent use of a
counseling or rehabilitation program on a voluntary basis will not
affect the determination of appropriate disciplinary action .
9 . 3 An employee 's decision to seek assistance or referral from the
Emergency Services Director, or his or her designee , prior to an
incident warranting disciplinary action will not be used as the basis
for disciplinary action or in any disciplinary proceeding .
9 .4 The District has no interest in restricting social drinking outside of
working hours and no intent to intrude upon private or personal
lives of employees . The District is concerned only when the
employee's health , job performance , and safety conditions are
adversely affected .
9 . 5 Upon successful completion of a drug treatment program an
employee may be released to resume work but will be subject to
drug testing as provided for in Section 6 . 1 .
9 . 6 An employee's participation in an alcohol or drug treatment
program will not be made part of any personnel records and will
remain confidential except to the extent necessary to comply with
this Policy and to the extent permitted by law. Medical and
insurance records , if any, will be preserved in the same confidential
manner as all other medical records . The Emergency Services
Director, or his or her designee , will maintain treatment
recommendation records and compliance records .
10 . 0 Employee Education Information
10 . 1 The following crisis information centers will provide information
regarding employee assistance programs ( EAP) and local alcohol
and drug rehabilitation programs available to employees :
Bradman/UniPsych Companies
7777 Davie Road Extension
Suite 302
Hollywood , Florida 33024
(800) 272-3626
(954) 704-8686
7
Substance Abuse Council
2001 9th Avenue
Vero Beach , FL 32960
770-4811
Center for Emotional and Behavioral Health at Indian River
Memorial Hospital
1190 37th Street
Vero Beach , FL 32960
563-4666
Community Oriented Police Enforcement (COPE)
4055 41 st Avenue
Vero Beach , FL 32960
569-6700
C . O . R . E . Program
1422 Old Dixie Highway
Vero Beach , FL 32960
567- 1282
Drugs Are Not the Answer ( DANTA, Inc . )
4145 28th Avenue
Gifford , FL 32967
770-4663
Family Center of Vero Beach
1845 14th Avenue
Vero Beach , FL 32960
778-5523
Mental Health Association of Indian River and St. Lucie Counties
2525 St. Lucie Avenue
Vero Beach , FL 32960
569-9788
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 562- 1114
AI-Anon 562- 1114
Alateen 562- 1114
Adult Children of Alcoholics 567-2253
Narcotics Anonymous 1 -800-281 -9889
Cocaine Anonymous 1 -800-877-7675
8
National Hotline Numbers
Alcohol and Drug Referral Hotline 1 -800-252-6454
Child 's Help , National Child Abuse Hotline 1 -800-422-4453
National AIDS Hotline 1 -800-342-2437
National Cocaine Hotline 1 -800-262-2463
National Hepatitis Hotline 1 -800-223-0179
National Runaway Switchboard and Suicide Hotline 1 -800-6214000
National Sexually Transmitted Diseases Hotline 1 -800-227-8922
Suicide and Rape 24-Hour Emergency Services 1 -800-333-4444
National Assistance Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous 1 -800-344-2666
Food and Drug Administration 1 -301443- 1240
Mothers Against Drunk Driving ( MADD ) 1 -800-438-6233
Narcotics Anonymous 1 -800-281 -9889
National Association for Children of Alcoholics 1 -714-499-3889
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders 1 -312-831 -3438
National Council of Child Abuse and Family Violence 1 -800-222-2000
National Institute of Drug Abuse , Drug Information , Treatment 1 -800-662-4357
Parents Anonymous National Office 1 -800.421 -0353
Tough Love 1 -800-333- 1069
10 . 3 Employees may obtain further information regarding available drug and
alcohol assistance and rehabilitation programs by contacting the
Emergency Services Director, or his or her designee .
