I am curious about whether a doctor can give you (as a patient) a drug test without consent, according to the law, or would the law vary from state-to-state (in the US)?

I just wonder about this because I work at a lab, and I see so many orders for drug tests, panels, and specific tests, such as cannabinoids, percocet, "drugs of abuse screen serum", ect. I always look at the age, and sometimes it is a teenager, but other times it is an adult patient. Like a 72 year old being tested for weed!? I just can't imagine adults just consenting to being drug tested by their doctors so I'm just wondering why there are all these orders for drug tests?

I also wonder about HIPPA regulations regarding this situation, as usually these tests are being filed under the patient's insurance (which I assume, is through their employer) so technically, the employer would have access to the information. In my case, my employer would have direct access to the information, as I am employed by the lab, and all tests through them are covered at 100%, if I went to a different lab it would be 80% after deductible.

I also used to work at United HealthCare, and our insurance was through them as well, so that's a similar type of situation, where my employer had direct access to my medical records.
ceecee79 Reviewed by ceecee79 on . Can a doctor give you a drug test without your consent? I am curious about whether a doctor can give you (as a patient) a drug test without consent, according to the law, or would the law vary from state-to-state (in the US)? I just wonder about this because I work at a lab, and I see so many orders for drug tests, panels, and specific tests, such as cannabinoids, percocet, "drugs of abuse screen serum", ect. I always look at the age, and sometimes it is a teenager, but other times it is an adult patient. Like a 72 year old being tested for Rating: 5