What is a medical review officer (MRO), and what role do they serve?
A medical review officer is a licensed physician who has the necessary training and/or certifications needed to perform a review of drug and alcohol testing results. The MRO serves as an objective gatekeeper for the entire testing process, and is charged with the simultaneous responsibilities of ensuring for the upholding of the applicable regulation, the policy of the employer, and the rights of the employee. The MRO is designated as an informed resource in the competent determination of all drug and alcohol testing results whether they be positive, negative, or otherwise and are further charged with maintaining a strict objectivity in the evaluation of medical explanations for testing results. Q: Even if the MRO is recommended, do I have to use one with my testing? A: The best answer is to review the applicable regulation(s) for your particular industry, and even then, to seek counsel as to the cost / benefit ratio of using an MRO if it is not otherwise required. We do not recommend