11 . 0 Management's Responsibilities
11 . 1 District Officers , Managers , and Supervisors ( hereafter collectively
referred to as "supervisors") are responsible for implementing the drug
and alcohol free workplace Policy. It is the responsibility of supervisors to
observe the behavior of employees on the job as a precaution against
unstable or unreliable behavior which could threaten the safety and well-
being of employees or the public.
11 . 2 The Emergency Services Director, or his or her designee , is responsible
for maintaining a safe work environment by determining each employee's
fitness for duty .
11 . 3 In the event the Emergency Services Director, or his or her designee , has
a reasonable suspicion (as defined in this Policy) that an employee may
be affected by drugs or alcohol or has otherwise violated this Policy , the
employee must be sent for drug testing . This testing will not take place
until reasonable suspicion is determined to be present by the Director, or
9
his or her designee , and a corroborating witness . The Director, or his or
her designee, shall promptly detail in writing the circumstances that
formed the basis of the determination that reasonable suspicion exists to
warrant the testing . A copy of this documentation shall be given to the
employee prior to testing .
11 .4 In all cases when an employee is being removed from duty for drug
testing , the supervisor must notify his superior.
12 . 0 Employee 's Responsibilities
12 . 1 It is each employee's responsibility to be fit for duty when reporting for
work and to inform his or her supervisor if he or she is under the influence
of prescription medication which may affect job performance or safety.
12 . 2 In the event an employee observes behavior which raises a doubt as to
the ability of a co-worker to work in a safe and reliable manner, the
employee should report this behavior to his/her supervisor.
12 . 3 Employees who voluntarily or, as a condition of continued employment,
enter a drug or alcohol treatment and/or rehabilitation program must
participate and complete recommended treatment. Any employee who
enters a drug or alcohol treatment and/or rehabilitation program will be
responsible for payment for the treatment and/or program to the extent not
covered by medical insurance provided by the Employer. If the employee
fails to comply with the treatment and/or program , the employee will be
subject to discipline , up to and including termination of employment .
12 . 4 Reserved
13 . 0 Employee Education
13 . 1 Employees and supervisors will be required to participate in a drug -free
awareness program on a periodic basis . The program will inform
employees about the following :
(a) The legal , social , physical , and emotional consequences of the use ,
misuse , and/or abuse of drugs or alcohol ;
(b) The District's commitment to maintain a drug -free workplace ;
(c) Available drug counseling , rehabilitation , and employee assistance
programs ;
(d ) Assistance in identifying personal and emotional problems which
may result in the misuse of alcohol or drugs ; and
10
(e) The penalties which may be imposed by the District on employees
for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace .
14 . 0 Rights Under Collective Bargaining Agreements
14 . 1 Employees who are covered under any collective bargaining agreement
between the District and any certified labor organization will have the right
to file a grievance regarding discipline imposed by the District as a result
of a violation of this Policy of said grievance is permitted to be filed
pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement and have the right to
appeal to the Public Employees Relations Commission or applicable court.
15 . 0 Testing Pursuant to the Drug -Free Workplace Policy
15 . 1 Types of Testing . In order to maintain a drug or alcohol free work
environment and in accordance with Florida's Drug- Free Workplace
Program , Section 440 . 101 , et seq . , Florida Statutes , as amended , and
applicable administrative regulations , the District will test for the presence
of drugs and/or alcohol in the following circumstances :
15 . 2 Pre-employment: All job applicants who have been offered a position of
employment in a safety-sensitive or special-risk positions must submit to a
drug and/or alcohol test before beginning employment or work with the
District.
15 . 3 Reasonable Suspicion : Employees who are determined to be under
reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use (as defined in this policy) will
be required to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test.
15 .4 Reserved
15 . 5 Follow up : All employees who have entered an employee assistance
program ( EAP) or rehabilitation program for drug and/or alcohol abuse
must take drug and/or alcohol tests as identified in Section 9 . 5 . This
requirement may be waived in the sole discretion of the District when an
employee voluntarily enters a drug treatment program before disciplinary
action has been taken .
