# Federal Register #2026-22121

HHS proposal to revise federal workplace oral-fluid drug-testing guidelines

**Buyer:** Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
**Posted:** October 29, 2026
**Respond By:** December 29, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-22121

HHS is proposing updates to federal workplace drug-testing guidelines for oral-fluid samples; this is a regulatory proposal, not a procurement opportunity.
- **Government buyer:** U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- **Procurement status:** No products or services are being solicited, and no contract award or purchase is described.
- **Proposed changes:** Clarify which laboratories may be certified and how authorized drug-testing panels are published; reduce initial drug-test batch quality-control controls from 10% to 4%; and allow split-testing laboratories to use a different HHS-authorized biomarker to reconfirm substitution.
- **Other requirements:** Clarify laboratory testing and approval processes and direct-observed collection procedures, and align the oral-fluid guidelines with federal urine-testing guidelines.
- **OEMs and vendors:** None identified.

### Description

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is proposing revisions to the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Oral Fluid, published on October 12, 2023. The proposed changes address which laboratories may be certified, publication of authorized drug testing panels, laboratory initial-test batch quality control requirements, and split testing for biomarkers. Additional revisions clarify wording and collection procedures. Comments are due by December 28, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/29/2026-22121/mandatory-guidelines-for-federal-workplace-drug-testing-programs-using-oral-fluid-ofmg)