Last updated : July 7, 2025
Even though overdose deaths dropped by 24% last year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that over 70% of all opioid-involved overdose deaths over the past few years have involved fentanyl. This synthetic opioid is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Moreover, many people unknowingly consume the drug when purchasing street drugs laced with fentanyl, exponentially increasing their risk of overdose.
Due to the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) updated its “Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs – Authorized Testing Panels” to include a drug testing panel for fentanyl back on January 16, 2025.
The change is effective on July 7, 2025, and for the time being is limited to SAMHSA, so only federal employees will be affected.
Does the change impact safety-sensitive employers?
Employers of the safety-sensitive workforce are governed under the Department of Transportation (DOT) and at this point won’t be subjected to testing employees for fentanyl.
These entities include:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG)
However, should the DOT choose to add fentanyl to the DOT 5 panel test, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) will be issued. A public comment period will ensue, and then the DOT will review all comments before determining its final rulemaking.
What about general workforce employers?
The SAMHSA regulatory update doesn’t affect employers of the general workforce. For the most part, employers of the general workforce are free to test for all manner of drugs; however, it’s wise to check the drug testing laws in your state of operation to ensure you remain in compliance.
Incidental exposure cause for concern
Fentanyl’s extreme potency is cause for concern due to the possibility of incidental exposure. The drug is quickly absorbed through the skin. Therefore, anyone who comes in contact with it is at risk of an overdose. Moreover, a lethal dose of this drug is likened to just a few grains of salt, increasing the danger of exposure through skin contact.
Employers are encouraged to provide additional supervisory training on ways to avoid fentanyl exposure. Management personnel should be aware of how to handle situations that involve potentially contaminated substances. This should include using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Naloxone saves lives
The National Safety Council’s (NSC) Respond Ready Workplace program encourages employers to address the fentanyl crisis in the workplace by stocking up on Naloxone. These nasal sprays are available for purchase over the counter. This drug temporarily stops many of the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Many employers keep a supply of Naloxone in workplace first aid kits and have trained employees on how to administer it.
Signs of use:
- Euphoria
- Extremely relaxed
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Urinary retention
- Pupillary constriction
- Slow or shallow breathing
Signs of fentanyl overdose include:
- Stupor
- Changes in pupil size
- Clammy skin
- Cyanosis
- Coma
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Respiratory failure
SAMHSA is on the right track
SAMHSA’s decision to include fentanyl on federal drug tests reflects the gravity of the fentanyl crisis. We applaud this decision and hope it catches on with employers nationwide. We’ll keep you posted if the DOT chooses to move forward with adding it to its drug testing protocol.
Thousands of people are dying from overdosing on this drug, many of whom weren’t even aware they were ingesting it. Others knowingly take the drug in anticipation of the intense feelings of relaxation and euphoria that it causes. It’s known on the street as Apace, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever Friend, Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Jackpot, King Ivory, Murder 8, Poison, and Tango & Cash. Users snort, sniff, smoke, take orally by pill or on blotter paper, or use in patch form.
However, users are at high risk of overdosing due to the extreme potency and the fact that, as the body builds up tolerance, they must increase the dosage to achieve the desired effect.
We must do all we can to keep sounding the alarm about the dangers of fentanyl. We must support local and national law enforcement agencies as they move to stop the flow of illegal drugs into our country. And, perhaps most importantly, we must never give up hope that this crisis will reach an end.