15 . 6 Post Accident or Injury : All employees who are involved in an accident or
injury to an employee which requires medical treatment occurring while at
work which was caused , or contributed to , by the employee , the employee
must take a drug and/or alcohol test after administration of emergency
medical treatment. If it cannot be determined who was driving the District
vehicle at the time of the accident , then anyone who was in the vehicle
during the applicable time period will be required to submit to testing .
11
15 . 7 Random Testing for Safety-Sensitive or Special -Risk Employees : Safety--
sensitive and special-risk employees are subject to random testing such
that the District will administer the same number of tests each fiscal year
as there are members in the Collective Bargaining units or agreements .
Random testing shall be conducted via an unbiased selection procedure ,
as agreed upon by the parties .
16 . 0 Consequences of Refusing a Drug Test
16 . 1 An employee who refuses to submit to a drug test will be subject to
discipline , up to and including termination of employment . An employee
who provides a diluted sample will be deemed to have refused to submit
to the drug test.
16 . 2 A job applicant who refuses to submit to a drug test will not be hired .
17 . 0 Actions Following Positive Confirmed Test:
17 . 1 An employee who tests positive on a confirmation test will be immediately
suspended without pay, and subject to discipline , up to and including
termination . If the problem is correctable, the Emergency Services
Director, at his discretion , may allow the employee an opportunity for
rehabilitation through a last-chance agreement. Any such last-chance
agreement shall include a provision for random drug testing for two (2)
years from the date of the agreement, and successful completion of any
treatment program recommended by a healthcare professional . The
employee shall be responsible , through his insurance or otherwise , for the
cost of the random testing and treatment program . Under no
circumstances shall an employee be allowed to return to work prior to
receiving a negative test result.
17 . 2 Refusal of a last chance agreement: If an employee is offered an
opportunity to enter into a last-chance agreement and refuses to do so ,
the employee will be immediately terminated .
17 . 3 Treatment program requirements : Employees who have been provided
with an opportunity to enter into a treatment and/or rehabilitation program
as part of a last-chance agreement must meet all requirements of that
program including any required aftercare . Failure to follow or complete the
treatment and/or rehabilitation program or a subsequent positive
confirmed drug test will result in immediate termination of employment.
17 . 4 The employee or job applicant who receives a positive confirmed test
result may contest or explain the result to the Medical Review Officer
( MRO) within five (5) working days after receiving written notification of the
test result. If an employee's or job applicant's explanation or challenge is
unsatisfactory to the MRO , the MRO shall report a positive test result back
12
e
to the employer . The drug test result may be contested pursuant to law or
to rules adopted by the AHCA.
18 . 0 Reporting of Use of Medication : Employees and job applicants may
confidentially report the use of prescription or non-prescription medication to the
MRO through the Emergency Services Director, or his or her designee, both
before and after having a drug test.
19 . 0 Notice of Common Medications : A list of the most common medications by
brand name or common name , as applicable , as well as chemical name , which
may alter or affect a drug test, is attached . Employees and job applicants should
review this list prior to submitting to a drug test.
20 . 0 Medication Information : An employee or job applicant may consult with the
Employer's MRO or the testing laboratory for technical information regarding
prescription and non-prescription medication .
21 . 0 Drugs to be Tested
21 . 1 Drug testing may be required for any or all of the following drugs :
I . Alcohol , including distilled spirits , wine , beer, and intoxicating liquors ;
2 . Amphetamines ;
3 , Cannabinoids ;
4 , Cocaine ;
5 . Phencyclidine ( PCP) ;
6 . Hallucinogens , as approved by the Florida Administrative Code ;
7 , Methaqualone ;
8 . Opiates ;
9 , Barbiturates ;
10 . Benzodiazepines ;
11 . Synthetic narcotics ( Methadone and Propoxyphene) ;
12 . ( Intentionally left blank)
13 . A metabolite of any of the substances listed herein .
