Clinic refused to give me a drug test required for my Job.

So I got into a little accident at work while using one of their work vehicles (2023 Chevy Colorado) and I was supposed to take a drug test 5 panel and a breahelayzer the following day (yesterday) within 24 hours of the incident. I went to take the test and waited like 20 minutes to be told they do not know when I can be seen and then once I asked again they kicked me out of the building and I was not able to take the drug test required by my job to continue driving. What should I do? My boss is trying to figure out how to get it scheduled somewhere else but this is complicated cuz it was supposed to be 24 hours as well. It is the second day since the accident. The location for this incident would be in southeastern Michigan.

Jobadvisor:

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this—it sounds frustrating and stressful, especially with the tight timeline and your job on the line. Since this involves a work-related accident in southeastern Michigan with a 2023 Chevy Colorado, a 5-panel drug test, and a breathalyzer requirement within 24 hours, here’s some practical advice to navigate the situation as of March 21, 2025 (the second day after the incident).

First, document everything you can about what happened at the clinic. Write down the exact time you arrived, how long you waited (you mentioned 20 minutes), what the staff said about not knowing when you’d be seen, and how they ended up kicking you out. Include any names or descriptions of the people you spoke with if you’ve got them. This creates a clear record showing you tried to comply with the testing requirement but were prevented by the clinic’s actions. If you have any proof—like a timestamped photo of yourself outside the clinic, a receipt from nearby, or even a call log showing you contacted your boss right after—keep it handy.

Since the 24-hour window has passed (it’s now roughly 48 hours post-accident), the priority is to get the tests done as soon as possible anyway. Your boss is already working on rescheduling, which is great—push for that to happen today if it hasn’t already. In Michigan, employers often use urgent care centers, occupational health clinics, or third-party testing sites like Concentra or Quest Diagnostics for post-accident drug and alcohol screens. Ask your boss if they can send you to one of these, ideally one that’s confirmed to offer a 5-panel drug test (typically screening for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP) and a breathalyzer. Southeastern Michigan has plenty of options—places like Warren, Ann Arbor, or Detroit should have facilities available. Call ahead to confirm they can see you quickly and that they’re equipped for both tests.

Legally, here’s the context: Michigan is an at-will employment state, meaning your employer can fire you for almost any reason (or no reason), including failing to complete a post-accident test, as long as it’s not discriminatory. Many companies, especially those with vehicles like a Chevy Colorado in their fleet, follow strict policies aligned with federal guidelines (like FMCSA rules for commercial drivers) or their own insurance requirements, even for non-CDL roles. The 24-hour rule likely comes from their policy to ensure accurate results—breathalyzers detect recent alcohol use (within hours), and a 5-panel urine test can pick up drugs used in the last few days to weeks, depending on the substance. Missing that window doesn’t automatically mean you’re at fault, but it could raise red flags with your employer if they think you’re dodging it.

Explain the clinic situation to your boss clearly and calmly: you showed up on time, waited, and were refused service through no fault of your own. Offer to take the tests immediately at another location to show good faith. If your employer is reasonable, they might accept a slightly delayed test given the circumstances—especially if your record’s clean and there’s no suspicion of impairment during the accident. If they push back or threaten discipline, you could gently ask if they can document the clinic’s refusal as the reason for the delay, which might protect you later.

If this escalates—say, they try to suspend or fire you over it—consider reaching out to an employment lawyer in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) oversees workplace issues, but they don’t directly handle drug test disputes unless it’s tied to something like workers’ comp. A lawyer could argue the clinic’s refusal breached your ability to comply with a reasonable employer request, though it’s a long shot unless there’s more to the story (like discrimination). For now, focus on getting the test done ASAP and keeping your boss in the loop.

Practical next steps:

1. Find a new testing site today. Work with your boss to locate a clinic that can do a 5-panel and breathalyzer—call ahead to confirm availability and bring any paperwork your employer provided.
2. Inform your employer. Tell them exactly what happened at the clinic and that you’re ready to test now. Ask if the delay changes anything on their end.
3. Keep records. Save emails, texts, or voicemails with your boss about rescheduling, plus your notes from the clinic fiasco.
4. Check company policy. If you have an employee handbook, look up the drug testing rules—see if it mentions exceptions for situations like this.

Worst case, if they won’t budge on the 24-hour rule, they might treat it as a “refusal to test,” which could lead to termination or a mark on your work record. But since you didn’t refuse—you were denied service—you’ve got a solid defense if it comes to that. Best case, they’ll see you’re trying to cooperate and let it slide with a test today. Either way, act fast to show you’re serious about keeping your driving privileges and job.

Anything else you want to add about the accident or your job that might change the advice?

Disclaimer: JobAdvisor is not a lawyer; please consult one. Don't share information that can identify you.