The Vermont Department for Children and Families announced last week that it has temporarily suspended urinalysis testing with Phamatech, the Journal-Opinion reported Tuesday, January 20.
The reason for the temporary pause is a concern about recent statistical deviations in the frequency of “negative” test results. Recently, DCF identified several cases where urine test results were negative despite admissions of drug use and despite behaviors that strongly suggest substance abuse.
DCF said it will disclose this information to parties in pending child protection cases.
This pause applies only to test results from Phamatech, which is located in San Diego, DCF stated in a news release. It will continue to consider other test results from substance use treatment providers, primary care providers, and other entities.
DCF stated it does not rely solely on test results to make case decisions. It also considers admissions of substance use, behavioral indicators of substance use, and information provided through collateral contacts.
Phamatech has conducted urine testing for Vermont since April 2024.