21 . 2 Drug cut off levels — Initial Drug Test : All levels equal to or exceeding the
following shall be reported as positive :
Alcohol 0 . 05 gl/dl %
Amphetamines 1 , 000 ng/ml
Cannabinoids 50 ng/ml
Cocaine 300 ng/ml
Phencyclidine 25 ng/ml
Methaqualone 300 ng/ml
Opiates 300 ng/ml
Barbiturates 300 ng/ml
Benzodiazepines 300 ng/ml
13
Synthetic Narcotics
Methadone 300 ng/ml
Propoxyphene 300 ng/ml
21 . 3 Drug cut off levels -- Confirmation Drug Test: All levels equal to or
exceeding the following shall be reported as positive :
Alcohol 0 . 05 gl/dl %*
Amphetamines 500 ng/ml
Cannabinoids 15 ng/ml
Cocaine 150 ng/ml
Phencyclidine 25 ng/ml
Methaqualone 150 ng/ml
Opiates 300 ng/ml
Barbiturates 150 ng/ml
Benzodiazepines 150 ng/ml
Synthetic Narcotics
Methadone 150 ng/ml
Propoxyphene 150 ng/ml
*Testing laboratories will report all quantitative alcohol test results above 0 . 05 %
to the MRO who will be responsible for reporting results to the Employer. Percent
by weight of alcohol in blood is based upon grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of
blood .
22 . 0 Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing
22 . 1 Employees will be required to submit to drug and/or alcohol testing when
the Emergency Services Director, or his or her designee , has "reasonable
suspicion " as defined in this Policy , to believe that an employee is using or
has used drugs or alcohol in violation of this Policy. The supervisor will
document the circumstances which formed his or her determination . A
copy of this documentation will be given to the employee prior to testing .
23 . 0 Confidentiality and Records Maintenance
23 . 1 Confidentiality of records concerning drug testing pursuant to the Drug
Free Workplace Policy will be maintained by the District in accordance
with Florida law. All information , records , and drug test results in the
possession of the District, laboratories , employee assistance programs
( EAP) , and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs will be kept
confidential . No such program's information or records will be released
unless written consent, signed by an employee or job applicant, is
provided or unless disclosure of such information or records is compelled
by court order. The District may also disclose such information when
relevant in any civil , disciplinary , or administrative hearing if required or
14
compelled . The District will maintain records concerning drug testing
separate and apart from a job applicant or employee's personnel file .
24 . 0 Challenge of Test Results of Drug Test Under Florida Law
24 . 1 An employee or job applicant who receives a positive confirmed test result
may challenge the result by requesting retesting at the employee's
expense .
25 . 0 Medical Review Officer's Responsibilities for Testing Under Florida Law
25 . 1 The Medical Review Officer (MRO) shall fully comply with all of the
requirements set forth in Rule 59A.24 . 008 Florida Administrative Code , as
it may from time to time be amended . The MRO shall be a licensed
physician who has knowledge of substance abuse disorders , laboratory
testing procedures , chain of custody collection procedures , and medical
use of prescription drugs and pharmacology and toxicology of illicit drugs .
15
Indian River County Emergency Services District
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Drugs Which Could Alter
Or Affect the Outcome of a Drug Test
Alcohol
All liquid medications containing ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Please read the label for alcohol
content. As an example, Vick' s NyQuil is 25% (50 proof) ethyl alcohol, Comtrex is 20% (40
proof), Contact Severe Cold Formula Night Strength is 25 % (50 proof) , and Listerine is 26 . 9%
(54 proof) .
Amphetamines
Obetrol, Biphetamine, Desoxyn, Dexedrine, Didrex
Cannabinoids
Marinol (Dronabinol, THC)
Cocaine
Cocaine HCL topical solution (Roxanne)
Phencyclidine
Not legal by prescription
Methaqualone
Not legal by prescription
Opiates
Paregoric, Parepectolin, Donnagel PG, Morphine, Tylenol with Codeine, Empirin with Codeine,
APAP with Codeine, Aspirin with Codeine, Robitussin AC, Guiatuss AC, Novahistine DH,
Novahistine Expectorant, Dilaudid (Hydromorphone), M- S Contin and Roxanol (morphine
sulfate), Percodan, Vicodin, etc.
