2026-22122·DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs Using Urine (UrMG)

Proposed RuleComment Period OpenComments open

Published: Oct 29, 2026
Comments close: Dec 28, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 68398

Proposed revisions to mandatory guidelines.

Summary

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing updates to the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs that rely on urine specimens. The revisions aim to modernize testing procedures, improve accuracy, protect employee privacy, and align the program with recent scientific advances and best practices. By clarifying collection methods, chain‑of‑custody requirements, and reporting standards, the agency hopes to make federal drug‑testing more consistent and reliable while reducing administrative burdens for agencies and contractors. These guidelines apply to all federal civilian employees, military personnel, and any private‑sector contractors or subcontractors who conduct urine‑based drug testing on behalf of the federal government. The changes would affect the laboratories, medical review officers, and human‑resources offices that manage these programs, as well as the individuals being tested. The proposed rule was published on October 29, 2026, and comments must be submitted by December 28, 2026. After the comment period closes, HHS will review the feedback and, if appropriate, issue a final rule later in 2027. Once finalized, agencies will be required to adopt the updated guidelines by the date specified in the final rule, ensuring a uniform transition across the federal workforce.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

The Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS" or "Department") is proposing to revise the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Urine (UrMG), published in the Federal Register on October 12, 2023).