If a drug test yields a positive result and disciplinary action follows, what is the likely outcome per the referenced law?

• A. Demotion
• B. Transfer
• C. Public reprimand
• D. Suspension and termination

Answer: (D)

When a drug test comes back positive in a regulated lab setting, the governing law is focused on public safety and the integrity of practice. The licensing body's typical response is to remove the practitioner from applying their duties while the case is reviewed, and if impairment or policy violation is confirmed, the action called for is suspension and termination. This reflects a strong stance that ongoing practice could endanger patients or the employer’s standards, so the person is temporarily barred and potentially permanently barred from practice. Internal actions like demotion or transfer are not the formal disciplinary outcomes mandated by these laws for a positive test, and a public reprimand is a milder sanction that doesn’t adequately address safety concerns in such cases.