Barbiturates
Phenobarbital, Tuinal, Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Lotusate, Fiorinal, Fioricet, Esgic, Butisol,
Mebaral, Butabarbital, Butabital, Phrenilin, Triad, etc.
Benzodiazepines
Ativan, Azene, Clonopin, Dalmane, Diazepam, Librium, Xanax, Serax, Tranxene, Valium,
Verstran, Halcion, Paxipam, Restoril, Centrax
Methadone
Dolophine, Methadose
Propoxyphene
Darvocet, Darvon N, Dolene, etc .
16
Indian River County Emergency Services District
List of Drugs by Trade or Common Name
Drugs Trade or Common Names
Narcotics
Opium Dover' s Powder, Paregoric, Parepectolin
Morphon Morphine, Pectoral Syrup
Codeine Tylenol with Codeine, Empirin Compound with Codeine,
Robitussin A=C
Heroin Diacetylmorphone, Horse, Smack
Hydromorphine Dilaudid
Meperidine (Pethidine) Demerol, Mepergan
Methadone Dolophine, Methadone, Methadose
Other Narcotics LRAM, Leritine, Numorphan, Percodan, Tussionex, Fentanyl,
Darvon, Talwin, Lomotil
Depressants
Chloral Hydrate Noctec, Somnos
Barbiturates Phenobarbital, Tuinal, Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Lotusate
Benzodiazepines Ativan, Azene, Clonopin, Dalmane, Diazepam, Librium, Xanax,
Serax, Tranxene, Valium, Verstran, Halcion, Paxipam, Restoril
Methaqualone Quaalude
Glutethimide Doriden
Other Depressants Equanil, Miltown, Noludar, Pacidyl, Valmid
Stimulants
Cocaine Coke, Flake, Snow, Crack
Amphetamines Biphetamine, Delcobese, Desoxyn, Dexedrine, Mediatric
Phenmetrazine Preludin
Methylphenidate Ritalin
Other Stimulants Adipex, Bacarate, Cylert, Didrex, Ionamin, Plegine, Pre- Sate,
Sanorex, Tenuate, Tepanil, Voranil
Hallucinogens
LSD Acid, Microdot
Mescaline and Peyote Mesc, Buttons, Cactus
Amphetamine Variants 2 , 5 -DMA, PMA, STP, MDA, MDMA, TMA, DOM, DOB
Phencyclidine PDP, Angel Dust, Hog
Phencyclidine Analogs PCE, PCP, TCP
Other Hallucinogens Bufotenine, Ibogaine, DMT, DET, Psilocybin
17
Y
y.. Y
Cannabis
Marijuana Pot, Acapulco Gold, Grass, Reefer, Sinsemilla, Thai Sticks
Tetrahydrocannabinol THC
Hashish Hash
Hashish Oil Hash Oil
Definitions
1 . Alcohol means ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and includes a distilled spirit, wine, a malt
beverage or an intoxicating liquor. For purposes of this policy, alcohol is considered to
be a drug. Thus, any reference to drugs and/or drug testing includes alcohol and/or
alcohol testing.
2 . Drugs means alcohol, an amphetamine, a cannabinoid, cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP), a
hallucinogen (as earlier identified in Section 21 . 1 ), methaqualone, an opiate, a
barbiturate, a benzodiazepine, a synthetic narcotic, or a metabolite of any of the
substances listed in this policy. An employer may test an individual for any or all of such
drugs.
3 . Job Applicant means a person who has applied for a special-risk or safety-sensitive
position with the Employer.
4 . Employee means an individual who works for the Employer on a full-time or part-time
basis and receives salary, wages, or compensation.
