During this hour-long program, The Evolving Drug-Free Workplace, we’ll hear how some businesses are trying to keep their workers safe. Find out how testing programs work and how any company can implement them. Learn how the law protects companies even as attitudes change.

We’ll visit Colorado where both medical and adult legalization of marijuana have changed the employee base. Hear why some companies there are standing behind their drug-free workplace policies more than ever before.

Key Concepts:

  • Find out how drug-free workplace policies and testing programs can help keep workers safe
  • Hear what the laws say about drug-free workplaces
  • Learn how changing attitudes about drugs are changing the workforce

Originally Aired: February 24, 2014

Panelists

Neil Fortner

Chief Toxicologist for Alere/Avee Laboratories

Neil Fortner is the Chief Toxicologist for Alere/Avee Laboratories and is based in Texas. Prior to joining Alere/Avee, Fortner was Chief of Quality Assurance for the Air Force Drug Testing Laboratory and was head of the Department of Defense Drug Testing Quality Assurance Committee. He has been in charge of many labs and testing companies during his almost 30 years of experience in the areas of forensic and clinical toxicology.

Fortner is currently the Chairman of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA) and is a member of several professional organizations.

He has a B.S. in Biology from Hiram College, a M.S. in Biology from Western Kentucky University, and postgraduate training in pharmacology, neurochemistry and pharmacodynamics.

John C. Romeo

Director, Employment & Labor Law, Philadelphia office of Gibbons, P.C.

John Romeo has many years of experience working with employment and labor law, both with law firms and as in-house counsel. Prior to joining Gibbons, Romeo was Labor & Employment Counsel and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for American Water Works Company, Inc.

Throughout his career, Romeo has represented both private and public employers in all aspects of federal and state labor and employment laws. He routinely provides practical strategic advice to clients dealing with difficult employee issues involving all aspects of the employment relationship. In addition, he has assisted employers in developing, drafting and implementing employment policies, compliance and ethics programs, drug-free workplace programs and executive employment agreements.

Romeo earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Trinity College and his law degree from Western New England College, School of Law.