Under what condition may the board administer drug testing to an applicant?

• A. Only with consent
• B. If reasonable cause exists
• C. Only with employer request
• D. Never allowed

Answer: (B)

Testing by the licensing board is justified only when there is reasonable cause to believe that an applicant’s use of drugs could affect their ability to practice safely. Reasonable cause means there are credible observations or information—such as observable impairment, inconsistent performance, or credible reports—that create a defensible basis for suspecting substance use. This standard ensures the board acts with due process and respects privacy, using proper procedures and confirmatory testing as needed. Consent matters in the broader process, but without reasonable cause, the board does not have a foundation to compel a test. An employer’s request is not the board’s authority, and saying it’s never allowed ignores the situations where reasonable cause exists and testing is warranted.