5 . Drug Test.
a. "Drug test" means any chemical, biological, or physical instrumental analysis
administered by a laboratory certified by the United States Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) or licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration
(AHCA), for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of a drug or its
metabolites.
b. Drug testing may require the collection of blood, urine, breath, or saliva of an
employee or job applicant. The Employer has the right to use more accurate,
scientifically accepted methods which may be approved in the future by the FDA or
AHCA as such technology becomes available in a cost-effective method.
C , "Initial drug test" means a sensitive, rapid, and reliable procedure to identify negative
and presumptive positive specimens, using an immunoassay procedure or an
equivalent, or a more accurate scientifically accepted method approved by the FDA
or AHCA as such more accurate technology becomes available in a cost-effective
form.
d. "Chain of custody" refers to the methodology of tracking specified materials or
substances for the purpose of maintaining control and accountability from initial
collection to final disposition for all such materials or substances and providing
accountability at each stage in handling, testing, and storing specimens and reporting
test results.
18
e. "Confirmation test" means a second analytical procedure used to identify the
presence of a specific drug or metabolite in a specimen, which test must be different
in scientific principle from that of the initial test procedure and must be capable of
providing requisite specificity, sensitivity, and quantitative accuracy.
6. Positive Confirmed Test or Confirmation Test means a second analytical procedure
which confirms a positive result from an initial drug test in accordance with with the
Florida Drug-Free Workplace .
7, Medical Review Officer (MRO) means a licensed physician who has knowledge of
substance abuse disorders, laboratory testing procedures and chain of custody collection
procedures, who is responsible for receiving and reviewing all positive confirmed test
results, and who is responsible for contacting all individuals who tested positive in a
confirmation test to inquire about possible medications which could have caused a
positive result in accordance with Rule 59A.24. 008 , FAC ,
8 . Prescription or Non-Prescription Medication means a medication obtained pursuant to
a prescription as defined by Section 893 . 02, FS , or a medication that is authorized
pursuant to federal or state law for general distribution and use without a prescription in
the treatment of human diseases, ailments or injuries.
9 . Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing means drug testing based on a belief that an
employee is using or has used drugs in violation of this policy drawn from specific
objective and articulable facts and reasonable inferences drawn from those facts in light
of experience. Among other things, such facts and inferences may be based upon:
a. Observable phenomena while at work, such as direct observation of drug use or
the physical symptoms or manifestations of being under the influence of a drug.
b. Abnormal conduct or erratic behavior while at work or a significant deterioration
in work performance.
C, A report of drug use, provided by a reliable and credible source.
d. Evidence that an individual has tampered with drug test during his employment
with the current employer.
e . Information that an employee has caused, or contributed to, an accident while at
work.
f. Evidence that an employee has used, possessed, sold, solicited, or transferred
drugs while working or while on the employer' s premises or while operating the
employer' s vehicle, machinery, or equipment.
10 . Safety-Sensitive Position means, with respect to a public employer, a position in which a
drug impairment constitutes an immediate and direct threat to public health or safety,
such as a position that requires the employee to carry a firearm, perform life-threatening
procedures, work with confidential information or documents pertaining to criminal
investigations, or work with controlled substances ; a position subject to s . 110. 1127 ; or a
position in which a momentary lapse in attention could result in injury or death to another
person, such as driving a vehicle or operating equipment or heavy machinery.
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11 . Special-Risk Position means, with respect to a public employer, a position that is
required to be filled by a person who is certified under Chapter 633 or Chapter 943 .
12 . Specimen means urine, blood or saliva, or a product of the human body capable of
revealing the presence of drugs or their metabolites, as approved by the FDA or the
ARCA.
13 . Emergency Services Director' s designee means the Fire or EMS Chief is designated to
act on behalf of the Emergency Services Director as relates to the Drug-Free Workplace
Program, to the extent authorized by the Director.
EMS Batt Chief Drug-free Workplace Policy
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